Mark Fisken (Vice-President) thanks Gordon Rutter

Edinburgh Magic Circle hosted a talk on Monday 14th Nov. at The Police Club, York Place, Edinburgh at 8.00 pm by Gordon Rutter who co-wrote the book The Death and Life of The Great Lafayette. This book was published at the beginning of the year to coincide with the 100th anniversay of his death. Gordon  kindly came along to give an insight of the background work he and Ian Robertson undertook to garner all the information which eventually became the book. The talk was fantastic , very informative and enjoyed by all the members present.



The Death and Life of The Great Lafayette

Ian Robertson and Gordon Rutter

Sigmund Neuberger – or The Great Lafayette Man of Mystery as he preferred to be known – died on the 9th of May 1911.  His death sent cascades of emotion around the world.  His funeral blocked the streets of Edinburgh. He was one of the most famous names on the planet.

But before he died his life was a true rags to riches story.  From simple beginnings he rose to command the highest fees for any stage performer of his time (reputed to be £4 000 per day) and he counted the great and the good among his friends.  He had one love in life – his dog, Beauty, a gift from the great escapologist Harry Houdini.   Beauty plays a large part in the story of how the death of The Great Lafayette is remembered although she herself had already died.

The Great Lafayette was a magician, a stage illusionist and a guaranteed
success in theatres.  But his life was shrouded in mystery and he is little
remembered today.  This book attempts to pull back the curtain on the death and life of The Great Lafayette.

New Lands Press

100 pages, illustrated

£10, post free to UK, use Paypal button to order

http://www.newlandspress.co.uk/