This one is a short podcast. Rather than leave you with nothing, I decided to share a few quick stories. They're related to two individuals who both had birthdays this week. I think you'll enjoy the stories. And please go to my blog www.TheMagicDetective.com to read some additional thoughts on 'Books'. 

On this episode you'll learn about a wonderful Chinese Magician and Vaudevillian, Long Tack Sam. This podcast is slightly shorter than most because as it turns out there is a documentary on Sam done by a relative of his. And rather than give you ALL the details of his life, I gave you a quick overview and am going to provide a link to the documentary so you can see that as well.

Click here to see The Magical Life of Long Tack Sam Documentary

https://www.nfb.ca/film/the_magical_life_of_long_tack_sam/

Here is a man who had a hugely successful career, but is often singled out today as someone who worked with Houdini. He had an amazing career without Houdini! And he had a very interesting career with Houdini. Some of what I discuss during his Houdini years is going to sound controversial, but keep in my it's mostly my opinion, based on some research. Amedeo was very close-lipped when it came to Houdini because he was sworn to secrecy. He likely had a hand in far more things than we realize. But at least we were left with a few bread crumbs.

Enjoy!

BTW: please visit www.Ronjo.com  Listen to the podcast and then run on over there.

On this episode you'll hear a review of the book Lincoln's Scout by author Mark Cannon. This is the story of Civil War Soldier and future magician Harry (Horatio) Cooke. Also, I share my recollection of visiting the American Museum of Magic for the first time, many years ago.

For more on Cooke, listen to podcast Ep 16.

Here is a guy we should all know about but few do. He lived during the Golden Age of magic. He performed during that time. He knew all the greats, he wrote books for many of them. His life story is incredible. Listen and discover the world of William J. Hilliar. 

Here is the wrap-up of the Kassner story. I was able to get some of my questions answered after I had published the previous podcast. Also, I tell the story about discovering my Great Great Grandfather may have helped a very famous magician, back in the day. That and more, check it out!

This episode is about the German magician KASSNER who was extremely popular prior to WW2. He had a show that rivaled Thurston's. But then after the war, what happened to him??? Now you can find out.

Here is a shorter episode, on the life of Henry Ridgely Evans. This is basically the introduction of Evans to my audience. In the future I'll be pulling from his books and periodicals to share magic history of the last 19th century.

I also share my own personal story  of creating a Tedx Talk.

The first new episode for 2021. This time we cover the life of Signor Blitz one of the most famous 19th Century magicians in America, also one of the most copied. He was an amazing performer and this podcast shares a few of his many exploits!

Music provided by https://purple-planet.com

Denny Haney Book review at https://www.themagicdetective.com/2021/01/denny-haney-collected-wisdom-book-review.html 

This is a slightly shorter (thus the blue image) than normal podcast. I talk about Houdini and his fascination towards Christmas. Plus I include a couple more Al Cohen stories and catch up on some recent magic history news I missed. 

Music provided by http://www.purple-planet.com