About the author
Erik Weisz (March 24, 1874 – October 31, 1926), known professionally as Harry Houdini ( hoo-DEE-nee), was a Hungarian-American escapologist, illusionist, and stunt performer noted for his escape acts. Houdini first attracted notice in vaudeville in the United States and then as Harry "Handcuff" Houdini on a tour of Europe, where he challenged police forces to keep him locked up. Soon he extended his repertoire to include chains, ropes slung from skyscrapers, straitjackets under water, and having to escape from and hold his breath inside a sealed milk can with water in it. In 1904, thousands watched as Houdini tried to escape from special handcuffs commissioned by London's Daily Mirror, keeping them in suspense for an hour. Another stunt saw him buried alive and only just able to claw himself to the surface, emerging in a state of near-breakdown. While many suspected that these escapes were faked, Houdini presented himself as the scourge of fake spiritualists, pursuing a personal crusade to expose their fraudulent methods. As president of the Society of American Magicians, he was keen to uphold professional standards and expose fraudulent artists.
📖 Where to start with Harry Houdini
💬 What our editors say about Harry Houdini's books
“This is a compelling exposé that highlights Houdini’s unique position as a magician turned skeptic. While it successfully unmasking the mechanics of deception used by fraudulent mediums, it may not suit readers seeking genuine…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on A Magician Among the Spirits .By: Harry Houdini (ILLUSTRATED)
“Houdini’s investigation is a rigorous dismantling of spiritualist claims by a master of misdirection. The text serves as a historical document of fraud exposure rather than a narrative adventure. It may disappoint readers seeking…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on A Magician Among the Spirits Houdini, Harry
“While Houdini’s insider perspective provides undeniable value for skeptics and magic enthusiasts, this book may frustrate readers seeking empirical proof or academic rigor. It is less a scientific treatise and more a passionate…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on A Magician Among the Spirits
📋 Editions by Harry Houdini in the catalog
| Edition | Year | Publisher | Pages | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Magician Among the Spirits .By: Harry Houdini (ILLUSTRATED) | 2016 | Createspace Independent Pu | 326 | 9781535336505 |
| A Magician Among the Spirits Houdini, Harry | 2011 | Cambridge University Press | 354 | 9781108027489 |
| A Magician Among the Spirits | 2022 | Alpha Edition | 226 | 9789356577480 |
