[Manuscript scrapbook of magic tricks]
Contributors: Houdini, Harry, 1874-1926; Harry Houdini Collection (Library of Congress)
Published: 1902
Language: eng
Number of pages: 250
Subjects: Notebooks, sketchbooks; Tricks; Magic tricks
Description: Scrapbook chiefly of manuscript magic trick instructions, many of which are multi-paged and attached to a single scrapbook page.  There are a few mimeographed ms. and typescripts; and several clippings from magic supplies catalogs, often heavily annotated by the author.  Some additions and annotations by Houdini.  Indexed by type of trick.  Includes an ALS from Plate to Harry Houdini, 25 May 1917, giving Houdini the scrapbook.  Laid in is a pencil sketch of a pillory apparatus, probably by Houdini and typescript notes, dated 14 Mar. 1902, "Hofzinzer's tricks, as explained to Houdini by Herr von O. Ficher [i.e.,Ottokar Fischer), Vienna, Austria."
Notes: Bequest: Estate of Harry Houdini, April 1927.

Author was a Dutch-born magician who emigrated to the U.S. in 1877, best known for his mental magic.  Co-authored Magicians' tricks (1910).