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solarpk New user 51 Posts |
I absolutely expect 99% of the established Café core have at least glanced through this controversial book - however I searched it out to join the masses and have found an online copy which is freely available, downloadable and searchable:
The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin - https://archive.org/stream/unmaskingrobert00houdgoog In contrast to the claims made in that book, Robert-Houdin's memoirs, in two volumes, are here: https://archive.org/stream/memoirsofroberth00robe https://archive.org/stream/memoirsofroberth02robeuoft I doubt we will ever have a truly satisfying reasoning that will reconcile these publications? |
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Leo H Inner circle 1331 Posts |
There actually is such a book: Jean Hugard's Houdini's Unmasking: Fact vs. fiction
A fascinating text. |
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solarpk New user 51 Posts |
There was also Maurice Sardina's Les Erreurs de Harry Houdini. Do either go beyond where he was allegedly wrong, and convincingly conclude what Houdini's motivation was? His book must have been a substantial undertaking, and I cannot imagine that is something he would do without great cause.
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Jerry Inner circle Some where in Florida 1402 Posts |
Houdini's great cause was big ego hurt.
Q: "Hey, Al, does Houdini like ANY magicians?" A: "Yeah, dead magicians" Houdini did not get along with most magicians but like visiting the graves of past famous magicians. After visiting Jean-Houdin grave, Houdini went to the house to pay respect to the widow. For reason not altogether clear (only Houdini's version is known), he was not well received and was refused an audience. So he wrote this book in response. That's my short version. Several Houdini biographies cover this incident with more detail. The more I learn about Houdini, the less I like him. Right now my hero's are Alexander Hermann, Jean-Houdin, Fred Kaps, Ricky Jay, Syldini, Tommy Wonder and Cardini. |
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solarpk New user 51 Posts |
I had the pleasure of viewing the Cardini exhibit at the magic castle. It's quite a thing being that close to such history.
http://olsonvisual.com/olson-visual-work......-castle/ |
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Leo H Inner circle 1331 Posts |
Jerry's story pretty much encapsulates what happened. The widow was Houdin's daughter in law. Houdini's book began as a history of magic up until his time, but took a detour after the snubbing incident.
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Jerry Inner circle Some where in Florida 1402 Posts |
Solarpk, if you want an accurate biography on Robert Jean-Houdin, purchase Christian Fechner "The Magic of Robert-Houdin".
Of course the desire will need to be great. The two volume bio is out of print and not cheap in the second hand market. |
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solarpk New user 51 Posts |
Quote:
On Sep 11, 2016, Jerry wrote: Thanks - and viewable copies are available in the Internet Archive's Collection https://archive.org/ |
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Jerry Inner circle Some where in Florida 1402 Posts |
There are no viewable copies of Christian Fechner's book on the internet (no E-book).
Only the real world hard bound books. There is the original French text, English text and a deluxe collector. At least no legitimate versions. |
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cheesewrestler Inner circle Chicago 1157 Posts |
Quote:
On Sep 11, 2016, Jerry wrote: Another way of looking at it - "Houdini- why is HE more famous than I am? I can do all that stuff he does, and better, too!" Just a thought. Magicians haven't changed much ... |
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Jerry Inner circle Some where in Florida 1402 Posts |
I don't believe Houdini thought he was better then Robert-Houdin. He had admired him up to that point and went to pay respect to the master.
