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Rating: 
Summary: The best book about "how he did it". Not so about himself.
Review: I am amazed that such a detailed and well written book came out so soon after Houdini's demise (the original text is dated 1931!), especially as it lists the inner working of dozens and dozens of tricks. They go from mentalism to table magic tricks, from seances to escapes, from large stage productions to the simplest rope trick - it would be difficult to find so much material within any contemporary book!This is a very no-nonsense book, with only two minor negative aspects. First of all, it is somewhat light on the explanations of several tricks in the ending chapter, which is devoted to general (non Houdini-specific) stage magic, and I suppose dead wrong in a couple of instances.
Then, although it does not overly glamourize Houdini the magician, it is in fact very forgiving about Houdini the man. We know from many other sources that he was quite a difficult character (with himself as well with others), whereas here he comes off as a shining example of fun-loving gentleman. And no, the Chinese Torture Water Cell is not described. But that Tony Curtis movie was very incorrect about it anyhow.
Rating:
Summary: What more could you ask for?
Review: This book is excellent for anyone interested in psychics, escapology or Houdini. There are chapters on Houdini's life, details of ALL his famous escapes (except the water torture cell), chapters on tricks/rope ties you yourself could do, and chapters on his fight against fraudulent mediums. Touroughly interesting andwell written, great for all ages.
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