Lot 990

"The Life and Afterlife of Harry Houdini" by Joe Posnanski 2019 HC Houdini Influence On Magicians 1st/1st In DJ

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"The Life and Afterlife of Harry Houdini" by Joe Posnanski 2019 HC Houdini Influence On Magicians 1st/1st In DJ

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Estimate: $50 - $75

Starting Bid: $10

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by The Book Barn
August 13, 2026 5:00 PM EDT
Timed Auction
353 Indian Village Road
Shapliegh, ME, US 07076

VINTAGE 2019 Hardcover Influence of Houdini Life On Magicians 1st Edition 1st Printing In Dust Jacket. "The Life and Afterlife of Harry Houdini" by Joe Posnanski. HARDCOVER 2019 Avid Reader/Simon & Schuster 1st Edition 1st Printing with numbers 1-10 on copyright page. Exactly as shown in listing scan(s). Nice Collectible 1st Edition 1st Printing hardcover copy in Dust Jacket.

"Author Joe Posnanski enters the world of Harry Houdini and his legions of devoted fans in an immersive, entertaining, and magical work on the illusionist's impact on American culture—and why his legacy endures to this day. Nearly a century after Harry Houdini died on Halloween in 1926, he feels as modern and alive as ever. The name Houdini still leaps to mind whenever we witness a daring escape. The baby who frees herself from her crib? Houdini. The dog who vanishes and reappears in the neighbor's garden? Houdini. Every generation produces new disciples of the magician, from household names in magic like David Copperfield and David Blaine to countless other followers whose lives have been transformed by the power of Houdini. In "The Life and Afterlife of Harry Houdini," award-winning journalist and #1 New York Times bestselling author Joe Posnanski enters Houdini World to understand why the magician still enthralls people. Posnanski immerses himself in Houdini's past and present, visiting landmarks, museums (including one owned by Copperfield), attractions, and private archives. Filled with false histories and improbable facts, Houdini's life is an irresistible contradiction. His sweeping afterlife is no less fascinating. In rural Pennsylvania, a thirteen-year-old girl finds the courage to leave a violent home after learning that Houdini ran away to join the circus; she eventually becomes the first female magician to saw a man in half on television. In Australia, an eight-year-old boy with a learning impediment feels worthless until he sees an old poster of Houdini advertising "Nothing on earth can hold Houdini prisoner," and begins his path to becoming that nation's most popular magician. In California, an actor and Vietnam War veteran finds purpose in his life by uncovering the secrets of his hero. But the unique phenomenon of Houdini was always more than his death-defying stunts or his ability to escape handcuffs and straitjackets. It is also about the power of imagination and self-invention. His incredible transformation from Ehrich Weiss, humble Hungarian immigrant and rabbi's son, into the self-named Harry Houdini has won him a slice of immortality. No one has withstood the test of time quite like Houdini. Fueled by Posnanski's personal obsession with the magician—and magic itself—"The Life and Afterlife of Harry Houdini" is a poignant odyssey of discovery, blending biography, memoir, and first-person reporting to trace Houdini's metamorphosis into an iconic figure who has inspired millions. Posnanski takes us on a joyous, thrilling, and, yes, magical journey to discover why Houdini endures—and what he still has to teach the world about wonder.. A Select Bibliography at the end makes further research easier."

LIKE COPY; ONLY FLAW IS SHORT BLACK LINE ON TOP OUTSIDE TEXT BLACK. Illustrated with photos. Internally tight & unmarked. Binding Exterior; all lettering/decoration bright. SELDOM PRESENT $28 unclipped DJ. NOT X-LIBRARY. ALL ITEMS ARE GUARANTEED TO BE ACCURATELY DESCRIBED, NOT DEFECTIVE, & GENUINE.

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  • Condition: Like New Condition

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We do all our own shipping. Shipping will be added to winning bidder's invoice for item(s) won. Media Mail postage from USPS will be used for shipping in the United States for those items allowed. Lowest alternative cost shipping will be billed for items not allowed by USPS to be shipped by Media Mail. Foreign winning bidders will pay postage based on their countries small/medium/large Flat Rate box postage rates & weight of the package. Other types of postage are available at added expense at the bidders request. You also agree to pay any applicable taxes and/or customs/import duties. A Tracking Number will be provided to buyer. Insurance is mandatory on packages over $100 USD and will be added to postage charges when applicable.

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