Customer Reviews

Spellbinder: The Life of Harry Houdini

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Houdini is a fascinating character, and he really comes alive in SPELLBINDER. The book is extremely accessible, with tons of photos and lively, fresh writing. Houdini's life and times--everything from child labor to the cataclysm that was World War I--are skillfully woven into the text. One of the most interesting themes is how Houdini worked to debunk fraudulent mediums and other tricksters. Following the text are a bibliography, a chronology, and an index, making the book an excellent resource for reports. But it is also just a great read.

Greetings all, this is a book about H. Houdini, the performer and magician. The cover is awful. The contents are a fast and interesting read. High school level and up. For Houdini fans and those with an interest in the culture from the turn of the 1900's into the depression. Again, this is a fast read. Kids today might not like it as it requires some thought and historical interest. Houdini was a great performer, but he was also a scam buster. He was loyal to his family and an original character. His life is about immigration, hardship, integrity, hard work and humility. Not for kids today, but adults might enjoy the book. I did. Best regards.

My son read this book and had this to say:
"I'm a fourth grader and I was reading this for a school project. I read the book because I had to write a biography. It was GREAT. All the stuff he did, it was just fantastic. It even tells what he was doing in his spare time, where he lived, who he cared for a lot, that sort of thing. And more than just magic feats. It was AWESOME. "