If you're in my data base, then you received the email about the update.
If you're NOT in my data base and would like to receive future monthly emails - please click here:
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Some of the items have sold (or on hold), as the buyers in my data base have the opportunity to make purchases first.
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www.GranHoudini.net
Please email if you've any questions, on any of the items
-or-
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Thanks,
SPARKY
STEPHEN A. SPARKS
Stephen A. Sparks Collectibles
Specializing in Houdiniana
P. O. Box 1345
Spring, Texas 77383-1345 USA
281-353-1014 (Phone)
281-827-4001 (Cell)
Email: Houdini374@aol.com
Website: www.GranHoudini.net
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3018-3274) AMERICAN FILM MAGAZINE, Volume 3, #6 April 1978.
Inside article:
"THE MAGICIAN and the MOVIES" by Erik Barnouw.
Before Mr. Barnouw published his 128 page, Hardbound book by almost the same name ("The Magician and the Cinema"), he wrote a smaller version of the topic for the American Film Magazine.
Like the book, this Lead-in article discusses the extensive role Magicians played in the evolution of cinema. Magicians created the trick film, which laid the foundation for the special effects of modern cinema.
This article shows what Magicians were doing with moving images, magic lanterns, etc. long before the motion pictures.
As a nice bonus, the magazine has a Great Cover shot of Houdinis Rare Poster from his 15-part Silent Movie Serial THE MASTER MYSTERY. - $25.00
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3019-8728) THE CASE FOR and AGAINST PSYCHICAL BELIEF.
Edited by Carl Murchison. HardBound with 365 pages.
In December 1925, Harry Houdini, Prof. Wm. McDougall and Carl Murchinson thought it would be a good idea to have a symposium where experts in their related fields could "Thrash out the entire matter in public". Clark University agreed to host the event. This book (published by Clark University of Worcester, Massachusetts in 1927) is the results.
A collection of essays separated into:
"Convinced of the Multiplicity of Psychical Phenomena"
"Convinced of the Rarity of Genuine Psychical Phenomena"
"Unconvinced as Yet"
"Antagonistic to the Claims that Such Phenomena Occur"
Contributor's included:
Sir Oliver Lodge - Sir Arthur Conon Doyle - Frederick Bligh Bond - L.R.G. Crandon - Mary Austin - Margaret Deland - William McDougall - Hans Driesch - Walter Franklin Prince - F.C.S. Schiller - John E. Coover - Gardner Murphy - Joseph Jastro -and- Harry Houdini.
The content page has been reproduced, below, for ease in reading.
Covers have a few blemishes. Please refer to photos, below. Pages, inside, are just fine. - $75.00
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>>>>>LayAway is available. If this is for you - just email for details.<<<<<
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3020-4587) THE INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF MAGICIANS Lapel Pin
Exceptional quality, nicely enameled in blue.
Original screw-back closure attached.
Back marked:
GORDON B MILLER & CO / CINTI, O
Measures 9/16" in diameter.
Pin isn't flat on the right side, my scanner cropped it a bit too close. It's completely round, as can be seen in the photo, showing the pin in the plastic box.
Excellent condition, with no damage. - $20.00
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3021-8624) SPOOK CROOKs!
Exposing the Secrets of the Prophet-eers who Conduct our Wickedest Industry
By Julien J Proskauer - chairman of Press Committee and a trustee parent assembly number one of the society of American Magicians - member International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM) International Magic Circle, Magicians' Club of London, etc - profusely illustrated by James and Howard Savage.
Copyright 1932 and published by A.L. Burt Company of New York and Chicago.
First Edition
The content page has been reproduced, below, for ease in reading.
The author, a well known Magician and ardent foe of the deceptions by fraudulent con artists, exposes the spirit mediums, fortune tellers, spiritualists, and the pseudo-science of astrology, numerology, palmistry, tea leaf reading, and other false doctrines created to impress the gullible, separate them from their money and make the con artist/swindler wealthy.
HardBound with DustJacket and 300 pages.
Book measures approx. 5 3/4"x8 1/2". - $65.00
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3022-4684) TALEs OF ESCAPE by Paul Dowswell
Copyright 1994 and published by Scholastic, Inc. of New York, Toronto, London, Auckland, and Sydney.
SoftBound with 64 pages.
Over a dozen articles about escaping from prisons, castles, etc..
This includes a four page article about Houdini:
HARRY HOUDINI, Escaping For A Living
Just another fine example of you never know where a Houdini article is going to turn up for Houdiniana collectors.
