Hardeen inherits his brother's secrets Houdini's will makes possible the continuance of Houdini's master mysteries. Decorative Accent Square Pillow

Refresh your room or give a great gift with this unique pillow! Made from polyester it has a concealed zipper and includes the case cover and the pillow itself. This fun decorative statement pice is great for a room accent. Our latest printing techniques allow for sharp and bright colors that do not fade, machine washable on normal cycle, do not bleach, low heat dry only. Created by "Carey and Sons Lith, N.Y." Transferred from; LC Rare Book and Special Collections Division; 1956. Despite directions to the contrary, Hardeen passed on to others the legacy he had received. Today, many of the handcuffs and related items are held in the Houdini Historical Center located in the magician's first American hometown Appleton, Wisconsin. A fire, however, at the Houdini Museum and Hall of Fame in Niagara Falls, Canada consumed all but the metal frame of the prominently displayed Upside Down Water Torture Cell. Under the terms of Houdini's will, the Library of Congress inherited the magic and spiritualism components of the great mystifier's library. Beatrice Houdini received the Theater Collection, now at the University of Texas at Austin. Apparatus and other stage effects were bequeathed to Hardeen. As exemplified by the poster shown here, Hardeen used testamentary language in an effort to position himself as Houdini's heir in magic. His role, however, was to remain "Brother of Houdini." Often credited with having been the first to realize the dramatic potential of doing a straitjacket escape in full view of an audience, Hardeen, nevertheless, was not the creative, evolving, ego-driven force represented by his sibling. The riveting magic of Houdini came from within. Once he was gone, the presence of his apparatus spoke most eloquently about a greater absence a legend who had fused mastery of detail with great showmanship, daring, imagination, and mystery. Forms part of: Magic poster collection (Library of Congress) Forms part of: McManus-Young collection of pictorial material relating to magic. 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-defying stunts. Houdini's signature tricks included escaping from handcuffs, straitjackets, and locked boxes, as well as diving into and out of tanks of water while shackled.