In a landmark moment for the scholarly study of magic, Indiana University’s Lilly Library has announced the acquisition of the David Ben Magic Collection. The Lilly Library is one of the nation’s preeminent rare books, manuscripts, and special collections libraries. With a fifty-year career performing, creating, studying and writing about magic, his library represents one of the largest collections of rare books, manuscripts, magazines, photographs, correspondence, postcards, films, and videos related to conjuring, gambling, and the history of magical performance.
From the Lilly Library:
Inspired by Harry Houdini, who bequeathed his massive collection to the United States Library of Congress, Ben always contemplated finding a lasting home for his own collection where it would remain accessible for future generations. It was, however, the Lilly Library’s 2023 acquisition of the personal and research archives of the illustrious magician, writer, and actor Ricky Jay that first brought the Indiana rare books library to Ben’s attention, motivating him to reach out to gauge their interest in his collection.
“The fact that the Lilly is interested in, and is unafraid of the allied arts, creates an opening for exploration in an underserved area of academic study,” Ben said. “It was important for me, having spent a lifetime putting this all together, to try to keep it together. When I saw Ricky Jay’s work went to the Lilly, I thought that was a real commitment by an institution.”
Scholars who visit the Lilly Library in the upcoming years will encounter a collection 50 years in the making with materials spanning the late 19th century through the 21st. For scholars, performers, and historians alike, the materials may read like a wish list.
The Lilly Library committed to public access – there are no academic or residency requirements to use the materials.
Here more about this acquisition in the latest episode of the Face2Face Podcast where David Ben speaks with David Peck
We are excited for the opportunities this will provide for magic scholarship going forward.
Media Inquiries
Michelle Crowe
812-272-5828
miacrowe@iu.edu
