James Savren’s diary, Houdini owned and inscribed.

Savren, James. James Savren’s diary, owned by and inscribed by Houdini. England, 1874 – 1875. Old calf, crudely rebacked. The first leaf bears the following inscription: “This is a diary of ‘Savern’ the barber that did “magic” & was friendly to all magicians. Houdin gave him a lot of programes this book fell to H. Evanion at Savern’s death and at Evanion’s death it came into my possession H Houdini/1905 some interesting facts.” Approximately 30 pages for the years 1874 and 1875 have been filled with Savren’s holographic notes. A penciled note in Houdini’s hand on one blank page states, “look further in book HH”. 8 x 5”. Noticeably worn and with the first signature separated and reinforced with old tape, contents intact. Formerly the property of E.A. Dearn, whose holographic note fills one page, stating, “Old “Savern” (the Barber Magician) little thought on January 1st 1874, which was the date of the first entry that this, his diary in the course of time will travel…round the world. ...[I]t has rested at various times in the following countries - England, America, China and the British Colony of Hong Kong and...Australia. It has...been in the hands of the following owner collectors viz H. Evanion, Harry Houdini, Leo Rullman and Edwin A. Dearn, late of Shanghai and is at present in the hands of the latter. Some of the personalities who have seen and handled it are John Mulholland, Kellar, Dr. Ellison, J.B. Findlay and many others, [signed] Edwin A. Dearn.”