News

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...
OFFICIAL POLICE NEWS
I'm hearing rumors that people are getting this in the mail. Sounds serious! Read more...
Look who made the Escape
Writer-magician Patrick Terry, who also plays Houdini in the acclaimed play Houdini Speaks to the Living, added Escaping Obscurity to his research arsenal.  Read more...
Low stock alert!
My stock of Escaping Obscurity: The Travel Diary of Harry Houdini, 1897-1899 is running low. Read more...
How to pay by check
I understand that Shopify only offers electronic payments, such as credit cards and PayPal. But if you want to do it the way it was done back in Houdini's day, I'm happy to accept Checks, Money Orders, and even Cash. Read more...