![]() HOUDINI DIDN’T DIE IN THE WATER torture cell. He spent the time after his mother's death battling the growing religious movement of Spiritualism, which was really just a series of clever con men and women that used parlor tricks to bilk money out of grieving individuals.The authors make a compelling case for Houdini being assassinated by the Spiritualists, although they admit it is shrouded in a lack of information, so it could have also been a tragic accident.Overall the book is filled with a huge amount of new information about the author, all of it well researched and presented in a format that slips in and out of a narrative voice, a technique that is effective and lends itself well to the material. We learn about how in the beginning of his career Houdini would speak to pastors and grave diggers and gossips before putting on a show in a town so that he could "divine" truths about audience members during his shows, but he quickly put this behind him when it saw how it could affect people and make him seem extra-human. The book is meticulous in its research about this latter form of the magician's art, doing a great job of revealing the mystery behind some of his tricks (and ruining their magic for the reader in the process), while paying only brief mention to others, keeping their trick locked up.Houdini the magician is only part of the man, however, and the authors dispense with him in the first half of the book, making a smooth transition after his mother's death to Houdini the enemy of Spiritualism. This began with free publicity by doing jail escapes in the towns he went to, but took on a more refined form with plants and public challenges (by competitors and press both funded by Houdini himself). However, while he was remembered for his magic, above all he was a showman that knew how to market himself as a brand. I really enjoyed the progression the authors showed in Houdini's act from sleight of hand to the handcuff escapes that really started his career. Crandon and the boys? It would have been nice to have some follow up there-but perhaps that whole subject is still a mystery.As a whole, I was really impressed with this biography of the Great Houdini. What a sad life he must have led-he was obviously possessed, insane, or both.Unanswered questions include: what was the deal with Dr. ![]() I was actually embarrassed for him when the authors discussed his surprise at the "removable thumb" trick. I was shocked, several times, by the gullibility of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I liked this because it showed that he had a strong humanitarian side and that he spent his last days doing good for the sake of others. He truly was a go-getter and, the fact that this unstoppable attitude brought about a million dollars' worth of sold war bonds in just a year, blows my mind!The authors devoted a lot of time to Houdini's debunking myths and exposing falsehoods. That's neat! The incident a couple pages over about knocking loose a submerged corpse was pretty interesting too!I was amazed by Houdini's efforts to raise finances during the war. Although, if the medical diagnosis on record is correct regarding his death, I'd say it was ultimately his arrogance that did him in.One of the most fascinating facts in the book, in my opinion, was that Houdini was the first person to pilot a plane over Australia. What often comes across as arrogance is often superseded by charm. The authors were extremely thorough in their investigations.and that's putting it mildly.Overall, I'd have to say that I like the person Houdini was. ![]() In fact, it's really possible that this is the longest book I've ever read.Secondly, I'd like to note that it's also very possible that I now know more about the man who was Harry Houdini than I know about my own husband. First, let me just congratulate myself on reading every word of this 560 page opus! It's been years since I've read anything this long.
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