When he was turn away, he felt it was a direct insult. I believe it was miscommunication or fear (perhaps a combination) on the part of the living relative. So he struck back. He attempted to de-valued Robert-Houdin to elevate his ego back to its rightful place. Remember, Houdini was not really a magician, he was an escape artist who work in vaudeville. He never had a full evening show like Kellar, Thurston, and Blackstone. Robert-Houdin, did what he describe as a parlor show. As if you were invited to his house, even though it was actually a theater. The show could be considered a full evening show, but not a the scale of Thurston or Carter. Also Robert-Houdin was a genius and a good showman. He wrote books a magic that are still available. My point being, I believe Robert-Houdin (Thurston, Blackstone) was a whole level above Houdini. Houdini was on and off the stage in a short burst. He was on top of the bill, but, that is not a full evening show were you had to sustain the audience interest, it was vaudeville with multiple acts. Most (not all) of Houdini’s books were ghost written. I can’t think of any magic books that are still in print that he actually wrote. Houdini was a good showman and a fantastic self promoter. Just my thoughts, I am not expert. I have not yet read the Christian Fechner books I just got then a couple days ago. |
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solarpk New user 51 Posts |
I think in the first instance I will look for a reliable biography of Houdini. Whilst I am absolutely sure 'Unmasking' was in part a fiction, my interest is in why Houdini would choose to corrupt what was otherwise, in its day, an unprecedented history of early European magic. If it was because of a bruised ego based on a supposed snub in 1902 by a family member of Robert-Houdin, long after Robert-Houdin had died, then such a 5 plus year grudge indeed reflects badly on Houdini's character.
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Anatole Inner circle 1912 Posts |
There is an article in the July 1957 issue of _Linking Ring_ where we read:
-----quote----- Houdini often played Boston--and always made for Willard Greene's homestead. Willard persuaded Harry that Robert-Houdin wasn't so bad after all, and pointed out that Houdini was using the Houdin coin casket. Harry sadly confessed that he regretted writing _The Unmasking of Houdin_. -----unquote----- And in _Hugard's Magic Monthly_ for June 1953 we read a letter from Ralph Read to Victor Farelli: -----quote----- Dear Victor Farelli, Your letter arrived yesterday, which was a bit slow for air mail, but probably delayed due to storms. Yes, I had a chat with Houdini concerning his book, "The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin" some time about the year 1924 or 1925, as nearly as I can remember, and I felt that he had made a mistake publishing the book to tear down his former idol, and at that time, data had been brought out by others indicating that Houdini was in error in many of his claims and statements in the work. How the subject came up I do not recall, but what I said was in language about as followes: READ: "Houdini, some of these comments and accusations must have some to your attention, surely... are you sure you didn't make some mistakes in "The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin"? HOUDINI: Yes, I did, Read. I have found that there were mistakes in the book, but I can't admit it now, as it would ruin my reputation." ——unquote—— I have no idea how reliable that report might be. I would like to think that Houdini did indeed regret writing _The Unmasking_. There is also other evidence of Houdini's second thoughts about his book. I've always felt that although there were indeed contemporaries of Robert-Houdin who also contributed to "the modernization of magic," if you combine Robert-Houdin's contributions plus his perhaps even more significant contribution in the writing of _Comment on devient sorcier: les secrets de la prestidigitation et de la magie_, I think one can say with certainty that he was indeed the Father of Modern Magic. ----- Amado "Sonny" Narvaez
----- Sonny Narvaez
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solarpk New user 51 Posts |
Thanks Anatole, that's very interesting. I read a quote somewhere that Houdini later regretted calling the book 'unmasking...' and wished he'd opted for the less controversial name of a history of magic or similar. I think that the choice of book title really betrays the truth of Houdini's character here, and I'd like to think he at least regretted it.
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Kevin Connolly Inner circle New Jersey 1329 Posts |
Quote:
On Sep 12, 2016, Jerry wrote: Yes, Houdini was really a magician. He was magician long before he was an escape artist. He did a full evening show, as a matter of fact he had two of them. As for a short burst on off the stage, a quarter of century is not a short burst with top billing. In the end, it's Houdini that people remember.
Please visit my website.
www.houdinihimself.com Always looking buy or trade for original Houdini, Hardeen and escape artist items. I'm interested in books, pitchbooks and ephemera. Email [email]hhoudini@optonline.net[/email] |
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Jerry Inner circle Some where in Florida 1402 Posts |
Quote:
On Sep 14, 2016, Kevin Connolly wrote: Magician in the broadest of terms, but Houdini made his fame as an escape artist not as a magician. A great showman yes, one of the best self promoters, yes. A great magician, no. Top billing in vaudeville. The other magicians I'd mentioned flew at a different altitude, above him. Unfortunately they are forgotten for the most part. That does not mean Houdini was a better more skilled magician then his peers, but master at marketing. McDonalds probably sells more meals then any other restaurant, that does not mean it is quality food. I know of only one full evening show, but it was not ALL magic like the other magicians. It had ESCAPE, magic, and spirit/exposure acts. What was the other act (date, location), and was it only magic? You are not thinking of the Hippodrome? He just disappear an elephant, and may be produce an eagle. Again, on and off briefly. He was part of show at that gig. |
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Leo H Inner circle 1331 Posts |
Houdini performed an all magical revue show around 1914 in Britain. It only lasted a month or so before closing. His Needles effect was magic and he performed magic from time to time aboard the transatlantic ships and for hospitals and prisons. So he wasn't strictly an escape artist, even though that did break ground for him.
