Magicians

Juggler's oracle, or, the whole art of legerdemain laid open.

Also available in digital form on the Library of Congress Web site.

Coming! Prof. H.B. Reynolds the world renowned sorcerer, necromancer, ...

Created by "What Cheer Show Print, R.I." Forms part of: Magic poster collection (Library of Congress)

Von Arx, magician, illusionist - Public domain portrait painting

Created by "Morgan Litho. Co., Cleveland, O., U.S.A." No. 12128. Transferred from; LC Rare Book and Special Collections Division; 1956. Forms part of: Magic poster collection (Library of Congress) Forms part of... More

[Harry Houdini, half-length portrait, facing front]

Picryl description: Public domain vintage artistic photograph, free to use, no copyright restrictions image. Harry Houdini was a Hungarian-American magician and escapologist, born in Budapest in 1874. He was o... More

[Harry Houdini and Chinese magician Ching Ling Foo, full-length portra...

Harry Houdini was a Hungarian-American magician and escapologist, born in Budapest in 1874. He was one of the most famous and successful magicians of his time, known for his spectacular escape acts and death-de... More

[Harry Houdini, full-length portrait, standing, and Harry Kellar, seat...

Harry Houdini was a Hungarian-American magician and escapologist, born in Budapest in 1874. He was one of the most famous and successful magicians of his time, known for his spectacular escape acts and death-de... More

[The Houdinis and the Hymans, three-quarter length portrait, standing...

Public domain photograph - Portrait, United States, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Thurston the great magician the wonder show of the universe.

Caption: The magician's painting comes to life. Created by National Ptg. & Eng. Co., N.Y. No. 1946N2. Transferred from; LC Rare Book and Special Collections Division; 1956. Forms part of: Magic poster collectio... More

[Beatrice Houdini, head-and-shoulders portrait, facing front]

Harry Houdini was a Hungarian-American magician and escapologist, born in Budapest in 1874. He was one of the most famous and successful magicians of his time, known for his spectacular escape acts and death-de... More

A night in the Orient the pioneer mentalist Newmann the Great and his ...

Transferred from; LC Rare Book and Special Collections Division; 1956. Forms part of: Magic poster collection (Library of Congress) Forms part of: McManus-Young collection of pictorial material relating to magic.

Kellar, American vaudeville and popular entertainment 1870 1920

36255 U.S. Copyright Office Created and "copyright 1899 by The Strobridge Litho. Co., Cincinnati & New York." N.Y. no. 8502. Similar larger versions of poster: POS - MAG - .K44, no. 8 (C size); POS - MAG - .K44... More

Kellar's startling wonder, American vaudeville and popular entertainme...

Z29087 U.S. Copyright Office Caption: The Cassadaga propaganda. Created and "copyright 1894 by The Strobridge Lith. Co., Cin'ti & New York." No. 5803A. Forms part of: Magic poster collection (Library of Congress)

Kellar, American vaudeville and popular entertainment 1870 1920

D10719 U.S. Copyright Office Caption: Levitation. Created and "copyright 1900 by The Strobridge Litho Co, Cincinnati & New York." N.Y. No. 8949 Forms part of: Magic poster collection (Library of Congress) Upper... More

Houdini letterhead from 1912 - Public domain book scan / engraving

Letterhead with cameo portrait of Harry Houdini in profile; a note signed by Houdini identifies this item as his steel engraving letterhead of 1912, made in Bradford, England. From the collections of the Rare B... More

Frederick Bancroft, prince of magicians

Public domain image of an engraving, male portrait, free to use, no copyright restrictions - Picryl description

The great Victorina Troupe originators and presenters of the most marv...

