I fear Pawn Stars has long past its prime, and Murray seems to phone this one in (in more ways than one). But the market for Houdini collectibles remains hotter than ever, so they have my attention.
Showing posts with label Unmasking of Robert-Houdin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Unmasking of Robert-Houdin. Show all posts
Monday, February 12, 2024
Thursday, July 28, 2022
Houdini's Unmasking on Pawn Stars
Houdini is back on Pawn Stars. Well, this is actually from 2014, but it was just uploaded to the Pawn Stars YouTube channel. I won't spoil the suspense, but I'm pretty sure the only thing real about this segment is the signature.
Thanks to Roberto Mansilla for the alert.
Saturday, February 27, 2021
Soo's Unmasking bullseyes $26,400
In what must be a record for a signed Houdini book, a copy of The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin inscribed by Houdini to his friend Chung Ling Soo blew past its $4,000 - $8,000 estimate and sold for a whopping $26,400 (including 20% commission) in this weekend's Potter & Potter magic auction.
Related:
All the Houdini lots were red hot. A signed playing card sold for a stunning $11,400. A pair of gaffed Peerless handcuffs from the Wresch collection took in $13,200. A production baby said to have belonged to Houdini in his early days sold for $7,800. A collection of Dai Vernon's own mementos of the night he famously fooled Houdini at the Great Northern Hotel in Chicago sold for $6000.
The auction also included a program for Houdini's last appearance at the Garrick Theater in Detroit in October 1926. That topped out at $7,200. This is likely another record for an unsigned program.
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Friday, January 22, 2021
Houdini's final show program at auction
Potter & Potter have posted their February 27 magic auction listings and among the Houdini rarities is a true bombshell! It's an original program for Houdini's "3 Shows in One" at the Garrick Theater in Detroit for the week of October 24, 1926. Of course, this was the final engagement of Houdini's life and October 24 his last show. I've never seen a program for his appearance at the Garrick, so this is pretty wild.
Inside the program there is an ad announcing the week of October 31 as Houdini's final week (confirming Detroit was scheduled as two week run). It's a bit eerie to have the two days, October 24 and October 31, both mentioned prominently in the program.
Other notable lots include: "Houdini's Production Baby" (companion to the doll seen in this photo maybe?), a copy of The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin inscribed by Houdini to his friend Chung Ling Soo (found at last), and Dai Vernon's own mementos of the night he fooled Houdini.
Potter & Potter's Select Secrets: Rare & Important Magicana auction will be held Saturday, February 27, 2021 at 10 AM CST. You can view the full online catalog HERE.
UPDATE: The program sold for $7,200 (including 20% commission) in what was a red hot auction.
Monday, May 18, 2020
Master Mystery episode 10 poster sells for $24,570
A poster for episode 10 of Houdini's The Master Mystery sold for $24,570.00 (including buyers premium) during this weekend's Haversat & Ewing magic auction. The image is one of the most striking of all The Master Mystery posters.
Another Houdini highlight from the auction was a copy of The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin inscribed to Hatty Fisher, along with an invitation to the 1916 dedication of the Weiss family exedra at Machpelah Cemetery. The book included a leaf pressed between its pages, presumably from the dedication itself. It took $3,276.00.
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Another Houdini highlight from the auction was a copy of The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin inscribed to Hatty Fisher, along with an invitation to the 1916 dedication of the Weiss family exedra at Machpelah Cemetery. The book included a leaf pressed between its pages, presumably from the dedication itself. It took $3,276.00.
Related:
Thursday, August 23, 2018
'Apology in the Name of the Kaiser' poster variant
Currently there is a signed copy of Houdini's The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin on eBay with a Buy It Now price of $6,750.00 (which is wildly overpriced IMHO). To its credit, the book is inscribed to Ida M. Tarbell, the famous muckraking journalist, and is signed "Harry Handcuff Houdini". Unfortunately, it's not dated.
But what has me most intrigued is what's tipped into the front of the book. The seller doesn't mention it, but does include a picture. It's Houdini's famous "Apology in the Name of the Kaiser" poster from 1902. But if you look closely, it is not the same poster we are all familiar with.
In this version, Houdini is presented looking much closer to middle age. Note the grey temples. In the more familiar poster (which you can see here), he's the youthful 1902 version. In fact, the entire poster appears to be redrawn. The judge on the far right has his hand to his cheek, which he does not in the original. Overall, I think it's a much better illustration, capturing the moment with more drama, and Houdini looks fantastic.
This is not the first time we've seen this variant. It also appears on page 8 of Houdini on Magic by Walter B. Gibson. But this one offers better clarity and is less cropped, allowing confirmation of just how different it really is.
It's hard to say if this image was tipped into the book by Houdini himself. But we do know he tipped photos of himself with Teddy Roosevelt into copies of The Unmasking (I own one of these myself), so possibly he did the same with this image. I'm curious if anyone has ever seen one of these in a copy of Unmasking before? Or anywhere else for that matter?
You can view the 30 day eBay auction HERE.
UPDATE: Looks like my post succeeded in getting the already crazy price bumped up to $6,950.00. Lordy.
