Over his impressive 88 years, Walter B. Gibson churned out a staggering nine million words. That’s a lot of writing, even for a chap who had a penchant for magic, psychic phenomena, crime, and, let’s not forget, the occasional scam. He rubbed shoulders with legends like Houdini, Thurston, Dunninger, and Kreskin, even ghostwriting for a few of them (imagine the secrets he kept!). One of his closest mates throughout this literary marathon was the late Bill Rauscher, who shared his enthusiasm for all things mysterious. Now, in this final chapter of their saga, Rauscher pulls back the curtain on his enduring friendship with the mastermind behind The Shadow.
In this 107-page dive, Rauscher invites you into the Gibson residence in Eddyville, N.Y.—the very place where he, Walter, and Litzka Raymond Gibson spent countless hours spinning tales. For the first time, you’ll feast your eyes on photos of Gibson's sprawling library and home, loaded with more memorabilia than a magician's hat. From the walls plastered with posters and broadsides to the various libraries (each boasting its own typewriter—how posh!), you’ll get a glimpse of where Walter brewed up his iconic characters like The Shadow and Norgil the Magician.
But don’t be fooled; this isn’t your run-of-the-mill biography (those are a dime a dozen). No, this is a peek into Gibson's mind, showcasing his creative process, inspirations, work ethic, and that legendary photographic memory. Rauscher takes you on an enlightening journey through the lives of these two remarkable figures who left their mark on American fiction.
Wizard of Words is a hardbound, full-colour treasure trove filled with a plethora of rare photos—many of which haven’t seen the light of day until now. Join Rauscher as he takes you back to Gibson's humble beginnings in Philadelphia, his camaraderie with Houdini, the ins and outs of the Thurston biography, and his final days. Spoiler alert: Rauscher was the one conducting funerals for both Litzka and Walter—talk about a friend in need!
