Last week, Escaping Obscurity The Travel Diary of Harry Houdini 1897-1899 was published by Mike Caveney’s Magic Words, and I was pleased to get copy # 0028 of 150 numbered copies of the deluxe edition. The number 28 corresponds with day of the month I was born.

The deluxe edition comes with a slip case unlike any other: Per Mike Caveney: “It looks like a water-damaged box that has been abused over the course of 125 years, and that’s because it perfectly replicates the front and back covers of the original diary. A perfect reminder of the difficult life that this little diary experienced during the first three years of its life.”

The deluxe edition is also signed by the diary’s owner Bruce Averbook; author John Cox; designer Michael Albright; and publisher Mike Caveney. And comes with an original print of the first example of graphic advertising (The Houdini’s Metamorphosis exchange made in 3 seconds) used by Harry and Bess. The print was created using a Vandercook press and an 1894 block (generously made available by William Kalush of The Conjuring Arts Research Center). It also features a photograph of these prints being produced.

Per John Cox, “The Deluxe Edition has already sold out, making it the fastest selling Deluxe Edition in Mike Caveney’s Magic Words history. But there are still Regular Editions available. The print run is not huge, so it’s possible the book could sell out entirely. Just saying.”

Suffice to say, the book is a thing of beauty and must have by all. Like the Deluxe Editions, the Regular Editions will also sell out, so don’t wait to purchase. The unbelievable array of rare photographs alone is worth the investment; many of which have never appeared in print.

Right from the start, the title for the book (Escaping Obscurity The Travel Diary of Harry Houdini 1897-1899) and the classic B&W 1898 Welsh Bros. Circus image (with Harry and Bess colorized) on the front cover could not have been more perfect.

Followed by printed endsheets that depict the Welsh Bros. Circus.

Mike Caveney then kicks the book off with a heart-felt Publishers Note that begins, “The book represents an amazing confluence of special friends…”

This is followed by a Foreword from the owner of the diary, Dr. Bruce J Averbook where he answers, “Why procure probably the historically greatest, recognized magician’s earliest known diary? Why is this so important? And Why share with the world and publish this now?”

John Cox then does the Introduction where he shares his journey with the diary and ends with him saying: “I’m so excited for you to be holding this book in your hands and taking the journey yourself.” And what a journey it is.

John Cox then brilliantly deciphers and annotates every page of the diary with supporting images from major collections, which graphic designer Michael Albright beautifully assembles into a beautiful, full-color book of 373 pages measuring 9 by 12 inches. You can tell that this was a labor of love.

At the end of the book, there is an very informative essay, “The Restoration” by Jamye Jamison that describes the layout of the 5 ½ inches tall and 2 ½ inches wide diary and the restoration process it had to go through.

The Appendix section includes Houdini’s Performance Chronology from June 14, 1897 to July 9 1899.

The Acknowledgements section lists individuals and institutions who helped turn the diary into a proper book, with a special thanks to Patrick Culliton who gave the manuscript a thorough read and stress test, John T. Seyfried and ICA Art Conservation for providing the photos of the diary pages, and Dr. Bruce J. Averbrook gives a shout out to his own special collaborator, his wife Lorene.

A Sources section lists books and newspaper quotes used, along with a nice Index.

And the back cover sums it all up:

IN JUNE 1897, an itinerant young magician named Harry Houdini began to record his life on the road in a small travel diary. For the next two years, he painstakingly noted his daily struggles to find success in the rough and tumble worlds of dime museums, medicine shows, circuses, small-time vaudeville, and spritualist chambers.

Through the pages of Escaping Obscurity, Houdini cryptic entries have been fully annotated by Houdini expert John Cox, and illustrated with hundreds of rare photographs, allowing you to follow Harry and his young wife, Bess, as they travel across the United States, struggling to make ends meet.

There has never been a magician like Houdini, and there has never been a book about him like this one. Experience the evolution of a legend and read in Houdini’s own words how he successfully escaped…obscurity.

BRAVO to all involved!

On Sunday December 6, 1998 at 8pm, TNT aired the World Premiere of HOUDINI, starring Jonathan Schaech.

I am lucky enough to have in my collection, an original press kit and VHS tape for the this TNT original movie premier.

It includes eight color 35mm color slides, two 8×10 photos, production information, cast information, and director and cast Q&As.

Today, I share two 8×10 photos from the press kit.

On Sunday December 6, 1998 at 8pm, TNT aired the World Premiere of HOUDINI, starring Jonathan Schaech.

I am lucky enough to have in my collection, an original press kit and VHS tape for the this TNT original movie premier.

It includes eight color 35mm color slides, two 8×10 photos, production information, cast information, and director and cast Q&As.