Book measures approx. 7"x9 3/4". - $15.00
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3023-7458) MAJOKE Magazine.
A GREAT SPOOF of the magic magazine MAGIC.
Published by Dan Harlan et al. back in 1998. This issue contains a MASSIVE 96 pages.
Just some of the funnies include:
National Magic Conventions (B.U.M. and S.P.A.M.) - An Eyeful of JISM - The Snapper (Sticky J is at it again...) - Worlds Lamest Magic - From the Preditor (Scam Allen) - ZZZZzzzz (Keez Snoozenburg) - Markupplace (Michael Blose) - Convections (Scott Swells).
And I can't even go into the hilarious advertisements, without probably getting in trouble. Ha!!
If you haven't had a GOOD Laugh in a while, you definitely NEED to read this magazine. - $20.00
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3024-5678) The Complete IDIOTs Guide To MAGIC TRICKs by Tom Ogden
SoftBound and published, in 1999, by Alpha Books of New York, New York.
This book was apparently a gift, but never used.
Previous owners name written all over the front and back covers. Plus, there's an inscription to the owner, by those giving him the book.
Book measures approx. 7x9 with 374pages.
Price on the back of the book reads: $18.95.
Are you, or you child, new to magic and looking to learn some great magic effects?
Then this is for you. - $10.00
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3025-1337) 1999 MAGIC Catalogue: Houdini Magical Hall of Fame
The Houdini Magician Hall of Fame would have a massive fire on April 30, 1995, but not all items were destroyed in the fire.
4 1/2 years later, a lot of the surviving items were auctioned off at Butterfield&Butterfield on November 15, 1999.
465 auctions lots with 150+ COLOR photo illustrations.
SoftBound with 67pages.
Measures approx. 8 1/2"x11".
This offering is for the auction catalogue only. The photo, of the fire, isn't included - only included for show.
Prices Realized sheet included. - $45.00
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3026-8821) THREE SWANN "MAGIC" AUCTION CATALOGUEs
a) 2001 - The Doug Edwards Collection
231 auctions lots with 66 photo illustrations.
SoftBound with 56pages.
Measures approx. 6 1/2"x9 1/2". - $25.00
There are handwritten price notations, next to many of the lots. Almost as though the previous owner, of this catalogue, was actively participating in a very serious nature.
b) 2002 - The Manny Weltman HOUDINI Collection
253 auctions lots with 76 photo illustrations.
SoftBound with 67pages.
Measures approx. 6 1/2"x9 1/2". - $25.00
There are handwritten price notations, next to many of the lots. Almost as though the previous owner, of this catalogue, was actively participating in a very serious nature.
c) 2005 - The Christian Fechner Collection - Sale #1
This collection was so HUGH, it took a total of three auctions over the years 2005, 2006 and 2007.
Sadly, Mr. Fechner would die, only a little over a year later on November 25, 2008, at the age of 64.
350 auctions lots with an IMPRESSIVE 400+ Color and Black-n-White photo illustrations.
SoftBound with 162pages.
Measures approx. 8 1/2" 11 3/4". - $45.00
You think Houdiniana is expensive today, wait till you check out some of the prices in these catalogues.
Prices Realized sheet included with each catalogue
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>>>Remember, all these descriptions are on my WebSite -and- include 100s of color photographs, as well. Click this link: www.GranHoudini.net <<<
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3027-2134) Bibliography on Houdini Magic Books
Craige M. Snader, Jr. -and- Sidney Radner
As Craige Snader put it:
Dear Fellow Magic Collector:
Sid Radner gave me a photocopy of this list. (Nobody knows who wrote it.) The general opinion is that is was written shortly after Houdini's magic books arrived at the Library of Congress.
There are 649 listings covering Houdini books in:
Belgium - Chinese - Dutch - English - French - German
Hungarian - Italian - Portuguese - Spanish - Swedish
Measures 8x11 with 31pages. - $35.00
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3028-9764) SCIENCE and INVENTION Magazine
September 1929. Volume 17, #5.
Spread out over three pages:
DUNNINGERs Sensational Buzz-Saw Illusion.
Can you solve this mystery?
More than $250.00 in prizes.
This is followed by an article spread out over three pages:
Slater Refuses Spirit Test
Medium who reads messages refuses one more for $21,000.00.
On page 424 is:
MAGIC by Dunninger
This discusses Materializations, Demon Swordsmanship, and The Talkative Coin.
