Those Who Came Before

As our Houdini Celebration gets closer, we are reminded of the impact Harry Houdini ad on the art of magic.  All of us, either directly through performing routines that he iginated, or indirectly through inspiration from his life and example, have been affected by Houdini’s influence.  This influence extends to the general public, as well.  I know from many years of experience that if you ask a group of average people “When I say the word ‘Magician’ whose name pops into your head?” most of the time they will respond with “Harry Houdini”.

Most of us, however, were likely influenced in magic by a closer association.  For me, it was a man named Len Sparagoski, a holocaust survivor and retired professional, he took me and four other members from the Oklahoma City Magic Club into his home once a week for personized training.  His standards of excellence were a foundation of my training in those early days, and I still strive for that standard.

Books also played a large part in my magical growth.  Their influence, at first, was mostly in the history of magic.  I read not only of Houdini, but also Thurston, Hermann, De Kolta, Bertram, Vernon, Cardini, Kellar, The Great Lafayette (who fooled everyone even in death), John Henry Anderson, and many more.  The rich history of the art of magic fueled my imagination even more.