Today, I share the eight color slides from the press kit.

Johnathan Schaech and Stacy Edwards. Photo by Doug Hyun (c) 1998 TBS, Inc.

Johnathan Schaech. Photo by Doug Hyun (c) 1998 TBS, Inc.

Stacy Edwards and Johnathan Schaech. Photo by Doug Hyun (c) 1998 TBS, Inc.

George Segal, Stacy Edwards and J. Schaech. Photo by Doug Hyun (c) 1998 TBS, Inc.

Johnathan Schaech. Photo by Doug Hyun (c) 1998 TBS, Inc.

Stacy Edwards and Johnathan Schaech. Photo by Doug Hyun (c) 1998 TBS, Inc.

Stacy Edwards and Johnathan Schaech. Photo by Doug Hyun (c) 1998 TBS, Inc.

Stacy Edwards, Rhea Perlman and Paul Sorvino. Photo by Doug Hyun (c) 1998 TBS, Inc.

On Sunday December 6, 1998 at 8pm, TNT aired the World Premiere of HOUDINI, starring Jonathan Schaech.

I am lucky enough to have in my collection, an original press kit and VHS tape for the this TNT original movie premier.

It includes eight color 35mm color slides, two 8×10 photos, production information, cast information, and director and cast Q&As.

In future posts, I will share some of these press materials with you. In the mean time, below is an uncut promo trailer for HOUDINI (1998) courtesy of WildAboutHoudini:

Earlier this year with 1 bid, I was able to land this rare unsigned first edition (above) for $24.99:

Item description from the seller

Rare Patti Smith A-list item, published by the legendary Gotham Book Mart. Now nearly 50 years old, this wonderful short piece has some signs of age — corner dings, small bumps, and a bit of discoloration (see photos) — but overall is in good shape and highly collectible. This copy is not signed, which actually makes it rarer.

Patti Smith’s “Ha! Ha! Houdini!” was published in several editions.

The first edtion (Gotham Book Mart) was a limited edition, with 100 numbered copies [and 26 lettered copies] signed at rear by Patti Smith. The signed copies had a hole punch and lock and key inserted.

There was also a UK Ace edition with a limited run of 500 copies, with variations in cover color and design.

Additionally, there are artist proofs and other variations outside of the main editions.

Today, I share an article from my personal collection titled “ME” by Houdini. It appeared in the very rare Fragments’magazine dated 5^th June 1920. Enjoy!

Monday May 5, 2025

Noon-1pm Arrived at New Orleans Hotel with a suitcase of Houdini books (Zanetti, Houdini Schooldays, Houdini Movies, Jorkins&Co, Houdini Exploits), then found my way to the dealer room where I was greeted by Ionia author, Charles Greene, who graciously allowed me to share his dealer’s table.

Also in the dealer’s room were fellow Houdini collectors, Ken Trombly and Roger Dreyer, who were setting up their own dealer tables.

Roger Dreyer gave me a spoon (from a collection of Houdini Weiss Family silverware) to give to Houdini expert, John Cox, who was not attending the expo.

Roger was selling complete sets of the silverware and had the following on display near his table.

Also missing at the expo was Houdini collector, Arthur Moses, who had another commitment, but was there in spirit, as I was selling the first book (1920) of a series (1920,..,1926) of books that Arthur and I are compiling on the Kinema Comic Serial, The Amazing Exploits of Houdini.

While setting up my table, Houdini Collector, Fred Pittella, stopped by with a nice surprise, a glass and program from the 2024 Houdini Séance; these were only given to attendees and will make a nice addition to my collection of Houdini Séance Programs.

Thank You Fred!

1pm-4pm Dealer Room Opens and to my surprise, I see my fellow Houdini Nuts, Joe Fox and Brian Verkuylen from LA.

Joe Fox brought some items to sell, which included a Houdini Séance Ash-tray, which I had always wanted so I made my first purchase.

And right after that, sold my first Kinema Comic book to Rick Strange (Magic Book Collector) along with a Houdini’s Jorkins&Co book, so things were off to a great start.

Brian Verkuylen also picked up a Kinema Comic book to go with my other 4 books in his library.

Next big moment was when Soo Collector, Stephen Fenton of the UK, stopped by my table; Stephen graciously allowed use of his Kinema Comic poster in the book, which made the cover.

4pm–5pm Attended Session #1 where Bill Smith, Lance Rich, Mike Caveney, and David Sandy kicked off the 3 day expo.

• Bill did introductions
• Mike and Lance presented a special profile of the David Copperfield Museum Tour.
• David hosted a fun and exciting game of Joker’s Wild, which had some fun categories, including David Copperfield, who was in the audience.

