Houdini on Magic

by Harry Houdini

Written by the master magician himself, this fascinating work reveals the secrets behind how Houdini escaped numerous death-defying stunts and exposed a variety of fake spiritualists. He also gives instructions for 44 eye-catching stage tricks, as well as other fascinating material. 155 illustrations. .

Genres: Nonfiction, Magic, Biography, History, Research

336 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1953

About the author

Harry Houdini, whose birth name in Hungary was Erik Weisz (which was changed to Ehrich Weiss when he immigrated to the United States), was a Jewish Hungarian American magician, escapologist (widely regarded as one of the greatest ever) and stunt performer, as well as a skeptic and investigator of spiritualists, film producer and actor. Harry Houdini forever changed the world of magic and escapes.

Reviews

[jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I do love this stuff. It's totally worth it even if all you read is his essay on spiritualism. The rest of it is awesome, but may not appeal to everyone; however, seeing his passion and fervor for exposing exploitation (god that sounds really pretentious but I am blanking on a better way to say it) is absolutely phenomenal.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been interested in both magic and Houdini for a long time. After reading a biography of him last year I wanted to read his own writings. This is the only one I've tracked down so far. It was totally worth reading. First of all, warning, it DOES reveal how some of his tricks and how lots of other magic tricks are done. Much of the book is very technical, in reference to handcuff escapes, rope escapes, and small impromptu slight of hand magic. This is actually a really great book for someone interesting in practicing magic themselves, as you can learn a number of tricks from it.

So there is a lot here that might have been very dry, but I enjoyed it and read through it pretty quickly. I think you need to have a pretty significant interest in the subject, but if you do I highly recommend the book.

[Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Omg I finally finished this book today. I wasn't sure it would ever happen. I've only been "reading" this book for over a year!!

It was very interesting and I wish I could have just finished it in a regular amount of time instead of dragging it out so long :p

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clearly opened my eyes to fraud and deception. However, didn't really teach me any tricks that I could grasp at a young(er) age.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great great with interesting ideas and some the the strongest mental magic effects I've read. The bios of other magicians was the highlight for me.

[Ken Wyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent!

[P.S. Winn · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love magic or even just history grab this book that is Houdini’s account of his magic. rare photographs, posters, and pamphlets, enhance this magical story of a man's life.

[Ryan Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

great easy read

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

His general disdain for “rascals” is more than a chip on his shoulder, though I think it is that as well. He loves mystery and wonder, and he hates bullshit and dishonest lazy backhanded creeps. His expose of Margerey is pretty great, but the transcripts from the Congressional Hearings are pure magic.

[phil breidenbach · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have ever been excited with the escapes and magic of Houdini, this book will be an interesting read. Some of his secrets are revealed along with how spiritualists preform their feats. I found it to be a very enjoyable book.