HARRY HOUDINI 1874-1926

Millions of words have been written about
this man since he first became a professional
illusionist / entertainer / showman
in 1891.

Is my use of his name in a web site title ironic?

I was less than ten years old when I first heard his name
and learned about his exploits. Even then he'd been dead for a quarter of a century but his name was still a household word.

He certainly was a great showman. He was also very great skilled in many other ways - but it was his willingness to challenge anybody to restrain him using any sort of restraints, which grabbed my imagination. As I got to know more about him I decided I wouldn't have liked him very much as a person - but that doesn't mean we didn't have a lot in common.

Was he a masochist? Did he get off on physical CHALLENGE - ENDURANCE - SURVIVAL - RESTRAINT?
At this point I neither know nor care - but a lot of people do.

So, for those who want to explore the myths and hard facts there are lots of books; some which perpetuate the misinformation HOUDINI generated during his lifetime - others attempt to expose the deceptions - while some try to psychoanalyse the man behind the smoke-screen of self-publicity.

In my opinion, the most comprehensive research to be found, is in the double volume by KENNETH SILVERMAN (Harper-Collins 1996) titled simply HOUDINI. From the photo on the book jacket this author was someone else who was perhaps inspired by HOUDINI at a very early age (photo right).

Lists of available books are not hard to find on the internet and several excellent web sites offer memorabilia, books, inside information on tricks and all forms of 'Houdiniana'.

I need to contact
George Ford
Stephen Sparks
Ian McColl
Magic Cafe site

Is there a good Links page on another ESCAPES site to recommend and avoid duplication?
www.cannonsgreatescapes.net/
www.evenden-jones.co.uk/escapology/default.asp
www.houdiniana.com/
www.houdiniclubofwisconsin.com/
www.markfarrar.co.uk/mickhanzlik/houdini1.html
www.timeric.com/
www.weaseldandaw.mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/
www.maxcita.com/
www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/houdini/
www.shahidmalik.co.uk/

 

 

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