"See Kar-mi" pasted over Victorina on top of poster; Victorina also performed as the magician, Kar-mi. "Shoots a gun barrel while it is down his throat; swallows an electric light; the $10,000.00 novelty act; t... More

A presidential conjuror / J. Keppler., Political Cartoon

Print shows President Chester A. Arthur as a magician on a stage, pulling cards out of a hat and tossing them into the audience; the cards are labeled "Secretary of Navy, Foreign Minister, Interior, Consulate, ... More

Challenge to Houdini, Regent Theatre, Salford

Committee letter challenging Houdini to escape from "one of their extra strong and large travelling baskets" and his reply. "Palace Theatre, Friday, May 1st, 1914 at 6:45 & 9:0." Created by "John Heywood Ltd.,... More

Richards, the world's greatest magician and his big company the bigges...

At head of title: City Auditorium, Durham, N.C. Pieces missing from upper right corner and upper right side. Transferred from; LC Rare Book and Special Collections Division; 1956. Forms part of: Magic poster co... More

Houdini, nothing on earth can hold Houdini! Fred Ray & Co. in an inten...

At head of title: Orpheum Theatre, advanced vaudeville, week opens Monday evening, Oct. 14, matinee every day except Monday. Created by "The Smith-Brooks Co., Show Printers, Denver." Transferred from; LC Rare B... More

Houdini, nothing on earth can hold Houdini! Fred Ray & Co. in an inten...

At head of title: Orpheum Theatre, advanced vaudeville, week opens Monday evening, Oct. 14, matinee every day except Monday. Created by "The Smith-Brooks Co., Show Printers, Denver." Transferred from; LC Rare B... More

Thurston, the famous magician East Indian rope-trick : world's most fa...

Public domain scan of American poster, advertisement, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Thurston, the famous magician East Indian rope-trick : world's most fa...

Public domain scan of American poster, United States, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Thurston the great magician the wonder show of the universe.

"Made in U.S.A." Created by "The Otis Lithograph Co., Cleveland, O." No. O-1377. Transferred from; LC Rare Book and Special Collections Division; 1956. Forms part of: Magic poster collection (Library of Congres... More

Herrmann the Great Co. - Public domain portrait print

Caption: Leon Herrmann. Created by "The H.C. Miner Litho. Co., N.Y." No. 6825. Small portrait of Herrman the Great in upper left corner. Forms part of: Magic poster collection (Library of Congress)

Herrmann the Great Co. - Public domain portrait print

Caption: Leon Herrmann. Created by "The H.C. Miner Litho. Co., N.Y." No. 6825. Small portrait of Herrman the Great in upper left corner. Forms part of: Magic poster collection (Library of Congress)

Newmann's wonderful spirit mysteries

"Printed in U.S.A. by Donaldson Litho. Co., Newport, KY." No. 5786. Transferred from; LC Rare Book and Special Collections Division; 1956. Forms part of: Magic poster collection (Library of Congress) Forms part... More

Herrmann the Great Co. 3rd annual tour of the Herrmann the Great Co. :...

Includes small portraits of Leon and Adelaide Herrmann. Created by "The Metropolitan Print., 222 to 232 W. 26th St., New York." No. 567? Piece missing on edge. Forms part of: Magic poster collection (Library of Congress)

Harry Houdini, king of cards - Public domain painting

Created by "National Pr. & Eng. Co., Chicago." No. 1838. Transferred from; LC Rare Book and Special Collections Division; 1956. Forms part of: Magic poster collection (Library of Congress) Forms part of: McManu... More

[Houdini makes spirit hands] - Public domain book illustration, Librar...

In this sequence of photographs Houdini demonstrated how spirit hands that appeared at seances were made by less ethereal beings. In "A magician among the spirits" Houdini described the mediumistic fraud known ... More

Theatrical reflection, or a peep at the looking glass curtain at the R...

Print shows the mirrored curtain reflecting the audience at the Royal Coburg Theatre (Old Vic Theatre) and Ramo Samee, a juggler, magician, and sword swallower, juggling on stage. Forms part of: British Cartoo... More

[The Houdinis perform Metamorphosis]

Public domain scan of American poster, United States, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

The Flints, American vaudeville and popular entertainment 1870 1920

Caption: Mr. Herbert L. Flint. Created by "National Pr. & Eng. Co., Chicago." No. 01201. Transferred from; LC Rare Book and Special Collections Division; 1956. Forms part of: Magic poster collection (Library of... More

Bowman the Wizard in his new marvelous entertainment of magic, mirth, ...

