The Amazing Harry Kellar: Great American Magician

by Gail Jarrow

Presenting the amazing Harry Kellar! The first magician to receive international fame! The most well-known illusionist at the turn of the twentieth century! The model for the Wizard of Oz! Author Gail Jarrow follows Kellar from a magician’s assistant traveling and performing across the United States during the Civil War to an international superstar with a show of his own, entertaining emperors, kings, and presidents. Jarrow uses Kellar’s own words and images—his amazing four-color promotional posters—to tell his riveting story in this first Kellar biography for young readers. And she reveals the science behind Kellar’s illusions and explores nineteenth-century entertainment and transportation as well as the history of magic, spiritualism, and séances.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Magic, Middle Grade, Juvenile

96 pages, Hardcover

Published June 1, 2012

About the author

Gail Jarrow is the award-winning author of nonfiction books and novels for readers 8-18. Latest book: WHITE HOUSE SECRETS: MEDICAL LIES AND COVER-UPS. Visit GailJarrow.com.

Reviews

[Sena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audience: Intermediate
Genre: Biography Non-fiction
Discussion Questions:
Remembering-Who was the Fakir of Ava?
Understanding-How did the Fakir influence Harry Kellar's life?
Applying-Despite his fame and success in other countries around the world, Harry kept coming back to the United States, yet failed to get his show in the big theaters. What would you have done faced with this challenge?
Analyzing-Why do you think Harry changed his last name by only changing one letter (Keller to Kellar) and didn't change his name to something else completely?
Evaluating-Was Harry right or wrong for using other magicians' tricks or ideas without their permission? Why?
Creating-Make a model of one of Harry's illusions (the Spirit Cabinet, one of the automatons, the growing rose tree are examples).

[Jody Bachelder · Rating 4 out of 5]

What's amazing about this book is that it wasn't written until now. Harry Kellar was the most famous magician in America in the late 19th-early 20th century, but have you ever heard of him? He was a mentor to Harry Houdini. The author does a nice job of describing Harry's magic tricks without giving away the secrets, which heightens the mystery. She does gloss over the fact that Harry stole many of his tricks from other magicians, even going so far as to hire their assistants to learn their secrets. Even so, it was fascinating to learn about the world of magic in the golden era of stage performances. Some nice resources in the back -- I'm off to watch a video of the famous Vanishing Birdcage Trick...

[Richie Partington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richie’s Picks: THE AMAZING HARRY KELLAR: GREAT AMERICAN MAGICIAN by Gail Jarrow, Calkins Creek, June 2012, 96p., ISBN: 978-1-59078-865-3

“His ingeniously redesigned illusion filled nine large, heavy trunks when it was packed for traveling. In each new theater, stagehands spent several hours setting up the wires, winches, and cables that made the illusion work.”

“I’ll tell ya about the magic, it will free your soul
But it’s like trying to tell a stranger ‘bout rock n roll”
--John Sebastian (1965)

“Ever hear of Herrmann the Great? Keller? Thurston? Once headliners each one, now footnotes.”
-- Sid Fleischman, from ESCAPE: THE STORY OF THE GREAT HOUDINI

In late summer 1875, Harry Keller – one of the footnotes to which Fleischman refers – took his successful magic act across the Atlantic and came up short: the boat on which he was traveling sank off of the coast of France and he lost all of his accumulated profits (which were stashed in his luggage in the form of gold and silver coins and diamonds).

Shortly thereafter, Keller changed his name to Kellar and began an ascendance that eventually brought him to be the most famous magician of his day and the inspiration for the wizard in the Wizard of Oz. In a large-trim volume filled with colorful, full-page reproductions of the posters he used to advertise his appearances, Gail Jarrow brings to life the life and times of the magician (and footnote) who called himself Kellar.

“As Harry performed each illusion, he cleverly covered up its secret by directing the audience’s attention to something else, such as firing a gun or a beautiful girl. He used to say that if he succeeded in distracting an audience, ‘a brass band playing at full blast can march openly across the stage behind me, followed by a herd of elephants, yet no one will realize that they went by.’”

