A Century After Houdini's Death, His Books Go on Show in Texas
Harry Houdini died 100 years ago this Halloween, and a new exhibition in Austin, Texas, is marking the anniversary with the books and printed items he collected. The Art Newspaper reported the show, called "Houdini's Library."
Houdini died on 31 October 1926, at age 52, from a ruptured appendix. He was on tour at the time. He is still one of the best-known names in stage magic, known for escaping from chains, locked trunks and water tanks.
The exhibition is held at the Harry Ransom Center, a research library and museum at the University of Texas at Austin. It spotlights Houdini's collection of books and ephemera. Ephemera are everyday printed items, such as posters, programmes and handbills, that people often throw away and rarely keep.
The centre describes Houdini as a magician, escape artist, businessman, aviator, author and actor. His papers there include letters and photographs. Eric Colleary is the centre's curator of theatre and performing arts.
The collection did not stay in one place. Houdini's magic books went to the Library of Congress in Washington, DC. His drama collection arrived at the University of Texas at Austin in 1958, and the Ransom Center still holds it.
The show runs until 24 January 2027. The centre says its exhibitions are open Tuesday to Friday, from 10am to 5pm. A book with the same title, Houdini's Library, was published by Abbeville Press.
For most people, Houdini means the stunts. This exhibition turns to the paper behind them: the reading, the printed material and the business of a performer who was also a writer and an actor. Visitors who want to see it before the run ends have until late January.
