Randini: The Man Who Helped Houdini

Author Ann Beedham has just published a remarkable piece of Houdiniana, Randini: The Man Who Helped Houdini. This fully illustrated 236 page book reveals “the untold story of Randolph Douglas,” a Houdini fan living in the UK who created his own escapes and eventually become friends with Houdini himself.

The book features many period photos of “Randini” and a never before published photo of Randolph and Houdini in 1920. It also includes correspondence between the young escapist and the great magician, rare scrapbook clippings, and some fascinating sketches Randolph made of Houdini apparatus, including the Water Torture Cell.

I’ve only just received a copy so I haven’t read it yet, but this sure appears to be a fascinating look at a Houdini contemporary, and a wholly unique point of view on Houdini himself. This is easily a MUST for Houdini buffs.