News

Patreon Priority Preorder
Just a heads-up that I will be offering members of my Wild About Harry Patreon a Priority Preorder of Handcuff King: The Conquests of Harry Houdini, 1900–1909. My patrons have supported the creation of this book, and I think they deserve first crack at my limited stock. But don't worry. Even if every patron buys a book, there will still be plenty left. But if you want to make sure you are among the first to buy and receive the book (patrons' books ship first), you can always become a member.... Read more...
David Byron reviews Escaping Obscurity
David Bryon has reviewed Escaping Obscurity: The Travel Diary of Harry Houdini, 1897–1899 on his recently revived blog, Baroque Potion. This is the review of my dreams. I just wish I could have characterized the diary and its importance in the book as eloquently as David does in his review! Here's a taste: Ehrich Weiss did not keep this travel diary because he was already important, a person whose deeds merited chronicling, someone whose salad days should be documented for posterity and biographers. No, it’s just that printers like The Detroit... Read more...
Style C cover reveal card
My Handcuff King signed promo cards have been surprisingly popular and are now sold out. So I've created a new (Style C) card. This one shows the book's final cover art on the front and has book details on the back. As always, the cards are signed, and domestic shipping is FREE. This will be the last general release card. Click below to purchase. Read more...
Last call for signed promo cards
If you are interested in grabbing one of my signed promo cards for Handcuff King: The Conquests of Harry Houdini, 1900–1909, this might be your last chance. I plan to bring my remaining stock to Kansas City this week, where I will likely hand them all out. Click here or on the image below to buy. If you happen to be in the Kansas City area, please come and hear me speak at the Kansas City Central Library on September 9 at 6:00 PM. CLICK HERE or below for details. Read more...
UPS Worldwide Saver
I know International shipping is murder these days, so I'd like to recommend UPS Worldwide Saver. Shopify gets discounts from most shippers, and UPS's International rate appears to be the best. It's also fast! I recently sent a book to France, and it arrived in just 3 days. At checkout, you'll see the top three or four services and rates for your area, and you can choose the one that works best for you. I don't add any handling costs or markup. Shopify will automatically calculate and show you the... Read more...
The Magic Detective reviews Escaping Obscurity
Dean Carnegie has reviewed Escaping Obscurity: The Travel Diary of Harry Houdini, 1897–1899 on his excellent blog The Magic Detective. Dean was the lucky buyer of my recent Shelton Pool Test $91 special. Sounds like he likes it! Dean points out something I never thought about. Some schools no longer require students to learn to read cursive, which means some younger people could not read this diary. All the more reason I'm glad we did this book now, and that we translated all the diary entries into script! Goodness. Thank you,... Read more...
Shelton Pool Test Special
To mark the 100th anniversary of Houdini's famed Shelton Pool Test — in which he remained inside a submerged, sealed casket for 91 minutes — I'm offering ONE sealed copy of Escaping Obscurity: The Travel Diary of Harry Houdini, 1897-1899 for $91. That's a dollar per minute, and 27% off the normal cover price. Aren't you glad he didn't stay longer? This price applies to one book only, so if you haven't picked up Escaping Obscurity, now may be the time to take the plunge! SOLD Read more...
Handcuff King signed promo cards
My new book, Handcuff King: The Conquests of Harry Houdini, 1900-1909, will soon go to the printer, and by the end of the year you should have it in your hands. I'm very proud of it and can't wait to share. In the meantime, I am offering two signed promotional cards with original Houdini advertising images that will appear in the book. Handcuff King Signed Promo Postcards Each card is just $5 with free shipping in the U.S. Flat-rate shipping internationally. Choose your favorite or get them both! Supplies are... Read more...
Back in stock
I have replenished my stock of Escaping Obscurity: The Travel Diary of Harry Houdini, 1897-1899. Once again, I have SIGNED copies available for purchase. I will also include a signed promotional postcard for the next chapter, Handcuff King: The Conquests of Harry Houdini, 1900–1909, with every order. So if you've yet to make the escape, here's your chance! Read more...
Appleton cover reveal
I will be revealing the cover of my new book, Handcuff King: The Conquests of Harry Houdini, 1900-1909, next week at the Society of American Magicians Convention in Houdini's adopted hometown of Appleton, Wisconsin. Members of my Patreon will also get a first look. I've now launched a product page for the book. The plan is for it to go to the printer in July with an eye toward a Fall release. I've worked hard to make it the Houdini book of my dreams, and I can't wait to share... Read more...
Free International shipping at magicwords.com
While I am currently sold out of my stock of Escaping Obscurity, publisher Mike Caveney's Magic Words has books in stock and has just announced, for a limited time, FREE SHIPPING ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD.  The cost of international shipping is a big problem in the world of specialty magic publications. But for a limited time, it's not a problem for YOU. CLICK HERE or the image below to get a copy of Escaping Obscurity: The Travel Diary of Harry Houdini, 1897-1899 with FREE SHIPPING. Read more...
Alternate contact email
If you are experiencing any issues contacting me, feel free to send an email directly to johncox@wildabouthoudini.com Read more...