The Secret Life of Houdini: The Making of America's First Superhero
Average Rating
An Intimate and Riveting Portrayal of Houdini, the Man and the Legend
Handcuff King. Escape Artist.International Superstar. Since his death eighty years ago, Harry Houdini has continued to captivate generations. Now, renowned magic expert William Kalush and best-selling writer Larry Sloman team up to find the man behind the myth, from the passions that drove Houdini to perform ever-more-dangerous feats to his secret life as a spy, and the pernicious plot to subvert his legacy.
After years of struggling on the dime museum circuit, Harry Houdini got a break that thrust him into the spotlight -- performing for royalty and commanding vast sums. At a time when spy agencies frequently co-opted amateurs, Houdini went to London and developed a relationship with a man who would run MI-5; for the next several years, he traveled to Germany and Russia and routinely reported his findings. After World War I, Houdini set out to infiltrate and expose the seamy world of fake spirit mediums, triggering the wrath of a group of fanatical Spiritualists led by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Death threats became an everyday occurrence, but the group would pose an even greater danger to Houdini's legacy.
As exciting as any good thriller, "The Secret Life of Houdini" traces the arc of the master magician's life from desperate poverty to worldwide legend, and initiates the listener into the arcane world of professional magic.
Biographies
Biographies » Entertainment
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Most recent 4 reviews out of 4
Submitted by Anonymous in Bernardsville,
Agree with prior reviewer. Felt like a grade school level accounting of Houdini's life. Not sure if it was the reader the writing or both. Learned some new things (e.g., early life, wife's personality, exposing spiritualist fakers) and did finish the CDs. So, if you'd like an unchallenging accounting of his days, this is the book for you.
Submitted by Meg in Manhattan Beach,
I loved Houdini and wanted a little insight into this exciting man. The narrator makes this anything but exciting unfortunately. The theme of the book sounds interesting but it comes off as a strange conspiracy theory. I'm shipping it back early to move onto something more gripping. Sorry Houdini.
Submitted by Tonia K Martinez
Really enjoyed this book. Interesting. Paced well.
Submitted by LRW
I enjoyed this book. I have a new appreciation for the man - Houdini. I knew he was a great magician and now I know he was a great man. It was one of those tapes where I take the long way home so I can hear more.
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Biographies
