World-famous illusionist, master deluder, showman: Harry Houdini was one of the most legendary figures of the modern stage, and probably the most legendary and misunderstood magician of all time. Exposing his closely kept professional secrets, and revealing in general terms the whole art of stage magic, this book is now considered the classic study of Houdini's strange deceptions. A professional magician and friend of Houdini, Cannell rationally explains how the master escaped bank vaults, walked through brick walls, floated women in mid-air, read minds, and much more. All of these are discussed in clear, simple language, and for better understanding, the author includes numerous line drawings of Houdini's ingenious escape devices, with diagrams of the more complicated tricks. Twenty-four photographs have been added to the 23 from the original edition.

The Secrets of Houdini (Dover Magic Books)

Biographies & Memoirs

Cannell, J.C.

Arts & Literature

Dover Publications

World-famous illusionist, master deluder, showman; Harry Houdini (alias of Ehrich Weiss) is one of the most legendary figures of the modern stage, and probably the most controversial and misunderstood magician of all times. So fantastic were his tricks that many thought him to be supernatural, a mystic and an amazing spiritualist. Exposing his closely kept professional secrets, and revealing in general terms the whole art of stage magic, this book is now considered a classic study of Houdini's strange deceptions. J.C. Cannell, professional magician, friend and colleague of Houdini in The Magician's Club, was the first to explain rationally how Houdini achieved his tricks. These include the famous challenges to death, escapes from bank vaults and from a Russian prison vanlined with zinc, walking through brick walls, escapes from crates under waters, disappearing ladies, women floating in mid-air, vanishing elephants, ghostly manifestations, seances, card tricks, rope tricks, mind reading, spirit messages and miracles. All of these and much more discussed in clear, simple language and for better understanding, the author has included numerous line drawing of Houdini's ingenious escape devices, with diagrams of the more complicated tricks. Twenty-four new photographs have been added to the twenty-three in the original edition, illustrating scenes from the magician's life as well as his performances. When this book was originally published shortly after Houdini's death in 1926, it caused such a controversy that many people simply 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 Houdin is is to tread this book and judge for yourself. Don't be surprised if the author keeps you glued to each page as you follow

The Secrets of Houdini

Humor & Entertainment

Puzzles & Games

Bell Publishing

Originally published 1930's. A well illustrated compendium of the famous Harry Houdini's magic tricks and illusions. All explained in detail.Many of the earliest magic books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing many of these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

Rogers Press

Rowlands Press

This text details a number of Houdini's famous tricks and techniques, offering comprehensive explanations of how the master escape artist achieved some of his most baffling and impressive tricks. Complete with detailed descriptions of the feats and information on the man behind them, this is a text that will greatly appeal to those with an interest in Houdini and in escapology in general. The chapters of this book include: 'Houdini as Handcuffed King', 'How He Baffled The Police Forces of The World', 'A Russian Prison on Wheels', 'Impudent Rival put to Flight', and 'The Cleverness of Simplicity'. Many antique books such as this are increasingly rare and expensive, and it is with this in mind that we are republishing this book here complete with a new prefatory biography of Harry Houdini.

Houdini the True Handcuff King

Sports & Outdoors

Nelson Press

Houdini and the Art of Illusion and Disillusion

Meredith Press

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Books by Cannell, J.C.