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Ching Ling Foo: America's First Chinese Superstar
Ching Ling Foo: America's First Chinese Superstar tells the incredible story of the iconic Chinese magician Ching Ling Foo's obstacle laden rise to unprecedented fame and private railway car riding fortune as a bustling, polyglot, entertainment mad, ever richer, disruptive technology embracing America burst into the Twentieth Century. Ching Ling Foo; reportedly the greatest illusionist ever seen on American soil along with his talented family of musicians and acrobats overcome on stage attacks, deportation attempts, homeland tragedy, and a talented and diabolically clever American copycat to make an indelible impact on American popular culture becoming the highest paid, most popular performers in the United States - twice!
Ching Ling Foo's story is a magical one that, with its focus on the interaction of Chinese and Western cultures, geopolitical tensions, international intrigue, nativism, the importance of celebrity and disruptive technological developments seemingly has much resonance for our current era.
Ching Ling Foo's story is a magical one that, with its focus on the interaction of Chinese and Western cultures, geopolitical tensions, international intrigue, nativism, the importance of celebrity and disruptive technological developments seemingly has much resonance for our current era.
503 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 19, 2020
11 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Samuel D. Porteous
1 bookSamuel Porteous is an award-winning Shanghai-based artist/author with close to 20 years of experience living and working in China. For the last ten years he has been Chief Creative Director of Drowsy Emperor; a small boutique design/content studio serving Chinese and Western audiences. Samuel's work focuses on the special place China holds in the Western imagination. His China analysis drawing on his earlier career as top China based corporate investigator and intelligence analyst has been published in the Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, South China Morning Post, Globe and Mail, and Hong Kong Standard among others. He is currently artist in residence at TanYuan Gardens. Samuel also wrote and illustrated the graphic novel series Constable Khang's Mysteries of Old Shanghai for the China market which will soon be released in North America.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 9, 2020
Ching Ling Foo is an extraordinary figure in Chinese and Western history, travelling throughout America twice on long tours and to the UK, Europe, Canada and Australia more than one hundred years ago. What makes him special were his skills as a magician, his leadership capability over a troupe of Chinese artists and his business acumen. This was a time when a relatively small group of talented family members and artists from China could entertain the West with what was the best in the world at the time. Foo managed and profited from a theater program that could be described as a Cirque de Soleil from China. Ching Ling Foo also entertained local dignitaries and wealthy families as he travelled, hosting dinners and cooking Chinese cuisine with his travelling chefs. Foo had his challenges with unscrupulous business tour managers, venue owners, unions and the US immigration department, but he managed to overcome all obstacles.
Author Samuel Porteous has completed painstaking research on Foo’s two decades of touring, from the Omaha World Fair in 1898 which brought him to fame, to his final world tour which ended soon after WWI began. The book includes almost 200 illustrations from period publications and 856 footnotes that support this story of the acknowledged top magician in the world, and a good friend of Houdini. It was the time of vaudeville, and Foo included some vaudeville style acts in his show, along with his delightful daughter Chee Toy. At Foo’s peak, he was making US$2,500 a week, a sum unheard of at the time and three times the other top entertainers in the United States. This financial success and popularity led to frequent copying of Foo’s act by Westerners masquerading as Chinese magicians, using many of the same techniques and illusions. Ching Ling Foo challenged “Chung Ling Soo”, his most worthy imitator, to a battle of magic in London.
Foo also produced, directed and shot the first major documentary in China, at great risk. It focused on the Wuchang Uprising, which led to the downfall of the Qing dynasty. He included this film in his shows in China. We now rely on film and television as the primary way in which we learn about other countries, cultures and entertainers. It is interesting that Foo was an innovator in the new film media, and at the same time he was the world's best on tour. Foo and his entourage enjoyed life in the US, renting local Packards, dining out and going to other popular shows. Foo frequently toured alongside top western artists. Ching Ling Foo was truly "America's First Chinese Superstar", and this book is a great way to learn how Chinese relations with the West have flourished in the past.
Author Samuel Porteous has completed painstaking research on Foo’s two decades of touring, from the Omaha World Fair in 1898 which brought him to fame, to his final world tour which ended soon after WWI began. The book includes almost 200 illustrations from period publications and 856 footnotes that support this story of the acknowledged top magician in the world, and a good friend of Houdini. It was the time of vaudeville, and Foo included some vaudeville style acts in his show, along with his delightful daughter Chee Toy. At Foo’s peak, he was making US$2,500 a week, a sum unheard of at the time and three times the other top entertainers in the United States. This financial success and popularity led to frequent copying of Foo’s act by Westerners masquerading as Chinese magicians, using many of the same techniques and illusions. Ching Ling Foo challenged “Chung Ling Soo”, his most worthy imitator, to a battle of magic in London.
Foo also produced, directed and shot the first major documentary in China, at great risk. It focused on the Wuchang Uprising, which led to the downfall of the Qing dynasty. He included this film in his shows in China. We now rely on film and television as the primary way in which we learn about other countries, cultures and entertainers. It is interesting that Foo was an innovator in the new film media, and at the same time he was the world's best on tour. Foo and his entourage enjoyed life in the US, renting local Packards, dining out and going to other popular shows. Foo frequently toured alongside top western artists. Ching Ling Foo was truly "America's First Chinese Superstar", and this book is a great way to learn how Chinese relations with the West have flourished in the past.
March 20, 2021
After the Chinese Exclusion Act was signed into law in 1882, the American people slowly started to get exposed to the mythos of Chinese culture and rapidly began to lust for anything to do with them (even while telling them they did not belong and could never become a permanent part of this country). From food to labor and magic, we were spellbound. And in this time, Ching Ling Foo rose to stardom, he was a great illusionist and knew instinctually how to market himself effectively. Faced with numerous setbacks and a devilishly clever rival, Ching ruled his fame for 20 years and showed America, what it meant to be Chinese.
This biography was extremely well written, at times educational and others entertaining, the story of Ling’s success unfolds from the beginning to the end and the author does an extremely well job in hooking us from the beginning. I was so excited to hear about someone from Asian descent before the times of Bruce Lee and was certainly not disappointed.
This biography was extremely well written, at times educational and others entertaining, the story of Ling’s success unfolds from the beginning to the end and the author does an extremely well job in hooking us from the beginning. I was so excited to hear about someone from Asian descent before the times of Bruce Lee and was certainly not disappointed.
March 24, 2021
A great story...
This was a story that I was not expecting to enjoy so much. If you like to read biographies of people that really paved the way in their field, this is something that you will like. My favorite part was the first hand quotes, documents, and pictures that were throughout the whole book. There is so much to learn and it paints what I can only imagine is a true American sentiment when it comes to Chinese people at the time. Of course the time period it was written about was different in many ways and seems like similar in many ways as well. In general, this book tells a story which would otherwise be unbelievable, if there weren't so much supporting evidence. This book is lengthy but has a great pace, especially for a nonfiction book. Keep this in mind and see what you think about the Foo family.
This was a story that I was not expecting to enjoy so much. If you like to read biographies of people that really paved the way in their field, this is something that you will like. My favorite part was the first hand quotes, documents, and pictures that were throughout the whole book. There is so much to learn and it paints what I can only imagine is a true American sentiment when it comes to Chinese people at the time. Of course the time period it was written about was different in many ways and seems like similar in many ways as well. In general, this book tells a story which would otherwise be unbelievable, if there weren't so much supporting evidence. This book is lengthy but has a great pace, especially for a nonfiction book. Keep this in mind and see what you think about the Foo family.
March 19, 2021
Ching Ling Foo: America's First Chinese Superstar by author Porteous is really a gem of a book since it is about themes which are original and educational at the same time. Chinese and Western culture, political matters, technological developments and wars are only some of the themes the author was able to shed light on in this book. It tells the incredible story of the iconic
Chinese magician Ching Ling Foo, who I learned to admire right from the first page.
Written in a very simple way and as if it was an encyclopedia, this book turns into a remarkable one due to the amount of information IT unfolds. Embedded in the chapters, there are pictures that bring scenes alive and make the sequences of events easier to follow.
Chinese magician Ching Ling Foo, who I learned to admire right from the first page.
Written in a very simple way and as if it was an encyclopedia, this book turns into a remarkable one due to the amount of information IT unfolds. Embedded in the chapters, there are pictures that bring scenes alive and make the sequences of events easier to follow.
March 23, 2021
What I like the most about biographies is to discover the message that transcends the person´s life; the lesson that person left and the accomplishment that enriched their society. Regarding that, “Ching Ling Foo: America's First Chinese Superstar” surpassed my expectations.
Author Samuel D. Porteous could really capture the essence of this Chinese magician's life, as per the interaction of Chinese and Western cultures. Apart from being an icon in the Magic field, he encouraged and carried forward a cultural and person-to-person diplomacy, leaving behind the geopolitical tensions.
All in all, the book is very well written and is a fantastic memoir. The author has done a fantastic job creating an exceptional read
Author Samuel D. Porteous could really capture the essence of this Chinese magician's life, as per the interaction of Chinese and Western cultures. Apart from being an icon in the Magic field, he encouraged and carried forward a cultural and person-to-person diplomacy, leaving behind the geopolitical tensions.
All in all, the book is very well written and is a fantastic memoir. The author has done a fantastic job creating an exceptional read
March 23, 2021
Magical mystery from afar
This is a great bio of the success and journey of Ching Ling Foo who was the first great magician to perform in the United States in the late 1800 and earl 1900’s. Traveling the country with musicians and acrobats, the performers were in demand across the county.
American performer William Robinson had taken the act as his own and performed under the name Chung Ling Soo. This led to a war of the wizards showdown that was to take place to determine the real master. Foo decide not to take part in the competition once it was set. This book is very informative and keeps your attention throughout the read. I really enjoyed reading about this early pioneer in magic. Check this one out folks. It is a good read.
This is a great bio of the success and journey of Ching Ling Foo who was the first great magician to perform in the United States in the late 1800 and earl 1900’s. Traveling the country with musicians and acrobats, the performers were in demand across the county.
American performer William Robinson had taken the act as his own and performed under the name Chung Ling Soo. This led to a war of the wizards showdown that was to take place to determine the real master. Foo decide not to take part in the competition once it was set. This book is very informative and keeps your attention throughout the read. I really enjoyed reading about this early pioneer in magic. Check this one out folks. It is a good read.
March 26, 2021
Some of my favourite books are the ones that reflect and describe an unknown culture for me. I enjoy reading about beliefs and customs, and the Chinese culture is an endless source of interesting readings, wise philosophy and colourful and fascinating traditions. This is the reason why I chose this book and I cannot regret doing so. I loved this story which I read in awed concentration and amazement.
Ching Ling Foo is the subject of this biography written by Samuel D. Porteous. He was an artist, a magician and an illusionist. He was born in Beijing and he later took his art to America. He had a successful career as an artist apart from being a precursor of the introduction of Chinese customs and traditions in the United States.
Ching Ling Foo is the subject of this biography written by Samuel D. Porteous. He was an artist, a magician and an illusionist. He was born in Beijing and he later took his art to America. He had a successful career as an artist apart from being a precursor of the introduction of Chinese customs and traditions in the United States.
May 9, 2021
I am not much of a fan of biographies but this book surprised me and made me realize that this genre is also interesting and enjoyable when it's written in a very good way. Ching Ling Foo: America's First Chinese Superstar by Samuel D. Porteous is a story about the Chinese magician Ching Ling Foo and his remarkable journey into fame and success in the field of magic.
I knew nothing about Ching Ling Foo before I started reading this book but as I've read his story, I found him such an interesting persona. His experiences are truly remarkable as what the book described. What I particularly loved about this book was also the writing style of Samuel D. Porteous. It was easy to get into and it invites the readers to connect more into the character's life. All in all, a good read!
I knew nothing about Ching Ling Foo before I started reading this book but as I've read his story, I found him such an interesting persona. His experiences are truly remarkable as what the book described. What I particularly loved about this book was also the writing style of Samuel D. Porteous. It was easy to get into and it invites the readers to connect more into the character's life. All in all, a good read!
March 24, 2021
Captivated by the inspiring talent of Ching Ling Foo, Porteus, Samuel D crafted a complete and interesting book about the life of America's first Chinese artist, as the title points out. Foo was a fantastic magician who arrived in the States to make history. His story includes success, fame, power and wealth but at the same time there is tragedy and many personal and cultural obstacles he had to overcome. This book reflects the relevance of this important character in the America-China relationship. I found Foos’ story interesting and intriguing, perfectly suitable for teenagers and adults as well. I highly recommend reading more about this great and charismatic magician.
March 25, 2021
The author, S. Porteous, tells the story of the first famous Chinese magician, Ching Ling Foo. He was the greatest illusionist ever seen on American soil along with his talented family of musicians and acrobats. They had many obstacles to overcome and yet he had become the highest paid performer in the United States.
I loved this book because I was able to learn a lot about Ching Ling Foo. I think his story and his achievements should be told, since his life was not easy at all. Another thing that I liked was that this author told this biography in great detail. I strongly recommend this book and invite all to read this fantastic story of an ordinary man with an incredible life.
I loved this book because I was able to learn a lot about Ching Ling Foo. I think his story and his achievements should be told, since his life was not easy at all. Another thing that I liked was that this author told this biography in great detail. I strongly recommend this book and invite all to read this fantastic story of an ordinary man with an incredible life.
March 26, 2021
A good old story!
“Ching Ling Foo: American First Chinese Superstar” is a book that took me a hundred years back in time.
The author of this reader, called Samuel Porteous, tells us the unknown timeless story of this man - Ching Ling Foo - who, after living a life full of ups and downs, goes to the United States to become a celebrity.
Perhaps his name is not familiar nowadays, but I found the story interesting because it made me see things from another perspective. Behind these sentences, there is an inspirational story.
This is an awesome book to pass the time, I recommend it to adults and the elder because they might relate with the plot.
“Ching Ling Foo: American First Chinese Superstar” is a book that took me a hundred years back in time.
The author of this reader, called Samuel Porteous, tells us the unknown timeless story of this man - Ching Ling Foo - who, after living a life full of ups and downs, goes to the United States to become a celebrity.
Perhaps his name is not familiar nowadays, but I found the story interesting because it made me see things from another perspective. Behind these sentences, there is an inspirational story.
This is an awesome book to pass the time, I recommend it to adults and the elder because they might relate with the plot.
March 24, 2021
Although I did not know Ching Ling Foo, after reading the description of the book I was curious to read about his life and career. When reading I not only knew about this magician but also about his culture and the moment in history he lived in.
Although it is a long book, it is really interesting and I ended up admiring this man. The narrative, the images added and the great description of events make this a read that was hard to put down. Certainly, the author did a very good job with it. For these reasons, it is a book that I will surely recommend reading.
Although it is a long book, it is really interesting and I ended up admiring this man. The narrative, the images added and the great description of events make this a read that was hard to put down. Certainly, the author did a very good job with it. For these reasons, it is a book that I will surely recommend reading.
March 31, 2021
Ching Ling Foo: America’s First Chinese Superstar, written by Samuel D Porteous, tells the life and story of a man that was, as the title mentioned, a superstar; he was a magician. There are many pictures and images in the book that helped me understand how his life was, what was the moment in time, and more. I found it to be really interesting. The decapitation illusion was what I liked to read the most. It was surprising.
The author writes clearly and in a way that I wanted to keep on reading until the end, although it took me a week to finish.
I recommend this read.
The author writes clearly and in a way that I wanted to keep on reading until the end, although it took me a week to finish.
I recommend this read.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews