Waxing Magic Among the Spirits - The Voice of Harry Houdini

Harry Houdini, attempting the bridge jump

Harry Houdini led the way in the world of showmanship and performance magic and enthralled a generation with his spectacular death-defying feats of escape.

During his life, Houdini was outspokenly anti-spiritualist, and vehemently descried any who claimed to be mediums or fortune-tellers; he penned a book, entitled A Magician Among the Spirits, attempting to expose such performers as charlatans. (He also challenged spiritualists to prove their beliefs were true, under test conditions, in this speech.)

Houdini had some illustrious friends, one of whom was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes. In contrast to Houdini's mindset, Conan Doyle readily embraced the Spiritualist world, yet despite their conflicting ideals the two gentlemen were friends until a genuine row over their spiritual beliefs brought an end to their comradeship.  (In early 2011, rumors spread of a possible SyFy channel show about Houdini and Conan Doyle joining forces to solve crimes in 1920's New York. The name of the show is "Among the Spirits"; the scenery and costuming will take aspects of Victorian and Steampunk to appeal to fans of both.)

Houdini in handcuffs, 1905

 But for now, we have access to recordings of Harry Houdini's voice preserved on wax cylinders. Some of the clips came from sessions where he was practicing his lines; here you may download a file of Houdini speaking about his Water Torture Chamber act, from 1914.  The enunciation we hear on the Edison cylinder recording was necessary for the words to be inscribed clearly, so his actual stage voice was probably a bit different even though it is said that when one speaks on stage it should be loudly and slowly as well.

When he finally succumbed to complications from a ruptured appendix, Houdini had already revolutionized the world of stage magic and openly challenged the magicians of the world to better their skills as performers.  You may find details regarding his death and final resting place (including monuments to him) here.


The below video includes photos, a recording of Houdini's voice, and also one of his wife speaking about her efforts to contact him after his death (she held a seance at least once per year to try to contact him, apparently without any luck).



Whether you like Houdini's act or not, he certainly embraced the style of the times.  It has been said by many that certainly nobody before him put on such spellbinding performances and while looking as dapper in collar and jacket. Bonus points for that, chap. Bonus points for that.

The Time Has Come -- Own a Datamancer Laptop Computer!

The prototype Datmancer laptop, open

Good day, everyone!
Over time, I may not have sufficiently extolled the creativity of the maker known as Datamancer, but his undisputed success in the steampunk world has undoubtedly made up for any such oversights. Regardless, I will now tell you of his seemingly latest endeavor: one-of-a-kind, dazzling steampunk laptop computers -- for SALE!

The prototype Datamancer laptop, closed, with key

That is right, ladies and gentlemen, you may now place a pre-order for a cutting-edge handcrafted work of art with immense practicality, created by the world famous Datamancer. He says that the new designs will be lighter and even more elegant than the prototype model, with all the bells and whistles upon which discerning technophiles insist (but he says PC only for now, sorry!).  The new models will still have the lovely collection of gears on the lid, but they will now spin.  Purchasers may choose from many options regarding the design of their wondrous contraptions, including the color of the wood stain, the type of metals used, and even the style of font on the keys.  He even has plans for the devices to be brought to life by the use of a brass key. (Squee!) To further involve patrons of the arts in the process, buyers will have access to YouTube videos of their own laptop machine being made. Now that is customer service.

All of this may be yours for a mere 50% downpayment, with a total cost of around $5500 (he mentions that future models may cost around $7500). Here is where you may read more about the design specifications and place an order; you may email him at laptops@datamancer.net.   Thank you, Datamancer, for your hard work and contributions to steampunk!

A Little Bit of Brass! Butterfly Key Clock Necklace and Victorian Brass Stamping Earrings

Brass Butterfly & Key Necklace

Two new whinsical pieces of steampunk-inspired jewelry now reside in my Artfire shop! Click on the links mbelow the photos to go to the studio and read more about them.

The first is a one-of-a-kind necklace containing contrasting metal colors and textures; the filigree butterfly and a minature skeleton key are secured to a clock-like antiqued pendant base by solid copper wire, which will ensure durability of the piece even under the most stormy airship conditions.

Victorian Elegance

The second pairing of wondrous brass parts includes a pair of identical brass watch gears which embellish two detailed antiqued solid brass Victorian-esque stampings. A lustrous faceted hematite-colored bead tops off each earring.

As ususal, upon purchase, each item will be placed in a pretty organza draw-ribbon bag and lovingly packed for shipment to anywhere in the world.

Men of Steampunk Calendar 2011

Though the year is partly spent, if you should be in the market for a calendar to markt he remaining days of this year called 2011, then here is one you might wish to peruse.

Sprockets and Lockets.com has the Men of Steampunk 2011 calendar for sale for 20 American dollars, which makes it a steal in any country! The pages abound with dapperly dressed gents showing their steampride in picturesque settings. I believe this calendar originated with Bianca Namori, an industrious member of  The Steampunk Empire, and may contain many photos of members of said group. Brilliant!

~ DreamSteam

(My sincere apologies that this post is so incredibly late! I just noticed I scheduled it for posting many months ago, but Blogger did not follow through and do that. Horrors! At least you will know where to get a calendar next year....)

Vote to bring back the LoLmart Steam Wars shirt!

Steam Wars, from LoLmart.com

Attention steampunk and Star Wars fans! Are you disappointed because you did not get to buy a splendid Steam Wars t-shirt before they were all gone?  I do believe I am. But you can do something about it! (Not me being disappointed, just about  the shirt.)

You too can go to the LoLmart.com web page where the shirt with the steampunkish Death Star hot air balloon, steam-driven Imperial walker, and propeller-driven X-Wing fighter images resides, and cast your vote to let LoLmart know that you want one; they will even notify you if/when it becomes available for sale again, if you provide your email addy. And, of course, there is room for posting comments there as well.

This wondrous link will take you directly to the place where you can cast your vote:
LoLmart Steam Wars Shirt

There's a SALE in my shop. Everything is 10% off!

You can now take advantage of the 10% off of everything sale in my Artfire shop! This would be an ideal time to buy something that you liked, but perhaps did not get around to buying. Or multiple somethings, if you so choose.

Just to let you know, I do ship internationally, and most of my items come nestled in lovely organza gift bags (rings come in white ring boxes, and earrings will come to you on a black velvet earring card inside the organza bag).

I truly appreciate all business, and as always, if you would pass along links to my shop to anyone who you think might have an interest, that is also appreciated. Enjoy the sale!

~ DreamSteam