firstedition

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: “Illustration by Mahlon Blaine from “Nova Venus.” New York, 1938. Signed, limited, first edition” by lhboudreau

Today, illustrator Mahlon Blaine (1894-1969) is pretty much unknown, but in the roaring 20s and the early 30s his work was published in everything ranging from children’s books and mainstream magazines to erotic portfolios. Though phenomenally popular back then, his output declined sharply over time and, by 1969, he died Read More →

From Flickr: “Illustration by Mahlon Blaine from “Nova Venus.” New York, 1938. Signed, limited, first edition” by lhboudreau

Today, illustrator Mahlon Blaine (1894-1969) is pretty much unknown, but in the roaring 20s and the early 30s his work was published in everything ranging from children’s books and mainstream magazines to erotic portfolios. Though phenomenally popular back then, his output declined sharply over time and, by 1969, he died Read More →