Customer Reviews

The Secret Life of Houdini: The Making of America's First Superhero

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The "Houdini was a spy" aspect of this book - so hyped in the media and debated by magic historians - is a distraction from what should be seen, first and foremost, as a major new Houdini biography loaded with fascinating new facts about the great magician's life and career.

But what of this "spy" thing? Okay. Very quickly - in 1902/3 Houdini sent "reports" from Germany and Russia back to Superintendent Melville of Scotland Yard (who was then head of what could be considered British Intelligence). Does this mean Houdini was a spy, or just a letter writer who felt compelled to report what he was seeing to his friend in London? Authors Bill Kalush and Larry Sloman do make some interesting connections back to America and the shenanigans with Houdini's passport application...but it's all very speculative. For me, this "spy revelation" is just one of many, many new nuggets of information to be found within these fascinating 560 pages...and it's not even the most interesting nugget at that.

I was much more taken with the revelation of Bess Houdini's suicide attempt; a potential third Houdini mistress (Milla Barry); the attack on Houdini's brother in his Harlem home; the Russian Royal family's Rasputian-like fascination with the magician; Montraville M. Wood's involvement in the development of the Milk Can and USD; Lord Northcliff's role in Houdini's aviation career; Houdini's private secret service formed to expose spiritualists (Houdini actually bought a barbershop and trained an agent as a barber so they could communicate incognito); and the very troubling revelation that Margery and Dr. Crandon may have had a hand in the disappearance of several young English boys (freaky stuff this).

I was also thrilled to see Kalush and Sloman incorporate breakthrough information containing in such recent studies as The Man Who Killed Houdini by Don Bell (which rewrites magic history by revealing Houdini suffered not one but TWO stomach punch attacks in his final weeks). And, last but not least, the wealth of never before seen photos contained here are wonderful!

I was surprised to see the inclusion of some stories I've always considered to be apocryphal -- the tale in which Harry, as a boy, frees a convict from a pair of handcuffs is one. But the authors promise that a complete set of source reference notes are forthcoming in a separate volume. (Already some are available online at the Conjuring Arts Research Center website.)

The last major Houdini biography was Ken Silverman's 1996 Houdini!!! The Career of Ehrich Weiss (now out of print). I still consider the Silverman book the best, most authoritative Houdini biography ever written, as well as the one that seems to best nail his complex character. But Secret Life uncovers many new facts not found in Silverman, and for the layperson it may be the more entertaining and provocative read.

It's been 10 years since Silverman and it was time someone tackled the subject of Houdini again. My congratulations to William Kalush and Larry Sloman for doing so...and succeeding so spectacularly!

This is simply put a remarkable and groundbreaking historical book on Harry Houdini: world renown magician, mischievous scoundrel, and clever spy. Reading like the best of intriguing novels, authors William Kalush and Larry Sloman have created a masterpiece worthy of every person's library in `The Secret Life of Houdini: The Making of America's First Superhero'.

This is one of the finest historical prose I have ever read. I can't recommend `The Secret Life of Houdini: The Making of America's First Superhero' enough. It will be `The' gift I give during the holiday season.

Why am I doing cartwheels?

First off, the extraordinary research put into this work was incredible. The execution and presentation of the material easy to understand and intriguing on its own, yet, the more fact presented, the more material I needed to have. Additionally, by collecting what I take was nearly everything ever written or presented previously on Houdini and viewing it carefully as a whole, Kalush and Sloman actually present to the public the full picture on Harry Houdini: Master of Deception! And what a life it was!

From a humble beginning in Chicago, to entertaining the most prominent individuals in society across the globe, to clearly participating in a spy network, to in his own way, being a pre-Nadar watchdog by going after con-artists pretending to be connected to the supernatural world, Harry Houdini's life was extraordinary . . . and so to was the footprint he made on society, as evident of his acclaim 90 years later. Was Houdini murdered by a cult? What was he getting close to? What threats did he hold?

