Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Houdini's Challenge Scrapbook to be published!

Last year, Dr. Bruce J. Averbook shared Houdini's first travel diary with the world. (I think I've mentioned that book here.) Well, he's back with another, and it's a big one!

David Haversat has just announced the upcoming publication of A Strenuous Career: The Personal Challenge and Advertisement Scrapbook of Harry Houdini. As the title says, this book reproduces Houdini's entire Challenge Scrapbook, which is another precious artifact from The Averbook Magic Art Museum & Library. The book will be released via David Haversat's 1878 Press Co. in May 2026.


I'm VERY excited about this. I've long known about this scrapbook, but I've never had a chance to study it. Bruce did give me a quick peek at it a while back, and what I saw knocked my socks off! So I can't wait to dive into this book. (I also love the title.)

Are we spoiled yet?

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3 comments:

  1. Leo HeviaJanuary 21, 2026 at 12:03 PM

    Are we spoiled yet? No!!! Mike Caveney should do the Houdini-Kellar Correspondence book. Just like his amazing Classic Correspondence books but this time focus on the H/K letters. He's the only person that can do it justice.

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  2. AnonymousJanuary 21, 2026 at 2:35 PM

    This is fantastic news! I'm glad they teamed up so we can get a glimpse of this Houdini scrapbook! Eager to see what else 2026 turns up for H.H.

    ReplyDelete
  3. John CoxJanuary 21, 2026 at 3:39 PM

    BTW, four of the five challenges on the cover of this book are new to me. Holy smokes.

    ReplyDelete