AAA+++ good read can't wait for next book

Imagine yourself being present at a location or in a situation Houdini identifies, experiencing what Houdini would be experiencing, with great detail being provided of the events and circumstances as they then existed. That is what one experiences in this fascinating book “Escaping Obscurity, the Travel Diary of Harry Houdini, 1897-1899.” From beginning to end, the book kept my attention because I was seeing and experiencing what Houdini felt and experienced as he began his career and rose to fame. You will not be disappointed in acquiring and reading this book. There are so many fascinating details you cannot but help want to read more. I’ve read it once, and am on my second reading!

This book is an absolute piece of art. Its pages feel like a brilliantly curated museum exhibit that you can have on your bookshelf and visit any time. This book illuminates a key time in Houdini history and is an invaluable source: both via the nature of its primary source material and the thoughtful weaving of this into historical context with its annotation.

Wonderful work realized by bringing to life an actual diary of Houdini from the collection of Dr. Bruce Averbook, with extensive research data supplied by John Cox, providing greater insight/commentary and excellently presented by the graphic/media skills of Michael Albright....all together thanks to Mike Caveney's Magic Words publishing.

Thanks to all concerned, an often glossed-over, neglected time of Houdini's life and career, has been rescued for history today.

A treasure trove that clarifies much of Houdini's early career. As close as we can get to being there at the time.

The layout and the manner in which it was done is simply amazing. To be honest, when I heard that Houdini's diary was being published and I had seen how small it was in person, I really did wonder what kind of magic they'd do to actually turn it into a full-fledged book...well, they succeed! Not only do we get new info regarding Houdini, but we also get a glimpse of his life before becoming a star. For any fan of magic, Houdini, or magic history this book is an absolute must have. I cannot recommend it enough!

For 50 years I have been reading everything that I can get my hands on to learn something new about Harry Houdini. “Escaping Obscurity” has numerous Houdini facts that I had not previously known and many pictures that have never been published. The photos and high quality design alone make the book worth the price of purchase. A one of a kind book, that is of course, until the next volume is published.