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We’ve been working up an article on Houdini’s extensive literary activities. But until we ran across this rare document from 1918, we had no idea that Renaissance Man Harry had ever acted as a literary agent.
It’s a contract in which Harry and his assistant are representing 79-year old Angelo Lewis, better known to the trade as Professor Hoffmann. They are contracting for the publication of Hoffmann’s last book Latest Magic.
Interestingly, Hoffmann’s first book, Modern Magic, was the very first book on magic Harry ever bought, for ten cents.
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| Houdini's first magic book |
Even more interesting: unlike all agents’ contracts before or since, this one specifically renounces any percentage of the action. Harry remits all royalties to the author, arguably the most successful and influential magic writer of all time.
Lewis/Hoffmann, an amateur magician and professional British barrister, died the following year. All his books are still in print today.
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If Hoffmann was to keep all royalties, what was in it for HH? What's the hidden reason here besides just breaking even from sales and giving Hoffmann the gravy?
ReplyDeleteI think he did it simply for the love of the art, and as a tribute to Prof. Hoffmann. He didn't need the money at that point.
ReplyDeleteThank you David! It had to be for the love of it and admiration for the good professor because as you mentioned, HH was making good money.
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