Exposing Houdini

Modern Mechanix has published a wonderful article from the November 1929 issue containing an interview with R.D.Adams. I’ve never heard of Adams in relation to Harry Houdini before (please let me know if you have), and his “exclusive knowledge” is certainly questionable but the article is interesting none the less. Here’s the introduction:

Harry Houdini, Prince of Magicians, carried with him to the grave the secrets of his extraordinary feats of illusion. Only one man, the artisan who made his magic apparatus, knows the working secrets of Houdini’s most mystifying stunts. That man, Mr. R. D. Adams, continues here his fascinating expose of the master magician’s methods.

The article discusses his escapes from safes, prison cells and the sub trunk amongst other things and interestingly describes a method for Houdini’s walk through a brick wall that is entirely different to that discussed in J.C.Cannell’s “The Secrets of Houdini”.

All in all a great historical piece. How Modern Mechanix got this particular scoop in 1929 is a bit of a puzzle. Please let me know of any ideas, or indeed any more information on R.D.Adams. Read the complete article here.

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The Secrets of Houdini

When this book was published shortly after Houdini's death in 1926, it caused such a controversy that many people refused to believe the author. Yet if you are interested in magic, the stage, or the fabulous life of Harry Houdini, you are certain to find this book a fascinating experience. Perhaps the only way to really understand Houdini is to read this book and judge for yourself. Don't be surprised if the author keeps you glued to each page as you follow step by step some of the most incredib... [more...]