Quite a lot of material in this magazine from 1929. - $35.00
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3029-3456) HISTORY TODAY March-April 1989 Volume 14, #2
Published by the Outagamie County Historical Society, Inc. of Appleton, Wisconsin.
Special Commemorative Issue announcing the opening of the Houdini Exhibit at the Outagamie Museum.
First couple pages have to do with Sidney Radner, since it was his collection, which was on loan.
Articles inside include:
Is Master of Locks and Bolts
Houdini Talks Entertainingly of His Travels
How Houdini Got His Start
Some of the Wonderful Feats Accomplished by Houdini
Several photos and illustrations.
Measures 8x11 with 12pages.
The BONUS of this offering, Sid Radner has signed the cover. - $20.00
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3030-3390) GENII Magazine - November 1993 Volume 57, #1
HOUDINI: A Special Issue
Patrick Culliton and his wife Tracey L. Williams on the cover.
No less than seven articles, spread out over 13 pages.
I've reproduced the content page, below, for ease in reading.
The BONUS of this offering Patrick Culliton has signed the cover.
I've blocked out who it is signed to.
Great reading, from a person who has penned many books and articles about Houdini. - $35.00
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3031-3730) Little Known HOUDINI Related Facts by Stephen Forrester
This two page article contains many many interesting facts about Houdini and his various family members.
Magazine measures 7x8 with a total of 40pages.
Published in Northern Peaks, A Journal For Canadian Magicians.
I bet there are a few "facts", here, for even the best Houdini expert. - $25.00
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3032-8871) MAGIC Magazine - Volume 1, #3 November 1991
Very early issue #3 of this Wonderful publication.
SoftBound, measures 8"x11 with 54pages.
Those who autographed the magazine are:
Christopher Hart
Sidney Radner
Johnny Gaughan
John Moehring
Reni Lavand
Fantasio
Rene Levand (2nd signing)
Content page has been reproduced, above, for ease in reading. - $75.00
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3033-5898) HARPERs NEW MONTHLY MAGAZINE, "New Monthly Magazine".
Volume 55, #330 - November 1877.
Well, it might have been new then, but it's 132+ YEARs OLD TODAY!!!
On page 817 begins a Very Historic 15 page article on ROBERT HOUDIN entitled:
"The King of Conjurers"
There are 11 illustrations - these include:
Robert-Houdin - The Old Style of Trick Table - Houdin's Trick Table - The Conjurer's Parlor - The Conjurer's Ghost - The Magic Basket - The Double Bottom - The Bust of Socrates - The Four Harps - Houdin's Spirit Rapper - The Cabinet Trick.
In addition to these 11 illustrations there are 7 diagrams!!
A ton of information on the man HOUDINI would idolize, when first starting out as a Magician.
A great offering for you Robert-Houdin collectors. - $75.00
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3034-0942) HOUDINI OXFORD DIE CAST TRUCK SET
This limited edition set was produced to celebrate the life of Houdini, who died on October 31st, 1926. He had stunned audiences everywhere with his awe inspiring illusions, escaping from Strait-Jackets and disappearing through brick walls. This set of Vehicles commemorates the 75th anniversary of his death.
Images shown on both sides of the trucks:
Buried Alive, Master Mystifier HOUDINI
Europe's Eclipsing Sensation HOUDINI
The HOUDINIs Metamorphous
Harry HOUDINI, King of Cards
Trucks measure approx. 3 1/2"x1 1/4" - box holding trucks approx. 7 1/2"x7 1/2"
Comes with a card showing this is set #0431 of 2,500 - $45.00
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>>>>>LayAway is available. If this is for you - just email for details.<<<<<
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Assortment of magician-themed Figurines and Statues:
3035-6823) Bear Magician
The bear, wears a lime green turban with large feather coming out the top.
In his left hand, he holds his magic wand.
In his right hand, he holds a top hat, from which he has just produced a white rabbit.
On the underside, it is stamped:
"Avon 1993"
Made of ceramic, it measures approx. 4 1/2" tall and has no chips or cracks. - $25.00
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3036-9574) Italian Clown Magician Figurine #1
The performer wears a purple shirt, a large orange tie with red stripes, lime green pants, oversized shoes, a LONG black coat and small top hat.
His left hand holds a top hat, while his right hands produces a white rabbit.
A metal plate, on the front of the wooden base, states:
"Da Vinci Collection"
Made of resin, it measures approx. 5 1/2" tall, and has no chips or cracks. - $25.00
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3037-8256) Italian Clown Magician Figurine #2
The magician, wears a checkered shirt, yellow baggy pants, oversize red shoes and a long turquoise colored coat.