Related:
But what has me most intrigued is what's tipped into the front of the book. The seller doesn't mention it, but does include a picture. It's Houdini's famous "Apology in the Name of the Kaiser" poster from 1902. But if you look closely, it is not the same poster we are all familiar with.
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| Click to enlarge. |
In this version, Houdini is presented looking much closer to middle age. Note the grey temples. In the more familiar poster (which you can see here), he's the youthful 1902 version. In fact, the entire poster appears to be redrawn. The judge on the far right has his hand to his cheek, which he does not in the original. Overall, I think it's a much better illustration, capturing the moment with more drama, and Houdini looks fantastic.
This is not the first time we've seen this variant. It also appears on page 8 of Houdini on Magic by Walter B. Gibson. But this one offers better clarity and is less cropped, allowing confirmation of just how different it really is.
It's hard to say if this image was tipped into the book by Houdini himself. But we do know he tipped photos of himself with Teddy Roosevelt into copies of The Unmasking (I own one of these myself), so possibly he did the same with this image. I'm curious if anyone has ever seen one of these in a copy of Unmasking before? Or anywhere else for that matter?
You can view the 30 day eBay auction HERE.
UPDATE: Looks like my post succeeded in getting the already crazy price bumped up to $6,950.00. Lordy.
Related:
Sunday, March 25, 2018
Unmasking of Robert-Houdin - "Houdini's Copy"
David Haversat's 1878 Press Co. has announced a very special Limited Edition of Houdini's The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin. Description below:
You can pre-order The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin ("Houdini's Copy" - Deluxe) from the 1878 Press Co. website.
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The Unmasking Of Robert-Houdin
Published 110 years ago
Houdini's personal copy of his book with annotated pages written in his hand.
For the first time since Houdini himself made these unseen additions and changes - this book has been published by David Haversat's 1878 Press Co. The original copy is in the collection of Jon Oliver who has decided to share this historic publication!
Deluxe bound copy - limited production. Ships in early April until Sold Out.
You can pre-order The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin ("Houdini's Copy" - Deluxe) from the 1878 Press Co. website.
Related:
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
'The Book of Houdini' combines the books of Houdini
Three works by Houdini have been collected and published as The Book of Houdini by Nevetz Azraz. I normally don't buy (or cover) public domain reprints, but I do like how Nevetz has put effort into creating a book with a unique title and cover, so this one might make it to my shelf. Here's the description.
You can purchase The Book of Houdini at Amazon.com (U.S.) and Amazon.co.uk (UK).
Related:
The Book of Houdini contains three publications, all focusing on magic, and the great work of Harry Houdini. The first volume was authored in 1922 and is titled Houdini, The Adventurous Life of a Versatile Artist, and is a glance at just that. The second installment was written in 1908 by Houdini, who penned a work on The Unmasking of Robert Houdin, a study of Robert Houdin's alleged magical abilities. Book III, written in 1920, and the final volume in The Book of Houdini, is called Miracle Mongers and Their Methods, where Harry again analyzes and exposes the tricks behind magic, while sharing the secrets behind some of his own.
You can purchase The Book of Houdini at Amazon.com (U.S.) and Amazon.co.uk (UK).
Related:
Monday, December 15, 2014
Houdini books a return to Pawn Stars
An inscribed copy of Houdini's 1908 book The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin made an appearance on Pawn Stars tonight. The book was brought into the store by owner "Kevin" who wanted $5000. After Steve Grad, Principle Authenticator for PSA/DNA, authenticated the signature and estimated the value at $2400, Rick offered the owner $1500. The two men could not make a deal.
The episode was a nice showcase for Houdini. It even featured a Houdini quiz at one of the commercial breaks.
This marks Houdini's third appearance on Pawn Stars. Previous items that found their way into the Las Vegas based store were a pair of Houdini handcuffs and a straitjacket.
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Monday, December 2, 2013
Unpublished Houdini: With his baby
Welcome to Unpublished Houdini. In this series I share a new never-before-published photo of Houdini every Monday from our generous Hinson Endowment.
Here's Houdini the proud new author holding his first major book, The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin, published in 1908. His baby. In Unmasking, Houdini set out prove that the great French conjurer, Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin -- Houdini's boyhood hero from whom he took his name -- did not deserve credit for the many magic effects he was said to have invented. The celebrated "Father of Modern Magic" was, according to Houdini, in reality "the Prince of Pilfers."
Houdini was immensely proud of his book, which features many images from his own collection, and dedicated it to his father. In adverts he even offered a cash prize of $250 if anyone could name "a book which has taken so much time, energy, travel and money, with such authentic data regarding real magical inventions." While he knew many would not read the book cover to cover, he still implored them in his inscriptions to at least "read the introduction." (This can be found written in many copies of Unmasking, including one in my own collection).
However, the magic community, especially in France, severally criticized Houdini's wholesale "attack" on Robert-Houdin, and the book still provokes a strong reaction today. Kenneth Silverman writes in Houdini!!! The Career of Ehrich Weiss: "Some magicians damn the book; others accept or reject its arguments piecemeal; none endorses it whole."
