Randolph Douglas – the local man who inspired Houdini.
See the New York 'Conjuring Arts Research Centre' bulletin book review. William Kalush is head of the Centre and David Blaine's co-illusionist.
Read review

The latest title from renowned local author Ann Beedham.

It is 1904, and a schoolboy dreams of becoming Houdini. Using his pocket money to buy locks, handcuffs and even a straitjacket, he moves between reality and fantasy as he struggles to become an escapologist like his hero.

And then, one magical day in 1914, Houdini, the man who dined with princes, the man who wa smore famous than anyone, came to tea. The master mystifier was about to become a pupil.

"What Douglas did next would change the course of magic's history." - William Kalush and Larry Sloman, The Secret Life of Houdini.

240pp A5

ISBN 9781905278299

Written and designed by the author. 

REVIEWS OF THE BOOK:

“I've just finished Ann Beedham's "Randini The Man
Who Helped Houdini" I can highly recommend it.”
William Kalush, co-author of ‘The Secret Life of Houdini’, founder
of New York's Conjuring Arts Research Center, friend of and
regular collaborator with, David Blaine

“Author Ann Beedham has just published a remarkable
piece of Houdiniana, This copiously illustrated 236 page
book reveals “the untold story of Randolph Douglas,”
a Houdini fan living in the UK who created his own escapes and eventually became
friends with Houdini himself.
.....this sure appears to be a fascinating look at a Houdini contemporary, and a wholly
unique point of view on Houdini himself....This is easily a MUST for Houdini buffs”.
John Cox, USA, Houdini-Lives.com

“a splendid job, the design and colour illustrations making a visually attractive book,
while the contents present a valuable and absorbing biography of this talented man.”
Prof. Edwin A. Dawes, Magic Circle

“Ann Beedham has cleverly brought the subject to life and with the benefit of over
200 illustrations has produced an absorbing book likely to be of interest to all magic
historians and Houdini buffs.”
David Hibberd, Magic Circle, in Magic Circular Magazine

“The man who helped Houdini is impeccably researched, copiously illustrated
(32 colour plates alone!), and should be on the shelf of anyone with an interest in
the history of magic and escapology.”
Magick Words, The Online Home of Magick Enterprises

“I took 12 copies of the book and sold them all! First 2 copies went as I was setting up my
sales table! I was pleased to help pass Randini's name on, and I need a couple more copies
to send to Houdini collectors in Australia and Texas, so I'll be ordering those soon”.
Mick Hanzlik Magician, Master Locksmith and Houdini Collector

“Here is a story which has awaited an author for years and Ann Beedham has now
given this fascinating character a worthy biography....
The inventory of the House of Wonders is six pages long and quite captivating.”
Julie Bunting, Peak Advertiser / www.wishful-thinking.org.uk