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Highlight from the Magic Collection: The Riddle of Chung Ling Soo, Will Dexter

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Photograph of cover of The Ridde of Chung Ling Soo by Will Dexter Dexter, Will, "The Riddle of Chung Ling Soo", (London: Arco, 1955)

GV1545.S66 D49 1955

“…With his death was revealed one of the great illusions this master of illusions had perpetrated – his own identity.”

William Ellsworth “Billy” Robinson, a native of New York, is best known as Chung Ling Soo. As Soo, he remained silent and only spoke through an interpreter. His first words in public after assuming the identity were his last as his Bullet Catch trick malfunctioned, fatally wounding him.

Highlight from the Magic Collection: Miracle Mongers and their Methods by Harry Houdini

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Harry Houdini, Miracle Mongers and their Methods (New York: E.P. Dutton & Co., c1920)

Library Call Number: GV1543.H68 1920

Renowned illusionist Harry Houdini baffled audiences of the early twentieth century with his death-defying feats. Unlike some of his contemporaries, he never claimed superhuman abilities and insisted a rational explanation lay behind his escape acts. As President of the Society of American Magicians, he fulfilled his role of upholding the standards of the profession by exposing charlatans.

New Acquisition - Magic Collection

Friday, January 25, 2013

Previously housed at the Witchurch-Stouffville Public Library, Archives and Research Collections recently acquired the former Art Latcham Memorial Magic Collection. It is comprised of books, magazines, and ephemera related to illusion, sleight of hand, and related subjects. This collection is currently being catalogued for inclusion in Archives and Research Collections’ Rare Book collection.