Albert Edward Bogdon had a tragically short life, dying at age 36. However, during his lifetime, he was able to break out of a Pittsburgh slum and have a successful career in the fields of magic, the military, law, and politics. As a magician, he rubbed elbows with the elite, such as Harry Houdini and Howard Thurston. While in the Navy as a quartermaster, he quickly progressed in rank to Ensign and then to Lieutenant Junior Grade. While pursuing a successful law practice in Denver, he was elected as a Colorado state senator and was even considered for governor of the state. This all came to a crashing fatal end during an evening visit with a female client and a confrontation with the woman’s jealous husband. The story ends with a gripping courtroom drama. The book includes 75 pictures, complete texts of his writings, genealogical charts, bibliography, and index.

Review

“This book is well articulated in its composition and content and although not so fortunate in life, Albert Edward Bogdon is indeed fortunate to have a first-class researcher as a grandson who left no stone unturned. With remarkable objectivity and a genuine appreciation and respect for a grandfather who lived but thirty-six years, Robert Harned has written a wonderful, strange, and hair-raising account which I highly recommend. As a writer and researcher, I recognize and appreciate Harned’s daunting effort in creating this complex book and give it five stars without hesitation.”—Amazon.