Houdini on Magic

Rating:
Summary: Even Old Harry Would Insist ...
Review: ... that readers not be deceived by the title of this book. This book was not written by Houdini. It was written by other writers, and yet it contains articles that were penned by the man himself.

There's sometimes a jarring lack of continuity between the chapters because of this, and there are sections that seem only peripherally related to Houdini: sections about how various magic tricks are done. These sections were not written by Houdini himself, in his "voice" describing how he accomplished thus and so escape on a particular day (although there are a couple of examples of that in these pages). These long sections were merely the editors of the book describing how magicians of Houdini's time did various stock tricks. This knowledge in itself is invaluable and quite enjoyable, but it wanders from discussing Houdini.

I was looking for a direct view into the man and his thoughts on his art ... what I got was only periodic windows into that territory, stitched together with a couple of chapters that - honestly - felt like filler material meant to lengthen the book.

If you buy this book, you will enjoy it. You will gain valuable information about Houdini. But you won't feel his spirit in the pages as much as the title would lead you to believe.

Rating:
Summary: Even Old Harry Would Insist ...
Review: ... that readers not be deceived by the title of this book. This book was not written by Houdini. It was written by other writers, and yet it contains articles that were penned by the man himself.

There's sometimes a jarring lack of continuity between the chapters because of this, and there are sections that seem only peripherally related to Houdini: sections about how various magic tricks are done. These sections were not written by Houdini himself, in his "voice" describing how he accomplished thus and so escape on a particular day (although there are a couple of examples of that in these pages). These long sections were merely the editors of the book describing how magicians of Houdini's time did various stock tricks. This knowledge in itself is invaluable and quite enjoyable, but it wanders from discussing Houdini.

I was looking for a direct view into the man and his thoughts on his art ... what I got was only periodic windows into that territory, stitched together with a couple of chapters that - honestly - felt like filler material meant to lengthen the book.

If you buy this book, you will enjoy it. You will gain valuable information about Houdini. But you won't feel his spirit in the pages as much as the title would lead you to believe.

Rating:
Summary: A book about all of Houdini's writings.
Review: Everything Houdini is revealed in this book. Secrets you would have thought died with Houdini are simply here for your enjoyment. This book was written after the great magician's demise but apparently with his blessings. He had already made preperations for a series of books on magic and his escapes. All his notes and basis for the book were in his wife's possession for the writer to ressurrect in "Houdini on Magic". It's explained in detail to any aspiring escape artists, how to extricate ones self from a straight jacket. How he escaped from various kinds of locks and hand cuffs (some rigged.) The best and worst kinds of rope and knots to be bound by to guarantee an escape. It appears the most difficult escape he made was when the audience further wrapped the already tied Houdini in wet bed sheets. Surprisingly, Houdini did not honor any code of silence. As soon as copy-cat performers began using his material, he would publish the secrets. Houdini was always improving his act and staying ahead of any so called rivals. There's some great black and white photos including one of Houdini with his beloved airplane. Amazingly, he was the first person to fly an airplane in Australia. An assortment of tricks and illussions are described. As well as his crusade to unmask fraudulent spritualists preying on the recently bereived. There's a great bit of irony regarding Houdini's own death and the casket he was buried in. It's about the man and his craft, enjoy.

Rating:
Summary: Classic Magic Tricks
Review: It is commonly said that you should never read a book on magic tricks unless you are willing to learn a trick and show it to your friends and not tell the secret. Disclaimers aside, this book has material useful for beginners, and for those who wish to make complex apparatus and only a few of the tricks might pose a risk to your life. The material on fraud commit by mediums is very interesting. It can further be said that Houdini was a very good writer.

Rating:
Summary: Classic Magic Tricks
Review: It is commonly said that you should never read a book on magic tricks unless you are willing to learn a trick and show it to your friends and not tell the secret. Disclaimers aside, this book has material useful for beginners, and for those who wish to make complex apparatus and only a few of the tricks might pose a risk to your life. The material on fraud commit by mediums is very interesting. It can further be said that Houdini was a very good writer.

Rating:
Summary: A book about all of Houdini's writings.
Review: This book is simply fantastic. It contains a large amount of Houdini's writings from articles, books, etc. It contains Houdini's famous "Margery the Medium" pamplet where he exposes her false methods, explains in Houdini's words how he escapes from a straitjacket, and also tells about an illusion that Houdini was thinking about performing, but never did. A wonderful book with many pictures and illustrations.