books

From Flickr: “Photo of Harry Houdini in his book “The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin.” NY: The Publishers Printing Co., 1908. First Edition” by lhboudreau

In the Introduction to his book “The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin” Houdini says: “This book is the natural result of the moulding, dominating influence which the spirit and writing of Robert-Houdin have exerted over my professional career. My interest in conjuring and magic and my enthusiasm for Robert-Houdin came into existence Read More →

From Flickr: “The Professor Faber Talking Machine in Harry Houdini’s book “The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin” (1908).” by lhboudreau

Poster advertising Professor Faber’s talking machine, exhibited by P.T. Barnum during 1873 in his museum. The automaton was the first talking figure. From the Harry Houdini Collection. In 1846, a German astronomer living in The United States named Joseph Faber unveiled his cutting-edge Euphonia at London’s Egyptian Hall, having accompanied Read More →

From Flickr: “The Professor Faber Talking Machine in Harry Houdini’s book “The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin” (1908).” by lhboudreau

Poster advertising Professor Faber’s talking machine, exhibited by P.T. Barnum during 1873 in his museum. The automaton was the first talking figure. From the Harry Houdini Collection. In 1846, a German astronomer living in The United States named Joseph Faber unveiled his cutting-edge Euphonia at London’s Egyptian Hall, having accompanied Read More →

From Flickr: “Bantam 1328 (April, 1955). Cover by Unknown Artist” by lhboudreau

via Flickr http://flic.kr/p/tPVrXd

From Flickr: “Avon 37 (1943). Cover by Unknown Artist” by lhboudreau

via Flickr http://flic.kr/p/tPVjqE

From Flickr: “Scholastic Books TK-1030 (Oct., 1974). Cover by Fred Burrell” by lhboudreau

via Flickr http://flic.kr/p/tzNLP2

From Flickr: “Scholastic Books TK-1030 (Oct., 1974). Cover by Fred Burrell” by lhboudreau

via Flickr http://flic.kr/p/tzNLP2

From Flickr: “Metropolitan Toronto Library, Yonge St., e. side, between Asquith Ave. & Collier St.; INTERIOR.” by Toronto Public Library Special Collections

To celebrate the completion of the Toronto Reference Library Revitalization project, here is a photograph of the Toronto Reference Library (then known as the Metropolitan Toronto Library) upon its opening in 1977. The Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge Street), is holding a revitalization celebration on Friday, September 19 at 4pm Read More →

From Flickr: “Mechanics Institute, Church St., n.e. cor. Adelaide St. E.; Interior, Reference Library” by Toronto Public Library Special Collections

Staff at the Toronto Mechanics’ Institute (Church and Adelaide) in 1895. Originally the York Mechanics’ Institute, it opened in the 1830 "for the mutual improvement of its members in useful scientific knowledge… A library of reference and circulation will be formed." Many years later, it became the Toronto Public Library. Read More →

From Flickr: “Mechanics’ Institute, Church St., n.e. cor. Adelaide St. E.; Interior, reference library.” by Toronto Public Library Special Collections

Staff and members of the Toronto Mechanics’ Institute, at Church and Adelaide (Evening Telegram, September 8, 1908). In the 1800s, working men paid an annual subscription to a Mechanics’ Institute to read books, mainly on technical subjects. This one eventually became the Toronto Public Library. We pin it in honour Read More →