Sunday, October 20, 2024

Houdini’s Library coming to the HRC in Fall 2026

Exciting news! Our good friend Dr. Eric Colleary, Cline Curator of Theatre and Performing Arts at the Harry Ransom Center, is organizing a major Houdini exhibition for Fall 2026. You can read the details below or at the Harry Ransom Center website.

Discover the hidden treasures of Houdini’s Library, an exhibition that delves into the life and extraordinary collection of Harry Houdini, one of history’s most famous illusionists. On stage, Houdini crafted his performances with a deep sense of history and the magicians who came before him. Off stage, he spent years building a collection of books, manuscripts, and ephemera documenting the long global history of magic and theatre. From a first edition of Reginald Scot’s 1584 classic The Discoverie of Witchcraft to the handwritten travel diary of legendary actor David Garrick, delve into how Houdini’s collection reflected his quest to preserve history—a tradition continued by the Ransom Center since it acquired his collection in 1958. Commem-orating the centenary of Houdini’s death in 1926, Houdini’s Library invites visitors to explore the intersections of magic, history, and collecting. 
This exhibition is organized by Dr. Eric Colleary, Cline Curator of Theatre and Performing Arts.

7 comments:

  1. John Hinson great nephew of Bess and Harry HoudiniOctober 20, 2024 at 6:15 AM

    Thai is great news, after a 100 years his name is still out there.

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  2. Eeee! This is wonderful news!
    Will we get a digital version of his library too?

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  3. I wonder how many of his books does the HRC have in their collection. Kendall bought the theater collection from Bess, not his library. I would imagine that a few books slipped thru the cracks and went along for the ride.

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  4. HI John, can you send me your number? I am releasing a book on Houdini and would like to discuss it with you. I write for MUM and Linking Ring. Joedez53@gmail.com...no obligation. Thanks for the consideration.

    Cordially,

    Joe Hernandez

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    Replies
    1. Number sent! Look forward to hearing about the book.

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    2. It was great talking with you! I'm aiming to release the book by the end of the year. Please don't forget to send me a shipping address so I can send you "Magic Babylon."

      Sim-Sala-Bim,
      Joe

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  5. Oooo! What book? I must read it!

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