In his left hand, the magician holds a rabbit by the ears, as if having just produced it from the top hat, he's holding in his right hand.
The magician slightly bent over - as if taking a bow for his amazing feat.
Stamped on the backside of the base is:
"ITALY"
Made of resin, it measures approx. 6 1/2" tall and as can be seen in the photos, below, is quite colorful. - $25.00
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3038-7032) Clown Magician Figurine
The magician, wears a light blue, oversize, one piece puffy costume, with ruffle collar and a small blue/white hat.
A handkerchief is dangling down from his right hand, directly over a white rabbit (which sits on the table) - as if the magician just produced the rabbit.
Made of ceramic, it measures approx. 4 3/4" tall, and has no chips or cracks. - $25.00
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3039-4577) THE AMAZING BAILEY...MAGIC SHOW AT 4
The Dollstone Collection. Limited Edition Series No.2. Produced in October 1997. On the bottom, it is hand numbered: #1962.
Check out this most incredible, detailed piece from the nine photos below. Remember, these are ThumbNail photos - click any, to bring up the larger photo, then your back arrow to come back to this page.
You'll see The Amazing Bailey, the bear on the floor (under the trap door), the bear that's going to be sawed in half, and the magician's friends looking on from the front of the stage. Oh yea, lets not forget the rabbit in the top hat!!
On the underside, there's an Oscar Wilde quote:
"The World is divided into two classes, those who believe the incredible, and those who do the improbable".
Comes with original box and packing, no chips or cracks. - $45.00
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3040-7539) NOTES TO HOUDINI!!! by Kenneth Silverman
If you have the GREAT Houdini biography (HOUDINI, The Career of Ehrich Weiss) by Kenneth Silverman, then you need the book of NOTES' published by Richard Kaufmann and Alan Greenberg.
1996. First Edition. HardBound and measures approx. 6 1/4"x9 1/4" with 182 pages.
A wonderful addition to the biography. With over a dozen photos not in the biography -and- some of them Never published.
As the author puts it:
"The notes contain additional new material about Houdini, discuss a few fine-points, and , most important, document the information in the book. And they point to sources for further research".
Book appears to be in mint condition, as if the previous owner placed it on the shelf and never read it.
Extremely limited to only 500 copies and Sold Out for many many years. - $175.00
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3041-4632) Houdini Statue - Straight Jacket Release
Limited Edition: #496 of 500
This Strait-Jacket Release statue was beautifully sculpted by Mo Flint for The Houdini Collection.
Each piece, of this numbered and limited edition of 500, has been painstakingly hand painted in exact detail.
Whether you are a magician, a collector or know someone who is, you will appreciate the authentic styling of this classic sculpture.
Released by Blue Radish sculpture studios, who specialize in toys and collectibles.
The statue is pretty heavy, in that it weighs almost Three Pounds -and- comes with its original packing box.
On the underside of the base/stand is felt covering, showing the numbering, etc.- $100.00
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3042-2695) HOUDINI...and Beyond An Extremely Limited Art Print.
19 Years Ago, Award Winning Artist, Diane K. Sparks (no relation), did an Original painting of Houdini.
From this Original, a Limited Edition of Quality Art Prints were made.
Along the bottom white border, each print was Hand Numbered, Titled and Signed by the Artist.
The Art Print measures 22x28 on 65lb, Acid Free, THICK Cover Paper with fade resistant ink.
The Print shows Houdini bound in chains, while a ghostly image of his Mother looks on: from Beyond. - $75.00
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3043-7698) ABRACADABRA Magazine.
Published by Goodliffe in Birmingham and Alcester, England.
The World's ONLY Weekly magazine!!
The photos, above, show a HUGE selection of Abra's spanning the years 1946 to 1989.
There are over 1500 issues, weighing around 120pounds.
Price is only $600.00 -and- that's with insured shipping anywhere within the United States.
For those of you in Alaska, Hawaii and outside of the USA, I will pay the first $100.00 of shipping, you pay the rest.
PayPal is fine - LayAway is fine.
Email me directly, for the complete breakdown of what's included.
************************************************
***********************************
STEPHEN A. SPARKS
Stephen A. Sparks Collectibles
Specializing in Houdiniana
P. O. Box 1345
Spring, Texas 77383-1345 USA
281-353-1014 (Phone)
281-827-4001 (Cell)
Email: Houdini374@aol.com
Website: www.GranHoudini.net