Fifty years later, I'm here to tell you that I'm DONE. Yes, I learned everything about Houdini! Now it's time to get it out of my head and into your hands.
I'm therefore thrilled to announce THE ULTIMATE HOUDINI CHRONOLOGY, a three-volume set of books in which I will follow Houdini through every engagement he ever played, every escape he ever performed, and every significant moment of his life. If you enjoyed Escaping Obscurity: The Travel Diary of Harry Houdini 1897-1899, know that was just an appetizer for the multi-course meal I'm cooking up now!
But wait, it gets better.
These books will be official presentations of David Copperfield's International Museum and Library of the Conjuring Arts. As such, David has given me carte blanche to use anything in his collection to realize my dream of creating the most complete and accurate account of Houdini's life and career ever published. This, combined with material from several other major collections, has enabled me to gather a truly mind-bending amount of unseen Houdini images to bring the text to life.
The good news is that this is not some far-off future project. The first volume, HANDCUFF KING: THE RISE OF HARRY HOUDINI, which chronicles the years 1900-1909, is largely complete and will be released in 2026. It runs 600 pages and is packed with new information and more photos than I can count. I'm designing the book myself and working hard to make it the Houdini book of my dreams. I think it will be the Houdini book of your dreams as well.
My plan is to publish these books as limited edition hardcovers under my own imprint, Wild About Harry PRESS. I will soon be launching a new retail website where you can buy the books directly from me. I'm talking to Mike Caveney about offering a Deluxe Edition, because no one does Deluxe Editions like Mike!
Watch this blog and my Patreon in the coming months for more details. I'm excited about launching this new era and completing what I set out to accomplish fifty years ago today. Because I'm still wild about Harry! And so are you.
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Whew! For a second there I thought you meant you were retiring from WAH after reading that title! All is well in Houdiniland. Let's keep it that way. 😁
ReplyDeleteHaha. That's exactly what I hoped would happen. Of course, on the internet, people don't always read past the title, so I think some people might really think I'm calling it quits. But we're just getting started!
DeleteJohn! You little rascal! You gave me a heart attack when you said “I’m done with Houdini!” And I’m like “WHAT!? NOOO!” And then I read it and then and then… PHEW! You got me! 🤣 That is SO EXCITING!! AAAH!! - Abby Martin
ReplyDeleteSorry for the heart attack! Glad you read past the headline! Haha.
DeleteI don’t know why but I feel like that is a very Houdini thing to do! 🙃 - Abby Martin
DeleteWe are excited for what you will publish.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I honestly think it will surpass expectations.
DeleteBravo! Wonderful news!
ReplyDeleteI’ll take your first deluxe edition!
Perry from NJ.
Sold!
DeleteVery catchy headline! Congratulations John. This is very exciting!!!
ReplyDeleteGlad you like!
DeleteHey John, Great news! Really looking forward to your books! I will take a Deluxe Edition too. Let us know!!
ReplyDeleteThe Deluxe Edition plans are still in flux, but I will keep everyone updated. Also, know Patreon members get the first crack at them. Just saying.
DeleteCongratulations!!! Unbelievable amount of material!! Can't wait!
ReplyDeleteThanks. And I'm still adding to it!
DeleteWait..600 pages in one book??? I will need to hire a team of hunky men to open every page....not a bad thought!
ReplyDeleteHaha. It was only 580. And then I took a little trip. ;)
DeleteIn that case Doc, I will have to have my Houdini action figure to open it up for me! 🤭❤️ hehe! - Abby Martin
DeleteWe should get them together...and admire the effort involved!
DeleteThis is exciting news John ! This chronology will undoubtedly be the definitive resource on Houdini and you are the most qualified person to put it all together. Keep us posted as to when the line starts forming for the deluxe edition. Glen V. (Patreon)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Glen. I think this will be an excellent resource for folks.
DeleteCongratulations, John!
ReplyDeleteThanks Anon!
DeleteCongratulations! You are doing a great service to Houdini research and indeed the entire history of the theater. Please save a copy for me!
ReplyDeleteThanks David!
DeleteJohn I will review on my book blog notanotherbookreview.blogspot.com, substack and other places. My audience for my 2019-20 pllay, ETHER: The Strange Afterlife of Harry Houdini and Arthur Conan Doyle still exists. My plessure to help out. Susan I Weinstein
ReplyDeleteWonderful. Thank you, Susan!
DeleteSounds amazing! I think watching that same broadcast is also what hooked me. Looking forward to the deluxe edition of each volume!
ReplyDeleteThe same broadcast? That's great.
DeleteFantastic news!
ReplyDelete--Dale from Cleveland
Thanks Dale!
DeleteSo wait… THREE MORE VOLUMES in addition to the already excellent Escaping Obscurity ?!?? Sold!
ReplyDeleteCONGRATULATIONS 🎊🎉🎈🍾
Yep. There's still a lot of story to tell!
DeleteAbsolutely can’t wait for this treasure to be ready. I cannot imagine better hands to be creating it! —colleen
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Colleen. I can't wait to give you an early peek.
DeleteJohn, like others have stated, I too am very excited for this publication (Deluxe edition for me please). I was thinking, you have been courteous to Patreon members with early release notifications and providing bonus material. It would be awesome to continue that notion if Patreon members could pre-order your upcoming release! (Did I say Deluxe for me?). Just a thought. ~Matthew Guzman.
ReplyDeleteYes, patrons will get special treatment for sure!
DeleteJohn, applauding from afar. You shall never escape Houdini, and that's a good thing. You genius!
ReplyDeleteWell said. Bravo.
DeleteThank you, Khadi and Narinder. Yep, there's no escaping Houdini, but who would want to?
DeleteNicely played. Congratulations. Escaping Obscurity is incredible, so can only imagine what this will be like!
ReplyDeleteThanks Brad. Only problem is I'm so busy on this I haven't had time to read your book, which I'm hearing good things about!
DeleteExciting news. Going to make room in my library for more Houdini books. What a good problem to have.
ReplyDeleteYep, clear a shelf, and I will fill it as fast as I can!
DeleteHoudini had been gone for 49 years when you watched that movie - which means you've been tracking him now for more than half of his afterlife.
ReplyDeleteOh, that is awesome. And crazy.
DeleteI KNEW based on that special announcement that it was for a release of a new Houdini book. However, you tripled it! Hopefully, the price for this 3 volume set will be kept low. Why? It will create more sales for you and capture a wider audience, me included. I know you invested a lot of time on your reseach, and, for the continued preparation "putting all your writings, photos, etc. together." However, by keeping the price low and affordable as I did back in 1994 with the release of my book "Benjilini on Houdini," you will be able to sell-out all future editions. Congrats on your future project and of course, ALL my best to you, Benjilini
ReplyDeleteTo be clear, these books will be released as I finish them, not all 3 as one set. I will try to keep the price resonable, but I'm going all out on the best paper, binding, full color, etc, and that gets expensive.
Delete