The Secrets of Houdini (Dover Magic Books) [Paperback]

J. C. Cannell (Author)

Book Description

Series: Dover Magic Books | Publication Date: June 1, 1973

Classic study exposing closely-kept professional secrets and revealing, in general terms, the whole art of stage magic. 98 illustrations.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (June 1, 1973)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486229130
• ISBN-13: 978-0486229133
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,062,705 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #51 in Books > Arts & Photography > Performing Arts > Magic & Illusion

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best book about "how he did it". Not so about himself., September 17, 2002

By 

Fabio Rossi (Milano, MI Italy) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Secrets of Houdini (Dover Magic Books) (Paperback)

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.

16 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What more could you ask for?, March 27, 2000

By 

Richard Jones (England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Secrets of Houdini (Dover Magic Books) (Paperback)

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.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for a fan!, June 7, 2007

By 

Darrell McGibany "Martial Artist." (Illinois) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Secrets of Houdini (Dover Magic Books) (Paperback)

The contents of the book were wonderful for anyone who is interested in the magic of Houdini. The book was shipped on time and in excellent condition!