5pm–7pm Had dinner at Fuddruckers with Brian Verkuylen, who gave me a deck of Bicycle Harry Houdini Playing Cards.

Thank You Brian!

Joe Fox joined us for dinner shortly thereafter.

7pm–9pm Attended Session #2.

• Mark Holstein shared 45 Years of Abbott’s Get Togethers from Stage Left.
• Michael Claxton shared memories of Egyptian Hall.
• Bill Schmeelk shared how he went from Apprentice to Master Builder. He worked for Tannen’s Magic, Owen Magic Supreme, John Gaughan & Associates, Johnson Products, and then his own company Wellington Enterprises.

9pm-? Hung out in the dealer room, sold some books, and stopped by Mike Caveney’s booth, where he had a proof copy of the book, Escaping Obscurity: The Travel Diary of Harry Houdini, 1897-1899.

Description from Wild About Harry:

The book runs 376 pages and contains over 200 images. Every page of Houdini’s first diary from the collection of Bruce Averbook is reproduced, along with material from several other major magic collections, including the David Copperfield collection. John Cox annotated the entire diary so you can follow the remarkable story of Houdini’s early career toiling in dime museums, circuses, medicine shows, and even séance chambers. The book contains a wealth of new information and tells the story of Houdini’s early career like no other.

The book is a thing of beauty and a must have by all.

Tuesday May 6, 2025 (David Copperfield Tour)

Rode over to the Copperfield Museum with a gentleman I had never met before. I introduced myself as a Houdini Collector and author. His name is Bill Pearson, and he who owns a couple Houdini items, including an Unmasking book signed by “Harry Handcuff Houdini”. He also mentioned, he was considering buying the set of Houdini Weiss Family silverware. I then showed him the picture of the spoon I had for John Cox. The tour bus arrives at the Copperfield Museum.

We were on tour number 9. This was my second tour of the David Copperfield Museum. Back in 2021, we entered through the Korby’s store front but this year we entered through the Copperfield’s store front.

We were escorted into a large warehouse area that had some of David’s larger props like the Death Saw. We then moved to what appeared to be a very small room, where David stood behind the original Macy’s Department Store Magic counter where he bought his first trick (which he performed).

David then turned, lights and music magically came on, and the next thing you know we were all transformed back in time to Tannen’s Magic Shop.

The tour then proceeded through the Magic Props room housing the Albo collection. There was areas devoted to Thayer, Abbots, P&L, Owen, Marshall, Okito and German manufacturers.

Next we went into the recreation of Martinka’s back showroom.

This was followed by the Hall of Masters which included contemporaries like Mr. Electric (Marvin Roy), Richiardi, Chanin Pollack, Walter Blaney and Doug Henning.

Next, Mike Caveney led the tour of The Golden Age of Magic, which included Blackstone, Carter, Chung Ling Soo, Dante, Thurston and others.

We then went upstairs to the Houdini area, where Gabe Fajuri pointed out items belonging to Houdini like the bath tub from 278, Double Fold Death Defying Mystery Chest, a Milk Can, Original Wax cylinders and Edison player, Baby shoe, Mirror Cuff, Silver Replica Cuff, Straitjacket, Iron Maiden, and Water Torture Cell (WTC).

Side Note: Four years ago, I couldn’t get close enough to get a good look at David Copperfield Mirror Cuff and the Silver Replica that were in separate display cases from each other, but this year I could and still stand by the theory that Houdini escaped from the Tatler Cuff versus the David Copperfield Mirror Cuff.

Next, Chris Kenner took us through Robert Houdin Automata Heaven, followed by David Charvet overview of magic posters, and then Lance Rich showed us the research center. After that, we made our way pass the Houdini bookcase and Houdini posters along the back wall, where we were overlooking the Golden Age of Magic below, where they allowed us to snap a couple quick photos on our way to the library, which was the end of tour.

Rode back on bus will Bill Pearson who shared that four years ago, his daughter wanted him to get a photo with David Copperfield holding her favorite stuffed animal and David did one better, he took his phone and did a short video of him holding the animal and talking to his daughter.

7pm-9pm Attended Session #3

• Richard Hatch shared the curious case of Kalanag. Was Kalanag (Helmut Schreiber, 1903-1963) a Nazi? Hitler’s favorite magician? Did he finance his post-war illusion show with Nazi plunder? Or was he simply “an opportunist of the worst order”?
• Diana Zimmerman w/Stan Allen shared some amazing and touching stories of Seigfried & Roy, Masters of the Impossible

9pm-? Hung out in the dealer room and ran into Houdini Collector, Chris Goldman. After selling Chris a book or two, exchanged stories about what we picked up at the latest Potter Auction, showed him the “Unmasking” poster that Charles Greene had for sale, and then sent him over to Caveney’s table to check out the diary book.