At head of title: Bodie, Fri. ev'g July 30, in a large 4-pole tent in the principal part of town. Created by Sterett Show Printing Co., San Francisco. Performance includes: Our cabinet of wonders; the Original ... More

Ching Ling Foo outdone /. 19th century, Library of Congress collection

"The magician enters upon the stage, and removing a covering from a small table, shakes it before the audience to show that there is nothing whatever concealed inside, places the cloth upon the floor, and when ... More

Alexander the man who knows - Public domain portrait print

Transferred from; LC Rare Book and Special Collections Division; 1956. Forms part of: Magic poster collection (Library of Congress) Forms part of: McManus-Young collection of pictorial material relating to magic.

Liliputian dance / - movie film screenshot

A basket of flowers appears and moves by itself to the middle of a decorative arch. From the basket, a woman magician appears. From a cylinder, the magician conjures a series of tiny dancers and acrobats who pe... More

[Houdini, full-length portrait, standing, facing front, in chains]

Harry Houdini was a Hungarian-American magician and escapologist, born in Budapest in 1874. He was one of the most famous and successful magicians of his time, known for his spectacular escape acts and death-de... More

[Houdini is secured in a straitjacket]

Harry Houdini was a Hungarian-American magician and escapologist, born in Budapest in 1874. He was one of the most famous and successful magicians of his time, known for his spectacular escape acts and death-de... More

The marvel of the world ... in person, Thurston presents mysteries of ...

Public domain scan of portrait print from Library of Congress, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Amateur magicians contest, Roosevelt Playground Tricks, novel entertai...

Poster announcing contest for amateur magicians at Roosevelt Playground, conducted by the Parks magic man, showing stylized magician performing trick with a rabbit, and a boy. Date stamped on verso: Sep 12 1936... More

Kellar's startling wonder, American vaudeville and popular entertainme...

Z29087 U.S. Copyright Office Caption: The Cassadaga propaganda. Created and "copyright 1894 by The Strobridge Lith. Co., Cin'ti & New York." No. 5803A. Forms part of: Magic poster collection (Library of Congress)

[Harry and Beatrice Houdini, half-length portrait, seated]

Photograph by Smith, St. Louis. Harry Houdini was a Hungarian-American magician and escapologist, born in Budapest in 1874. He was one of the most famous and successful magicians of his time, known for his spe... More

Poster - Kellar in his latest mystery - Public domain lithograph

C252447 U.S. Copyright Office Caption: Self decapitation. Created and "copyright 1897 by The Strobridge Lith. Co., Cin'ti & New York." N.Y. no. 7647. Forms part of: Magic poster collection (Library of Congress)

Kellar, American vaudeville and popular entertainment 1870 1920

Created and "copyright 1902 by The Strobridge Litho. Co., Cincinnati & New York." N.Y. no. 9978. Forms part of: Magic poster collection (Library of Congress)

Poster - Kellar in his latest mystery - Public domain lithograph

C252448 U.S. Copyright Office Caption: Self decapitation. Created and "copyright 1897 by The Strobridge Lith. Co., Cincinnati & New York." N.Y. no. 7754. Forms part of: Magic poster collection (Library of Congress)

Poster - Thurston Kellar's successor. - Public domain lithograph

Public domain scan of American poster, advertisement, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

[The Davenport brothers and William Fay with their spirit cabinet]

Picryl description: Public domain image of a group of people, United States politics, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Newmann the Great, American vaudeville and popular entertainment 1870 ...

Created by "Standard, St. Paul." Transferred from; LC Rare Book and Special Collections Division; 1956. Forms part of: Magic poster collection (Library of Congress) Forms part of: McManus-Young collection of pi... More

Newmann the Great, American vaudeville and popular entertainment 1870 ...

