Strand Magazine to Publish Rediscovered History by Houdini
Harry Houdini, giant lobby portrait, offered by Potter & Potter, estimate: $5,000-$10,000
The Strand Magazine is publishing a rediscovered work written by Harry Houdini to mark 100 years since his death, a lively account of the magicians who came before him.
"An Interesting Scrap Book offers something of a miniature history of magic," said Andrew F. Gulli , Managing Editor. "Drawing on old theatrical playbills, rather than reflecting on his own methods Houdini brings largely forgotten performers and their exploits back to life, revealing his fascination with the history of his profession. The work offers a chance to encounter the legendary escape artist as a writer and historian, telling these stories in his own words."
The piece was found among Houdini's papers at the Harry Ransom Center and appears in Issue 79. Houdini experts have confirmed that they know of no previous publication of the work.
Meanwhile, Potter & Potter Auctions are also marking the Houdini centenary on October 31 with a sale of 100 items from the collection of Kevin Connolly, many owned by Houdini such as books from his library including Frank Vizetelly's A Desk-Book of Idioms and Idiomatic Phrases (New York and London: Funk & Wagnalls Company, 1923), Francis T. Buckland's Curiosities of Natural History (London: Richard Bentley & Son., 1891) signed by Houdini on the title page, and Thomas Frost's Circus Life and Circus Celebrities (London: Chatto and Windus, 1881) signed and dated "Harry Houdini / April - 28 - 1902" with the paper library label of Harry Houdini to the spine.