Overall, this is a brilliant book, and I tip my hat to authors William Kalush and Larry Sloman: superior storytelling readers everywhere will enjoy.

There have been a slew of biographies of Houdini from Harold Kellock's 1928 book that was written "from the documents and recollections of Beatrice Houdini" to this most recent one by magic authority Bill Kalush and "Reefer Madness" author Ratso Slocum. I have read them all and can say without reservation that this is my favorite.
I understand the frustration of some readers who complain that the book contains no notes or substantiation of the facts as presented. Like the biography "Houdini, the Career of Ehrich Weiss" by Kenneth Silverman, the research was so voluminous, the notes so extensive, that they require another book to contain them. I very much look forward to this forthcoming book of notes, but, the lack of footnoting in this book doesn't bother me. What was it John Barrymore said to describe his dislike of footnotes? (He felt that footnotes got in the way of a good read). I think he said, "It's like having to run downstairs to answer the doorbell on one's wedding night."
The research that the authors did in preparation for this book was simply enormous. When the book of notes comes out, that will become clear. Still, I commiserate with readers who would like the biography and the notes to be contained in a single volume but, believe me, that would be one thick book.
There are several examples of "invented" dialogue that has bothered some Houdini authorities. I can state that even these will have some substantiation in the mountain of documents that will be contained in the next volume.
I wonder how many of the "Houdini experts" who question the veracity of this book have ever heard of the Hungarian escape artist called Hanelo? Or one named Steen? Or Rex Palmer Gordon? Well, I hadn't until I read this book and this is Culliton speaking.
Any mistakes? Well, a photo of Houdini's leading lady Ann Forrest is misidentified as Gloria Swanson which should be corrected before the paperback comes out, but, while there are other points of view on some matters discussed in the book, the authors have done their homework and there is background for their assertions.
Then there are Houdini insiders I knew about but that most of the other biographers missed: Dr. Waite, for one example. Or Montraville Wood for another. It cheered my heart when these guys picked up on them, and many, many others. Gertude Hills, John Hanauer, Ormer Locklear. . . I could go on and on.
Is the book 100% accurate? Probably not, due to its subject. As Silverman pointed out in an interview, (I'm probably paraphrasing slightly) "In most life histories there are three different versions of any event. In Houdini's life, there are at least ten." It has become every Houdini biographer's task to choose which story rings truest.
As to the book's contention that Houdini did secret work for at least two governments, I believe it, and I believe the first two passport applications Houdini made (as discussed in the book) constitute the smoking gun.
Is this book the last word on Houdini? Uh uh! No one will ever write the last word on Houdini (after all, he's Houdini) but I love this book and I unreservedly recommend it.

This book delighted me and disappointed me. It delighted me because of all the rich details it gives about Houdini's career. He was a far more versatile and complex man than I had ever imagined, and the physical control he had over his body would have put any yogi to shame. Although the details sometimes get out of control, for the most part I couldn't put this book down. But, alas, three faults bugged me: 1. The authors provide no analysis of the man, they merely tell us what he said and did. Many of his actions cry out for interpretation and explanation, but the authors--if they say anything--speak in generalities. How does Houdini compare to other magicians and escape artists? (For instance, how good was his brother Hardeen compared to Houdini?) What are the tricks that still baffle magicians today? What medical explanation is there for his apparent ability to slow down his breathing and heart rate to the point where he would appear to be dead--and could survive in an airtight coffin for an hour and a half when the medical experts said he'd be dead in minutes? 2. The authors are unwilling (or unable) to look critically at Houdini. His statements and actions lead me to believe he was an egomaniac, desperate for attention, viciously defensive, suffering from a constant sense of inadequacy. But the authors blind themselves to these traits and assure the reader he did it all for the sake of keeping a promise to his dead father. Houdini is always praised, never criticized, by the authors. (For instance, for all their comprehensive detail, the authors somehow manage to leave out the fact (that I saw in a PBS documentary) that Houdini had a mordid curiosity--desiring to gaze upon the bodies of those who had suffered a gruesome death.) 3. The authors pathetically fall for conspiracy theories when it comes to explaining Houdini's demise. Were there lots of people who wished Houdini dead? Yes. Is there any evidence he was murdered? No. Just from the information the author's provide (which has a lot of holes in it), it is obvious that Houdini died from complications of a burst appendix. Surgery on Houdini pretty much proves this. As in science, the simplest explanation is to be prefered.