Kellar was a guy who was determined to stay at the peak of his craft. He would travel afar in order to methodically learn about the feats of illusion being performed by others, and then he would do what it took – including hiring away someone’s assistant – so as to acquire the trade secrets necessary to incorporate the new illusion into his own act. Yet he was also a beloved character who was eventually named the first Dean of the Society of American Magicians.

Jarrow’s story includes a peek at the nation’s oldest magic shop – which crafted some of Kellar’s equipment. Interestingly, it relocated years ago from New York City to a location within walking distance of where I am in New Jersey. I’m heading over there in a minute for a closer look.

So, if I seem to disappear in mid-air, you’ll know where to start looking…

Richie Partington
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.com
BudNotBuddy@aol.com
Moderator http://groups.yahoo.com/group/middle_... http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/people/facult...

[Margo Tanenbaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

here are so many books about Harry Houdini for young people. I was delighted to discover this new, immensely readable and attractive biography of a contemporary of Houdini's, Harry Keller, equally or even more famous during his lifetime than Houdini but known these days only by insiders in the magic community.

Jarrow traces Kellar's life and career, which spanned half a century and five continents. After running away from home at the tender age of 10, he winds up living with a minister who wants to educate him to become a preacher. After attending his first magic show, however, Harry wanted nothing more than to go on the stage himself, and managed to get himself a job as a magician's assistant. His magic career took him all around the world, traveling by ship, train, stagecoach, or even on the back of a mule. Renowned for his elaborate illusions, variants of which are still performed today in Las Vegas magic extravaganzas, Harry never rested on his laurels, but was always looking for new and even more amazing illusions for his shows. Many of these fascinating illusions are described and pictured in this biography.

Special kudos go to the designer of this large format, full-color book, which incorporates many of Kellar's original posters, as well as fonts in the text that echo the look of the antique posters. Kellar's posters often featured him with devils and imps, thought to be the source of the magician's incredible powers. The book features many contemporary photographs as well as sidebars about diverse topics touched on in the text, such as magic history, spiritualism, and entertainment in Kellar's time. Back matter includes a timeline, source notes, a comprehensive bibliography, an index, and a list of resources such as websites, magician organizations, and DVD's.

This is an ideal book for leisure reading for young people who prefer nonfiction, and also provides plenty of facts for school biography reports.

[Briony · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Amazing Harry Kellar: Great American Magician shows the life of this intriguing and man and extraordinary magician whose work continues to shape how people view magic shows around the world. Throughout the book, many of his promotional posters are shown and readers learn about his life. The author shows the audience the passion that Kellar had for magic and for providing the best possible show for all of his audiences. Although Kellar was, and still is, widely known and appreciated, he did not go without any hard times. At times, he struggled to get booked to perform on some big stages because of his competitors but he had performed some of his acts for important people, nonetheless. Some of Kellar’s most famous acts are highlighted, as well as his personal life. The book also introduces his wife, Eva, and her importance in some of his acts. There also is a timeline and a bibliography included so readers can learn about his life quickly. Harry Kellar lives on in magic everywhere as his legacy continues to inspire magicians everywhere. This book would be a great addition to my classroom library because it can appeal to students who may be interested in learning about magic in a fun way.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book more stars, I would! Harry Kellar is the magician who inspired the magician we all know a bit more about (Houdini). He traveled the globe before it was convenient to do so, he performed for 50 years, trademarked the "magician as a gentleman" by wearing evening clothes in his performances, and created a buzz about his shows using fantastic posters.

The secrets behind the tricks aren't revealed in text, but many websites are included in the back matter for budding magicians to learn the tricks of the trade. Back matter includes a timeline, bibliography, for more information section broken down into books, websites, how-to trick sources, magician organizations, magic posters, and DVDs.

The writing is well organized, engaging, informative, and captions and illustrations are well placed and thought out. The pictures of the posters Kellar used to advertise his performances were such a treat, they make for great material for the book, but can also be viewed as art in their own right.

This is a great book for children's biography reports. Additionally, I highly recommend this book for nonfiction pleasure reading. I savored this book! For grades 4-6.

[Abby Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Think Harry Houdini is the most famous American magician? Well, he might be NOW, but it was a different story in the early 20th century when an American-born magician, Harry Kellar, dominated the stage and played to sold out theaters.

This is a great biography for anyone with an interest in magic, history (early 20th century, in particular) or Harry Houdini. Harry Kellar was 25 years Houdini's senior and was an inspiration to the escape artist. The men were close friends.

I really appreciated the layout of the book. Full color replications of the famous Harry Kellar posters and many archival photographs bring the time period to life. The layout, with thinner columns in the center of the pages, suggests turn-of-the-century newspapers.

Extensive back matter includes an index, bibliography, source notes, suggestions for further reading, and a timeline of Kellar's life.

This would be a GREAT choice for kids wanting to do biography reports on Harry Houdini when the Houdini books are checked out, BUT this book deserves to be more than a backup for Houdini. Keep it in mind when kids come in looking for magic trick books.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting history on a ground-breaking magician I’ve never heard of. He was the idol of Harry Houdini.

[Jeff Bobin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brief and well illustrated life of the world famous magician.

While giving away no magic secretes it clearly demonstrates his dedication to perfecting his illusions and expecting perfection from himself and those he worked with.

Good summary of the late in life recognitions he received for his work.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fans of magic, sleight of hand, and illusion--not to mention escape artist Harry Houdini--are likely to find this biography of magician Harry Kellar fascinating. Drawn to magic at an early age, Kellar, born in 1849, was determined to learn from the best of the magicians who were plying their trade, and that's just what he did. After figuring out their tricks for himself or hiring someone who could figure them out for him, he read minds, levitated women in the air, and escaped from bondage quickly. But most of all, he was a brilliant promoter, and the book contains several photographs of Kellar and the colorful posters he used to attract audiences. Magicians today still revere his name. While Jarrow doesn't provide an abundance of detail about Kellar's travels and studies of how to be a magician, she offers just enough detail here to tantalize readers and prompt them to want to learn more. The book itself is attractive with appealing font and large graphics designed to attract readers' attention.

[Braeden Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gail Jarrow tells the story of the amazing life of world famous magician Harry Kellar. Kellar left his family at age eleven and was on his own to find the path for his life. He first discovered his passion for illusions after being an assistant to a magic show. After this, he was determined to become the most accomplished magician in the United States. Little did he know, he was to acquire fame across the globe.

After a slow start to his magic career in the United States, he took his talents to different countries. With his amazing levitation illusion, closet illusion and many others, he began to amaze the people of the world. After making his way back to the United States, his talents made him the first ever Dean of Magic in the United States. This accurate depiction of Kellar’s life enlightens the reader to the world of magic preceding Houdini. The author includes pictures of actual posters that were used to advertise his acts, giving the reader a feel of what it was like during the 1900s. I enjoyed the read and I’m sure you will too!

[Hilary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Houdini’s mentor and idol, Harry Kellar, is largely unknown to young readers, although the magician/illusionist was the most internationally well-known practitioner of these arts at the turn of the twentieth century and even though Kellar was the inspiration for L. Frank Baum’s “Wizard of Oz.” Jarrow follows Kellar’s career from his youth as a magician’s assistant, traveling throughout the United States during the Civil War, to his achievements as an international superstar, entertaining royalty and presidents on multiple continents.
In addition to introducing today’s readers to a fascinating personality, Jarrow explores the science behind Kellar’s illusions, explains the nineteenth-century entertainment industry, and provides a history of magic, spiritualism, and seances. The very readable text is accompanied by lavish illustrations in an engaging layout. Fans of magic, sleight of hand, and illusion -- as well as escape artists -- will snap up this volume.

[Ashley Boris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a biography on Harry Kellar who was one of the best American magicians. The author's entions are to tell his story and to correct the notion that Harry Houdini was the first great magician. This book goes through Kellar's life and how he became a magician, including that he ran away from home and ended up an apprentice to Isaiah Hughes. One thing that makes this book interesting is that at the end Jarrow included a time line of Kellar’s life, which is a good resource for readers. This book presented a lot of bias from the author and made the readers feel pressured to agree with everything and believe that Harry Kellar was the best magician ever. It could be useful in a classroom to point out flaws in books, but if a teacher wanted to incorporate a story on magicians for entertainment purposes only then I would find a better-written book.

[Caitlin Pitsch · Rating 2 out of 5]

A biography about the life of American magician Harry Kellar. It starts by comparing him to Harry Houdini, who had been much more famous, and goes through various shows of Harry Kellar. It takes the reader through Harry’s childhood until he ran away, then through his beginning in magic working underneath another magician. The book goes through Harry’s many years with various partners and shows all around the world. It goes through his famous illusions and popular tricks and how he evolved with the audiences to stay popular in the magic industry throughout his many years. Personally I found this book quite boring for being about magic. Spent a lot of time comparing Harry Kellar to other magicians rather than focusing on him.

[Cody Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book tells the story of the life of Henry Keller. Henry changed his name to Harry when he decided to hit the road as his own magical act. The book tells how he came to be a world known magician. When Henry was eleven years old, he left his job of preparing drugs and hopped on a train to travel to the nearest big city, Cleveland, Ohio. Harry was very independent and determined to make a name for himself. When he began his magical career, he had little success in the United States, so he went all over the world to establish himself in different countries. Towards the end of his career, he was known across the United States as the “Dean of American Magicians”.
I would recommend this book to any reader.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harry Houdini is almost a household name, but most have never heard of Harry Kellar, the man Houdini proclaimed as "America's greatest magician." Jarrow combines a clear narrative with period photographs, advertising posters for Kellar's shows, and sidebars to present a solid, readable biography for middle grades. Photo credits, quotes sources, bibliography, index and suggestions for further reading and research verify the information and create ease of use.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Houdini is the name of a magician most people recognize but Harry Kellar is the magician Houdini idolized. Kellar was the first American-born magician to become an international celebrity and Jarrow conjures up a fascinating introduction to the man who served as the model for the Wizard of Oz. Superbly illustrated and elegantly designed.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Visually stunning with beautiful reproductions of Kellar's posters on almost every page. The biography is well-written and Jarrow has gathered wonderful details that I think will be a great interest to kids. Some interesting assertions at the beginning which would make great discussion jumping off points with kids.

[Christina Getrost · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating look at an early magician, whom I'd never heard of before. Book is well-designed, eye-catching, with lots of full-color, full-page marketing posters from Harry's show, setting the tone of early 20th century. Great sidebar sections on history of magic, spiritualism, and giving background on contemporaries of Kellar, etc. Good for 5th grade and up, I think.

[Donalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting account about the Golden Age of Magic between the Civil War and the Great Depression. While the text is a straightforward timeline of events in Kellar's life, it is clearly well-researched. Extensive visuals, quotes, and additional resources make this an excellent book for research.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I find myself often doing with nonfiction I skimmed this book, looking at pictures... But as I skimmed the text I found it so well written and interesting that I had to start over and read the whole thing!!!

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good story of a magician I had never heard of. I'm generally not a big fan of magic but this was a good biography with lots sidebars and pictures that really helped bring that time and place alive.

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this informative, illustrated kid's book on the American magician, Harry Kellar. The design of the book was impressive. I'd be interested to read more biographies by Gail Jarrow, and more of the Calkins Creek imprint books.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting biography on Harry Kellar, a magician I did not know about until now. While the story and illustrations were fine, this book did not wow me like Gail Jarrow's other books. I think that the book was too long and there was no suspense to keep me interested.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting text with great photos and timeline, source notes, and extensive bibliography

[Brenda Kahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun biography filled with black and white photos and reproductions of full-color posters Keller commissioned to advertise his shows.

[Lisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too long, too boring, and too many Harrys.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why have I never heard about this amazing man? Loved the illustrations and photos that added a period feel to the book.

[Mrs. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing biography of a little known magician who was quite famous before Houdini. Makes a great comparison book with a Houdini biography as they knew each other. Highly recommended!