Cover reveal! Escaping Obscurity: The Travel Diary of Harry Houdini, 1897-1899

Today, I'm excited to reveal the final cover of Escaping Obscurity: The Travel Diary of Harry Houdini, 1897-1899, which will be published by Mike Caveney's Magic Words. The talented Michael Albright designed the cover and book.

The book runs 376 pages and contains over 200 images. Every page of Houdini's first diary from the collection of Dr. Bruce Averbook is reproduced, along with material from several other major magic collections, including the David Copperfield collection. I have 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 seance chambers. The book contains a wealth of new information and tells the story of Houdini's early career like no other.

Attendees at this week's Magic Collector Expo in Las Vegas got a first look at the book. Below is a pic of publisher Mike Caveney with the unbound proof edition and some reactions below.

 

David Charvet: I shared a dealer booth with Mike at the Expo and was able to look at the proof copy of the book closely. In a word: SPECTACULAR.

Patrick Daniel: It is absolutely amazing!!!! I cannot wait to get a copy.  

Lance Rich: It's verrry cool. I haven't checked it out in depth.... but the slipcase and design are beautiful.  

Joe Notaro: It's truly amazing! Can't wait for it to come out!!

The book will be sold exclusively by Mike Caveney's Magic Words. The release date and price have yet to be determined. The hope is to have the book available in time for MAGIC Live in August, although it could be much sooner. I will give my Patreon supporters an early heads-up when the purchase link goes live. We expect the special edition to sell out fast!

Want more? I've shared the evolution of this cover design with some early concepts on my Patreon.

Thanks to Charles Greene III for the convention photo.

Related:

• Houdini diary book in the wild!
• You will soon be able to read Houdini's first diary
• Michael Albright to design the Houdini diary book