Walked over to Michael Claxton’s table and purchased his book: Saving Magic, David Price and the Making of Egyptian Hall. Also shared my story about the search for the Tatler Cuff (likely the original Mirror Cuff) that Bess Houdini gave to W.W. Durbin, the original owner of Egyptian Hall at the time.

Wednesday May 7, 2025

10am-11am Dealer room opens and my book on Houdini’s movies is the hot item during this session.

Michelle Ainsworth purchased two books: Houdini Adaptations plus Playwriting and Film Treatments and The Zanetti Mystery Plus candidates for ghostwriting the story.

Roger Dreyer of Fantasma Magic came over to my table, purchased my book on Houdini movies and gave me a really nice Grim Game journal notebook for my collection. Thank You Roger!

John Cannon of Aladdin Books, who had a dealer’s table next to mine, also purchased a movie book; John had some Houdini items for sale on this table and has a passion for his movies. Plan to visit his place sometime in the near future.

11am-12:30pm Attended Session #4

• Connie Boyd shared an entertaining lecture on Magical Women documenting the important roles women have played in history, which included The Queen of the Handcuffs, Minerva Vano, whose work was notable not only for her escape artistry but also her representation of women in a traditionally male-dominated field; she was a contemporary of Houdini. German escape artist, Wanda Timm was also mentioned, she was hired by Houdini to perform the Water Torture Cell under the name “Miss Trixy” using a duplicate apparatus he provided.

• Phil Schwartz explored our motivations for collecting, what psychologist say about it, and dealing with the reality that all collectors will ultimately part with their collections, one way or another.
• Don Bice with Dave Egan traced Don’s discovery of the secret side of Las Vegas magic, its use in trade shows at the Convention Center, as a sales tool for some of the biggest companies in the US. That led to a two-year tour with his own giant illusion show and an eventual partnership with Alan Wakeling in a production company that counted some of those same big companies among its clients.

12:30pm-2:30pm David Coppperfield was in the dealing room making the rounds. He stopped by our table to chat with Charles Greene about posters. While David didn’t buy one of my books that were sitting next to the Soo poster he was looking at, he does have a signed copy of my “Houdini Schooldays” book with never before published material in it from his library.

He also stopped by Roger Dreyer’s table, possibly regarding the Houdini Weiss spoons, and then Joe Fox was seen sharing something with him.

After David Copperfield left, sold one more book to John Cannon, then packed up.

2:30pm-4:30pm Attended Session #5

• Lupe Nielson presented Finding Meaning In Life, Norm Nielsen’s Thrill of the Hunt & Passion for Magic Posters. Suffice it to say, if you missed this presentation, you missed the best of the best.

• David Charvet hosted Orson Welles & Us, A Special panel. David hosted panelists: Don Bice, Mike Caveney, Bill Smith and Allen Bracken, who all worked for Orson and shared their amazing stories about their encounters with this larger-than life legend.

• Gabe Fajuri ended the session with a mini Potter & Potter Magic Auction that included a Houdini program that Fred Pittella won ($500) and a signed Unmasking book that David Sandy won ($2K).

Ran into Bill Pearson again, and he shared with me that he found David Copperfield, showed him the video of David holding his daughter’s stuffed animal from 4 years ago and then got David to do a video congratulating Bill’s son on getting elected class President. Bill may not have gotten the Houdini Weiss family spoons, but he did get something that may be of even greater value.

6:30pm-7pm Happy Hour with Brian Verkuylen, Joe Fox and Fred Pittella

7pm-9:30pm Expo Dinner and Show

• Broke bread with Brian Verkuylen, Joe Fox, Michelle Ainsworth, and Michael Tallon.
• Mac King hosted a fantastic show that included acts by himself, John Carney and Dimmare

9:30pm-10pm said my good-byes

Thank you to David Copperfield, Bill Smith, Lance Rich, David Sandy and friends for putting on an amazing Expo.

Thank you to all the people highlighted in bold above that truly made this a wonderful experience.

And a special thank you to Charles Greene for letting me share a table with him. So much fun!

I plan to attend the next Magic Collectors Expo May 12-14 in Rutherford, NJ, featuring a tour of The Billy Rose Theatre Division’s Magic collection, which is on my Houdini bucket list. Hope to see some more Houdini Nuts there.

Related:

• HHCE highlights from Magic Collectors Expo 2024
• HHCE highlights from Magic Collectors Expo 2023
• HHCE highlights from Magic Collectors Expo 2022 and Harry Ransom Center
• HHCE Attends his first Magic Collectors Expo