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Product Description
Product Description
Originally published 1930's. A well illustrated compendium of the famous Harry Houdini's magic tricks and illusions. All explained in detail.Many of the earliest magic books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing many of these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book really is excellent for the casual reader or as a reference book for the amateur magician/escapologist. It contains short stories about Houdini's life and is, in a way, a biography of the great man. It also reveals how many of his illusions or tricks and escape were done. It contains black and white photographs and line drawings - at intervals.
Format:Paperback
I thought this was an amazing read, very well written and easy to read. Some really good insights into how houdini performed some of the most amazing tricks/illusions.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
5 reviews
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
The best book about "how he did it". Not so about himself.
17 Sep 2002
Format:Paperback
I am amazed that such a detailed and well written book came out so soon after Houdini's demise (the original text is dated 1931!), especially as it lists the inner working of dozens and dozens of tricks. They go from mentalism to table magic tricks, from seances to escapes, from large stage productions to the simplest rope trick - it would be difficult to find so much material within any contemporary book!
This is a very no-nonsense book, with only two minor negative aspects. First of all, it is somewhat light on the explanations of several tricks in the ending chapter, which is devoted to general (non Houdini-specific) stage magic, and I suppose dead wrong in a couple of instances.
Then, although it does not overly glamourize Houdini the magician, it is in fact very forgiving about Houdini the man. We know from many other sources that he was quite a difficult character (with himself as well with others), whereas here he comes off as a shining example of fun-loving gentleman.
And no, the Chinese Torture Water Cell is not described. But that Tony Curtis movie was very incorrect about it anyhow.
16 of 21 people found the following review helpful
What more could you ask for?
27 Mar 2000
Format:Paperback
This book is excellent for anyone interested in psychics, escapology or Houdini.
There are chapters on Houdini's life, details of ALL his famous escapes (except the water torture cell), chapters on tricks/rope ties you yourself could do, and chapters on his fight against fraudulent mediums.
Touroughly interesting andwell written, great for all ages.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Great for a fan!
8 Jun 2007
Format:Paperback
The contents of the book were wonderful for anyone who is interested in the magic of Houdini. The book was shipped on time and in excellent condition!
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