If you've ever been fascinated by Houdini and his life, this is a book you will definitely want to read. Beginning with his early family life, the book takes you through his childhood, living in poverty, and how even at a young age, he took advantage of and created opportunities to succeed. His success was phenomenal for the time he lived in. The reader realizes how complex a person he was, how driven, how willing he was to go to great lengths to be better than anyone. Its interesting to see how close his ties were with those in government, both in the US and abroad. This book only adds to his mystique and makes a person question exactly what happened to cause his death. The huge amount of effort put into researching Houdini's life is evident. There are some wonderful photographs that add to the book's content.

This extraordinary book has piqued my interest not only on the subject of Houdini, but also with the many historical figures with whom he has encounters throughout his life. Utterly absorbing, this is a must-read for both readers familiar with and those new to the material. This book is as enjoyable as it is educational; the obvious product of painstaking research done by the authors.

As an adult I have become more interested and fascinated with magicians and illusions. This biography of Houdini is fantastic! The book presents Houdini not only as one of the greatest illusionists but you see him as a person and what really motivated him. There are lots of great pictures and much insight as to who Houdini really was.

To try and conceive of how these authors gathered and sifted through so much material and organized it into an amazingly capturing, entertaining story line makes my mind reel. It is obvious how much hard work and passion went into this project and it thrills me to think of how many personal letters and diaries they had the honor of having their hands on in order to do such thorough research.

This book shines an interesting light on Houdini's upbringing, giving credit to his father for instilling Erik/Ehrich/Henry with a great sense of integrity, respect, an unwavering work ethic and dedication to taking care of his mother.

Not only do we witness the life process of this "superhero," but we are also given insights into his human side: the part of Houdini that was vulnerable to matters of the heart, especially involving his family; the perhaps manic side of him that seemed to have caused as much trouble as it did give him strength; but his ego is probably the most intriguing aspect to me. We see his infamous ego shine brightly when it came to self promotion and taking credit for all his humanly hard work, but he seemed to have been willing to die in the name of truth when it came to anyone--including himself--wrongly taking credit for a power that was higher than human...while all the while, he was perhaps the most superhuman symbol in entertainment of all time.

There sometimes is a fine line between magic, alchemy, truth, human and higher potential and powers, and this book expertly shows that Houdini seems to have been just as emersed in the struggle to figure it all out as we are.

Bravo to authors Kalush and Sloman.

I highly recommend this book and am in the process, myself, of reading it again.

This is a very serious and complete biography. I bought this expecting something more for the masses, lots of rumor and sensationalism. In fact, it's a very thoughtful book, with lots of detail and very little speculation, presenting many of the lesser known aspects of Houdini's life, including his campaign against spiritualism and fraudulent mediums, and his extraordinary physical prowess. Not everything was a trick. Many things he accomplished by sheer force of will. Houdini was clearly much more multidimensional than portrayed in movies and popular references. The book also includes many details on the culture and other celebrities of the time; the extensive information on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was especially interesting. I give it 4 stars only for the fact that there are no footnotes or references. I understand that the authors chose to put those on their Web site, but they're much less useful separated from the book they document.

This book is very interesting to read about his undercover work he did for the British and U.S. government during the turn of the century, but reading about the way he did his handcuff tricks, and other acts seem to me the most interesting. There are some things that might be controversal like the possibility that he might have been murdered by a cult, but that is what made his life interesting. He was a very mysterious man.