Created by "Standard, St. Paul." Transferred from; LC Rare Book and Special Collections Division; 1956. Forms part of: Magic poster collection (Library of Congress) Forms part of: McManus-Young collection of pi... More

A flying visit by Servais Le Roy

"Edward Weller, Artistic Lithr., Denmark Works, 42, Denmark Hill, London, S.E." Transferred from; LC Rare Book and Special Collections Division; 1956. Forms part of: Magic poster collection (Library of Congress... More

America's master mentalist, Newmann the Great and his show of wonders

"The peer of psychics; the man who knows." Created by "Standard Printing Co., St. Paul." No. 384. Transferred from; LC Rare Book and Special Collections Division; 1956. Forms part of: Magic poster collection (L... More

Frederick Bancroft, prince of magicians

A245924 U.S. Copyright Office Caption: Act II - The magnificent Orient and the wizards enchantments. Created and "copyright 1895 by The Strobridge Lith. Co., Cinti=N.Y." No. 6693. Forms part of: Magic poster co... More

The world famous self-liberator, Houdini the supreme ruler of mystery ...

"Palace Theatre, Friday, May 1st, 1914 at 6:45 & 9:0." At head of title: Grand special night. Created by "White & Farell, Printers, South Street, Hull." Transferred from; LC Rare Book and Special Collections Di... More

[Magician holding rabbit and conjuring spirit surrounded by demon and ...

Public domain photograph - performance, burlesque, dance, cabaret, operetta, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

The Barnum and Bailey greatest show on earth--Chaste, charming, weird ...

People viewing "illusions" in hall. Copyright by the Strobridge Litho. Co., Cincinnati and New York.

The Barnum and Bailey greatest show on earth--Chaste, charming, weird ...

People viewing "illusions" in hall. Copyright by the Strobridge Litho. Co., Cincinnati and New York.

Herrmann the Great Co. 3rd annual tour of the Herrmann the Great Co. :...

Includes small portraits of Leon and Adelaide Herrmann. Created by "The Metropolitan Print., 222 to 232 W. 26th St., New York." No. 567? Piece missing on edge. Forms part of: Magic poster collection (Library of Congress)

Newmann the Great hypnotist and mind reader.

Includes portrait of Newmann, 8 vignettes of his performances with individual captions, and 2 small images of posters advertising his performances. Transferred from; LC Rare Book and Special Collections Divisio... More

Houdini makes spirit hands - Public domain book illustration, Library ...

In this sequence of photographs Houdini demonstrated how spirit hands that appeared at seances were made by less ethereal beings. In "A magician among the spirits" Houdini described the mediumistic fraud known ... More

[Portrait of Wilmoth Houdini, Renaissance Ballroom, New York, N.Y., ca...

Wilmoth Houdini (Frederick Wilmoth Hendircks, sometimes known as Edgar Leon Sinclair) Purchase William P. Gottlieb General information about the Gottlieb The Renaissance Ballroom information was provided in th... More

[Harry and Beatrice Houdini with the Welsh Brothers Circus]

Public domain photograph - performance, burlesque, dance, cabaret, operetta, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description Harry Houdini was a Hungarian-American magician and escapologist, ... More

Alexander the man who knows - Public domain print

At head of title: Pantages, Minneapolis; week com. Sun. Mar. 30. Transferred from; LC Rare Book and Special Collections Division; 1956. Forms part of: Magic poster collection (Library of Congress) Forms part of... More

Dempsey, Houdini, Leonard (boxing)

Public domain historical photo, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description Harry Houdini was a Hungarian-American magician and escapologist, born in Budapest in 1874. He was one of the m... More

Houdini - Public domain portrait photograph

A group of people standing around a man holding a tennis racquet. Public domain portrait photograph, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description Harry Houdini was a Hungarian-American ma... More

[Houdini with Theodore Roosevelt and others aboard the H.A.L. "Imperat...

Picryl description: Public domain photograph group portrait, free to use, no copyright restrictions. Harry Houdini was a Hungarian-American magician and escapologist, born in Budapest in 1874. He was one of th... More

[Houdini and President Roosevelt, full-length portrait, both standing,...