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cheesewrestler Inner circle Chicago 1157 Posts |
A lot of people just never forgave Houdini for being more famous than they were. Vernon for one. "Hey look at me - I'm The Man Who Fooled Houdini!"
Makes ya wonder, if Houdini really was such an inept clown, why make such a big deal out of fooling him? Hmmm? |
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Kevin Connolly Inner circle New Jersey 1329 Posts |
Jerry,
Nothing personal, but you really have to read more bios and articles on Houdini. You could not be more misinformed about him. As for great magician, you said he was not a magician. Please don't change the wording to suit your cause. Bottom line is that he started as a magician, The King of Cards. He also said "That one wasn't really a magician if he could perform the cups and balls. As for a great magician, he was that and more.
Please visit my website.
www.houdinihimself.com Always looking buy or trade for original Houdini, Hardeen and escape artist items. I'm interested in books, pitchbooks and ephemera. Email [email]hhoudini@optonline.net[/email] |
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Jerry Inner circle Some where in Florida 1402 Posts |
Kevin,
I understand you have a passion and great enthusiasm for Houdini, I would encourage anyone to do so. Houdini is the reason I have a life long interest in magic and will continue. It started with George Pal's 1953 movie Houdini, I still think it is the best. The movie was far from accurate and contributed greatly to his myth, but very entertaining. I am not taking it personal, and you shouldn't take the following either. I am talking about Houdini. I am not trying changed anyone's admiration, just misconceptions that continue. I have read several books and articles on Houdini and that's why my view has changed. Because now I have a more informed accurate profile of Houdini. Houdini's manager Matin Beck suggested that he dump the magic (his weak point) and focus on his escapes (his strength). When Houdini did, his career took off. The self promotion of the title "King of Cards" or the "King of Coins" was a common marketing method of the time. Some deserved it like Downs and others not so. I believe Leo H's statement fair and accurate. Houdini's 30 days vs Thurston's 30 years is pretty strong math. Even though Kellar and Houdini were good friends, Kellar transferred his full evening magical show to Thurston, not Houdini. To me, that action contributes to my point. Vernon was busting Houdini's b@lls due to Houdini claiming no one could fool him and Vernon did. Vernon was rascal and he admitted it. I am not going into who was a better magician, Houdini or Vernon. I said that "Houdini was not REALLY a magician", it appears to be confusing, allow me to use Blackstone as a example to what I am trying to convey: I could accurately state (my opinion of course), that Blackstone REALLY was not a escape artist, but he did many escapes during his performing career. And yet, he was primarily known as a stage magician with a gala show full of magic, NOT as an escape artist. Another example, I can perform magic (as a hobby), but I am not REALLY a magician and most do not know me as a magician. I hope this may clear up my objective on why I don't think Houdini REALLY is not a magician by my definition. Of course some will agree, most may not. Ask the average person who is the most famous magician is, the answer will be Houdini. But what is this based on? Did they see Houdini perform in person or any other media (film/video)? To me that rating is misconception. What should it be based on, awards, earnings, or just being famous? This due to Houdini's epic marketing and promotion. Great promoter = YES! Great showman = YES! Great escape artist = HELL YES! Great magician = uh, hmm, not really. I going to refrain from making any more statements (no promises), I do not want to upset anyone. Hopefully, this will inspire everyone to read books and articles on Houdini to check my accuracy or lack of, that Kevin I totally agree with you (research). BTW Kevin – Check your blog link. |
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