Houdini never expressed any regret for his what is now seen as an over-the-top (one chapter is titled: "Robert-Houdin's Ignorance of Magic") and somewhat Oedipal attack on his namesake. Many think the true roots of the book lie with the French magician's family snubbing the newly famous Houdini during his first tour of Europe.
The one admission Houdini would allow years later was: "The only mistake I made was in calling my book Houdin Unmasked. It ought to have been History of Magic."
Here's Houdini the proud new author holding his first major book, The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin, published in 1908. His baby. In Unmasking, Houdini set out prove that the great French conjurer, Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin -- Houdini's boyhood hero from whom he took his name -- did not deserve credit for the many magic effects he was said to have invented. The celebrated "Father of Modern Magic" was, according to Houdini, in reality "the Prince of Pilfers."
"Wrote until 2:30 AM on Houdin book. This is a labor of love. I shall be happy when it is finished, as it will take a lot of worry off my mind."
- Houdini's diary entry, July 19, 1907
(He finished the next day.)
(He finished the next day.)
Houdini was immensely proud of his book, which features many images from his own collection, and dedicated it to his father. In adverts he even offered a cash prize of $250 if anyone could name "a book which has taken so much time, energy, travel and money, with such authentic data regarding real magical inventions." While he knew many would not read the book cover to cover, he still implored them in his inscriptions to at least "read the introduction." (This can be found written in many copies of Unmasking, including one in my own collection).
 |
| "Please read the introduction anyway." |
However, the magic community, especially in France, severally criticized Houdini's wholesale "attack" on Robert-Houdin, and the book still provokes a strong reaction today. Kenneth Silverman writes in Houdini!!! The Career of Ehrich Weiss: "Some magicians damn the book; others accept or reject its arguments piecemeal; none endorses it whole."
Houdini never expressed any regret for his what is now seen as an over-the-top (one chapter is titled: "Robert-Houdin's Ignorance of Magic") and somewhat Oedipal attack on his namesake. Many think the true roots of the book lie with the French magician's family snubbing the newly famous Houdini during his first tour of Europe.
The one admission Houdini would allow years later was: "The only mistake I made was in calling my book Houdin Unmasked. It ought to have been History of Magic."
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Download 'The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin' FREE for 24 hours
All this week the Conjuring Arts Research Center is offering a free Houdini book every day leading up Halloween. Each new title becomes available 1:26pm (EST) and is available for only 24 hours. Additionally, all Houdini items at the CARC store are marked down 50%.
Head on over to the Conjuring Arts Research Center and download your free PDF of The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Here's to the dads
Dedication page in Houdini's first major book, The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin.
Happy Father's Day.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Robert-Houdin unmasked on Kindle
While Houdini's attack on Robert-Houdin as "the prince of pilferers" hasn't found many supporters over the years, the book is still an excellent history of pre-20th century magic with many rare illustrations.
The cover art for this new Kindle edition features the statue of Robert-Houdin in front of his home in Blois, France. This somewhat echoes the original cover which featured a bust of Robert-Houdin. I'd love to see this cover on a print edition.
Purchase The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin for the Kindle on Amazon.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Soo's Unmasking
Recently I was browsing Ask Alexander -- The Conjuring Arts Research Center's amazing search engine, which just passed the two million page milestone -- and I came across this interesting nugget buried in a 1953 edition of The Magic Circular.
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| The Magic Circular, 1953 |
So there exists a copy of The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin signed by Houdini to Chung Ling Soo? Nice! I wonder if this is still treasured by the Bothwell-Maye family, or if it has changed hands and now resides in one of the big Houdini or magic collections? Let the search begin.
Chung Ling Soo was actually an American conjurer named William Ellsworth Robinson. Famous in his day, he become more so after dying onstage doing the bullet catch (a trick Houdini now appears to have done in his early career). Another Soo/Houdini mystery is whether Robinson acquired Houdini's Voisin bi-plane following his historic first flight in Australia. We took a look at that question HERE.
Jim Steinmeyer tackled the mystery of Chung Ling Soo in his 2005 book The Glorious Deception
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Chung Ling Soo was actually an American conjurer named William Ellsworth Robinson. Famous in his day, he become more so after dying onstage doing the bullet catch (a trick Houdini now appears to have done in his early career). Another Soo/Houdini mystery is whether Robinson acquired Houdini's Voisin bi-plane following his historic first flight in Australia. We took a look at that question HERE.
Jim Steinmeyer tackled the mystery of Chung Ling Soo in his 2005 book The Glorious Deception
.
UPDATE: Soo's Unmasking bullseyes $26,400.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Oops!
There is currently a listing on Amazon
for a public domain reprint of Houdini's 1908 book, The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin. Notice anything odd about the title?
for a public domain reprint of Houdini's 1908 book, The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin. Notice anything odd about the title?
This egregious typo almost makes me want to buy this. It's a curiosity to be sure. And maybe this same publisher, Nabu Press, will release some of Houdini's other works, such as The Right Way To Do Wong and A Magician Among the Spits.
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