Public domain photograph related to Theodore Roosevelt, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description Harry Houdini was a Hungarian-American magician and escapologist, born in Budapest in 1... More

Master mystifier, Houdini the greatest necromancer of the age - perhap...

Public domain image of Egyptian art, free to use, no copyright restrictions photo - Picryl description Harry Houdini was a Hungarian-American magician and escapologist, born in Budapest in 1874. He was one of ... More

Marajah peer of mystic seers : he sees, knows, tells all.

At head of title: Auditorium Theatre, Stillwater, Minn., 1 week starting Sunday, Sept. 25. Created by the Essanel Press, Milwaukee. Transferred from; LC Rare Book and Special Collections Division; 1956. Forms p... More

[Houdini exposes psychic fraud]

Picryl description: Public domain image of a group of people, United States politics, free to use, no copyright restrictions. Harry Houdini was a Hungarian-American magician and escapologist, born in Budapest ... More

Harry Handcuff Houdini - Public domain portrait print

Harry Houdini, three-quarter length portrait, facing front. Photograph by Campbell-Gray, Ltd. Harry Houdini was a Hungarian-American magician and escapologist, born in Budapest in 1874. He was one of the most ... More

Poster - Kellar in his latest mystery - Public domain lithograph

C252448 U.S. Copyright Office Caption: Self decapitation. Created and "copyright 1897 by The Strobridge Lith. Co., Cincinnati & New York." N.Y. no. 7754. Forms part of: Magic poster collection (Library of Congress)

Magicians' Club program, April 25, 1915

Program book for the "First Grand All Magical Seance of the Magicians' Club," Chelsea, London, England, Sunday, April 25, 1915. Harry Houdini was the Club's President and founder. Includes a list of featured ... More

Kellar, American vaudeville and popular entertainment 1870 1920

D10719 U.S. Copyright Office Caption: Levitation. Created and "copyright 1900 by The Strobridge Litho Co, Cincinnati & New York." N.Y. No. 8949 Forms part of: Magic poster collection (Library of Congress) Upper... More

Laurant magician, illusionist, entertainer.

"Designed, engraved, printed by the W.M. King Service, 638 Federal Street, Chicago." Transferred from; LC Rare Book and Special Collections Division; 1956. Forms part of: Magic poster collection (Library of Con... More

Stone walls and chains do not make a prison --- for Houdini

Created by "Famous Players - Lasky Corporation." Transferred from; LC Rare Book and Special Collections Division; 1956. Houdini followed his performance in "The master mystery" with the "Grim game," the first o... More

Newmann the Great, American vaudeville and popular entertainment 1870 ...

Caption: Making his famous blindfold drive. Created by "Riverside Printing Company." No. 1395. Transferred from; LC Rare Book and Special Collections Division; 1956. Forms part of: Magic poster collection (Libr... More

Newmann the Great, American vaudeville and popular entertainment 1870 ...

Created by "Standard, St. Paul." Transferred from; LC Rare Book and Special Collections Division; 1956. Forms part of: Magic poster collection (Library of Congress) Forms part of: McManus-Young collection of pi... More

[Houdini on wing of airplane in scenes from "The grim game"]

Picryl description: Public domain image of an airplane, aircraft, airport, free to use, no copyright restrictions. Harry Houdini was a Hungarian-American magician and escapologist, born in Budapest in 1874. He... More

Prof. Bollini the Italian magician.

K12045 U.S. Copyright Office Created and "copyright Metropolitan Litho. Studio, 29 Warren St., N.Y., 1879." J.E. Jackson, agent. Forms part of: Magic poster collection (Library of Congress)

Richards, the world's greatest magician and his big company the bigges...

At head of title: City Auditorium, Durham, N.C. Pieces missing from upper right corner and upper right side. Transferred from; LC Rare Book and Special Collections Division; 1956. Forms part of: Magic poster co... More

The world famous self-liberator, Houdini the supreme ruler of mystery ...

"Palace Theatre, Friday, May 1st, 1914 at 6:45 & 9:0." At head of title: Grand special night. Created by "White & Farell, Printers, South Street, Hull." Transferred from; LC Rare Book and Special Collections Di... More

Thurston, master magician all out of a hat.

"Litho. in U.S.A." No. M-4414. Transferred from; LC Rare Book and Special Collections Division; 1956. Forms part of: Magic poster collection (Library of Congress) Forms part of: McManus-Young collection of pict... More

Herrmann the Great Co. 3rd annual tour of the Herrmann the Great Co. :...

Includes small portraits of Leon and Adelaide Herrmann. Created by "The Metropolitan Print., 222 to 232 W. 26th St., New York." No. 567? Piece missing on edge. Forms part of: Magic poster collection (Library of Congress)

Herrmann the Great Co. - Public domain portrait print

46840 U.S. Copyright Office Caption: Leon Herrmann. Created by "The H.C. Miner Litho. Co., N.Y." No. 6061. Small portrait of Herrman the Great in upper left corner. Forms part of: Magic poster collection (Libra... More

The original mystery man of India, the great Kara the world's foremost...

Public domain scan of American 19th-century print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Poster - Kellar's wonders - Public domain lithograph

Public domain scan of American poster, advertisement, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Home again in the big tent theatre the triumphant American tour of the...

"A paradise for children, a revelation for adults." Forms part of: Magic poster collection (Library of Congress)

Poster - Kellar's wonders - Public domain lithograph

Public domain scan of American poster, advertisement, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Extraordinary and expensive engagement of Hardeen the king of handcuff...

At head of title: Grand Opera House, Radcliffe, Monday, May 21, 1906 and during the week." Created by "Ellis & Sons Printers, Market Place, Chorley." Transferred from; LC Rare Book and Special Collections Divis... More

[Houdini versus products of the Weed Chain Tire Grip Company]

Harry Houdini was a Hungarian-American magician and escapologist, born in Budapest in 1874. He was one of the most famous and successful magicians of his time, known for his spectacular escape acts and death-de... More

[Houd ini covered with ice, in front of doorway, in scene from "The ma...

[Houdini holding bonds, Boston, Massachusetts]

Harry Houdini was a Hungarian-American magician and escapologist, born in Budapest in 1874. He was one of the most famous and successful magicians of his time, known for his spectacular escape acts and death-de... More

Houdini, 1/20/26 - Glass negative photogrpah. Public domain.

Public domain photograph of official photograph, building on the background, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description Harry Houdini was a Hungarian-American magician and escapologist, ... More

[Beatrice Houdini and Theodore Hardeen visit Houdini's grave]

Picryl description: Public domain image of a cemetery, memorial, monument, free to use, no copyright restrictions. Harry Houdini was a Hungarian-American magician and escapologist, born in Budapest in 1874. He... More

The mental wizard, Newmann the man who knows and his deluxe show of wo...

Includes small portrait of Newmann and small images of 2 posters advertising his performances. At head of title: The wonder show of the age. Created by "The Liberty Poster Co., Minneapolis, Minnesota." Lower ri... More

Thurston, famous magician 23rd annual tour.

At head of title: Fulton Opera House, com. Mond. Dec. 3, matinee, Wednesday, prices: $1.50 - $1.00 - 50 [cent] & 25 [cent]." Transferred from; LC Rare Book and Special Collections Division; 1956. Forms part of:... More

[Harry Houdini, with his wife Beatrice and mother Cecilia Steiner Weis...

Public domain reproduction of portrait print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description Harry Houdini was a Hungarian-American magician and escapologist, born in Budapest in 1874. He wa... More

Kellar, American vaudeville and popular entertainment 1870 1920

Created and "copyright 1900 by The Strobridge Litho. Co., Cin'ti & New York." Larger version of poster with slightly different imprint: POS - MAG - .K44, no. 9a (D size). N.Y. no. 8976. Forms part of: Magic pos... More

[Houdini and "The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin"]

"Memory," wrote Dr. Morris N. Young in 1961, "is the sum of what one can remember; the diary of the mind." In the great collections that they built and gave to the Library of Congress, Houdini, John J. McManus,... More