A Fine Mess

When legendary magician and collector Jay Marshall died, he left behind a lair crammed full of his finds, from priceless Houdini posters to penny-a-pound junk.

Relive the author's adventure through a truly unparalleled collection of books, posters, ephemera, autographs, apparatus, dust, dirt and grime. Marshall's magic collection was legendary, and this story shares details from an insider's perspective.

Fajuri was hired to appraise and inventory the collection, to ferret out the magic-related memorabilia amid the muck. This story chronicles the quest, from great and glorious discoveries to down and dirty digs through a lifetime of an accumulation.

Published in Chicago Magazine's November 2006 issue. Nine pages, illustrated with photographs.