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HOUDINI, HIS LIFE AND ART by Bert Randolph Sugar, and James Randi
1977 hardcover 2nd edition from Grosset & Dunlap Publishing hardcover 192 pages.
There are a lot of biographies of Houdini, but this is perhaps my favorite. It is comprehensive, and also includes the unique perspective (underneath the text throughout) of The Amazing Randi, who spent decades studying Houdini in-depth and became a respected expert on the man; but more importantly, during his own career, Randi emulated and recreated many of Houdini's greatest effects and achievements. This amazing perspective from The Amazing Randi, combined with clear text and tons of black & white illustrations, make this a must-read for Houdini fans. (and all magicians should be Houdini fans, and study his incredible career).
Covers not only Houdini's magic career, but his exposure of fraudulent mediums, his movie career, and the stories behind the development of his greatest effects
The 1976 printing of this book sold out quickly, and so this second printing was done in 1977. This second edition of the hardcover had a darker brown cover, and slightly different color tones on the dustcover. It also added the 1977 printing date to the copyright info (see photo) Sellers often list the 1977 as a "first edition", but it is actually a 2nd printing, and easier to find than the true 1976 1st edition. Later paperback editions also exist.
The book is in excellent condition, with just one embossed book stamp from a previous owner on the title page. Otherwise, the book is clean, undamaged, and tight, and the dustcover shows minimal edge and corner wear
Look at the sample page shots to get idea of format, and table of contents to see all the stuff in here.
My recent online search shows 1977 editions of this book selling for prices ranging from $15-$20, depending on the condition. Given this is a very nice example, in excellent condition, I should price it at the top of this range, but given I am such a nice guy, I will price it near the bottom of the range. :-)
PLEASE READ CONDITION NOTES BELOW
CONDITION NOTES: previously owned, in excellent condition. All pages are clean and unmarked, no tears, bends or damage. Binding is tight and intact. Previous owner's book stamp is embossed on the cover page. (see photo) Original dustcover shows some very minor wear on edges and corners, and has some dark smudges on back.
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