On Monday night, September 8, 2025, the Hollywood Magic Castle conducted another amazing "Behind the Bookcase event" with me, a.k.a. Dr. Bruce Averbook, John Cox, Mike Caveney, and Michael Albright, discussing our new book: Escaping Obscurity: The Travel Diary of Harry Houdini, 1897–1899.
We had a lot of fun! I talked about how and why I bought the diary, plus my vision for its use, which is also discussed in the introduction to the book. It is now displayed at The Averbook Magic Art Museum and Library
Mike talked about what compelled him to become the publisher. John Cox talked about how he got the Houdini “bug” in childhood, plus his motivations and excitement about putting the story all together—realizing the significance and amount of information contained in Houdini’s travel diary to the launching of Houdini’s magnificent career.
I think people were enthralled with the little diary and were especially awed and excited when I brought out the actual diary and allowed attendees to hold it in their hands. It has a great impact when you hold the actual 128-year-old object that Houdini carried for several years and wrote in throughout. I wanted them to have the same feeling I had when I first held it—letting the DNA run off. I won’t do that often. It is not good to handle these items from a conservation standpoint unless absolutely necessary, but this was special for me to do as part of my giving back.
I also remember when Randy Pitchford brought Cardini’s billiard balls to a collector’s meeting and allowed me to handle them. The thrill is fantastic and appreciated. I wanted those at the Magic Castle Behind the Bookcase event—at one of my favourite places in the world—to have the same experience.
As John mentioned on his website blog www.WildAboutHoudini.com: “There was a lot of love in the room for Harry and Bessie, and genuine excitement about the book.” John called it a “Peak Experience!”
Every copy of the book that Mike Caveney brought was sold. John and I went back to Mike’s home (Egyptian Hall Museum) and signed several more books for those who wanted one after Mike ran out.
Let me give a BIG thank you to The Magic Castle/The Academy of Magical Arts for hosting us and for a wonderful dinner with great people in the Houdini Séance Room before the event. It was very special.
I have also attached a link to David Dellman’s review on YouTube of our book. You can see that below:
