Houdini

Houdini
Harry Houdini was born Erich Weisz (although he spelled it Weiss) in Budapest in 1874. Taking inspiration for his name from Jean Robert-Houdin he began his career working at Carny sideshows performing card tricks, billing himself “King of Cards”. His fortune turned at the turn of the century when he concentrated on performing escapology, and toured Europe billed as “The Handcuff King”.

Exposing Houdini

An interview with Houdini’s ingenieur R.D.Adams from the November 1929 edition of Modern Mechanix.

Growing Up With Houdini

Arthur Moses’ daughter speaks out about living with a house full of Houdini memorabilia

Hardeen Inherits his Brother’s Secrets

The original poster detailing Theodore Hardeen’s intention to continue his brother Houdini’s act after his death.

Houdini Speaks

Actually hear Houdini talking about his most famous escape: “The Water Torture Cell”.

Magic: A Picture History

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Most profusely illustrated history of stage magic ever published, brimming with rare photographs, lithographs, woodcuts, engravings, much more. Enjoy a colorful cavalcade of costumes, stage settings, magic apparatus, advertisements, related memorabilia, along with fascinating anecdotes about magicians — from the time of the Pharaohs to Houdini, Chung Ling Soo to Kellar [more...]

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Secrets of Magic TShirt

A fantastically designed tshirt courtesy of threadless.

Memoirs of a Sword Swallower

Sanders The Great reviews Memoirs of a Sword Swallower by Dan Mannix

Pure Effect - Derren Brown

Pure Effect - Direct Mindreading and Magical Artistry was first published in 2000 before Derren had hit the big-time. Read my review on the book that everyone wants to read.

13 Steps to Mentalism

The 13 Steps to Mentalism is possibly the most famous book on mentalism ever published. Read my review on it and learn why you need a copy of this book.

Annemann's Bullet Catch

View a vintage news reel showing the trick that was later to cause Ted Annemann's suicide.

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