This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/26/2025
[HOUDINI] Scrapbook of Houdini Ephemera and News Clippings. 1920s – 30s. Thick square 8vo album kept by an unknown individual (but possibly Ray Gamble of California), filled with hundreds of clippings related to Houdini's final season and the years just following his untimely death. Included are a program from the Maryland Theatre for Houdini's final tour featuring his three-part show; a handsome Christmas card from Houdini's brother, Hardeen on heavy cardstock; an unpublished candid snapshot of Houdini with two other men; and a mourning invitation to unveiling of the Houdini monument at Macpelah Cemetery made out in ink to Houdini's lifelong friend Joseph Hayman, who worked with the magician in his early days. The majority of the contents are clippings covering Houdini's last days and the weeks following his death, with eulogies and memorials upon his passing from friends, assistants, and the world at large; “predictions" of psychics that he would die; stories regarding the serum administered him which would hopefully save his life; his widow's reaction to Houdini's passing; and more. Later articles cover Bess Houdini's last days and death, Houdini seances, and related topics, with two or three small clippings stretching into the 1950s and the Paramount Houdini movie starring Tony Curtis. Full smooth calf with gilt decorations and turn-ins, marbled endsheets, T.E.G., spine gilt-lettered with the name “HOUDINI." Front hinge reinforced, but very good condition overall. A very neatly kept record of Houdini's last years and the time beyond his death, including revealing stories surrounding his last days, his burial, and beyond. A fascinating archive that paints a clear picture of how the Houdini legend began, and began growing immediately upon his death.
