Miracle Mongers and Their Methods: A Complete Expose (Skeptic's Bookshelf) - Softcover

Harry Houdini

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0879758171 ISBN 13: 9780879758172

Publisher: Prometheus, 1993

Synopsis

The legendary magician and illusionist Harry Houdini turns a critical eye to the astonishing claims of those in his own profession. Using personal research and observations, Houdini reveals the cunning techniques employed by fire-eaters, sword swallowers, and other masters of deception to mystify and amaze audiences around the world. This classic skeptical work explores and exposes the methods of such "wonders" as "The Incombustible Spaniard," "Defiers of Poisonous Reptiles," and many others. Originally published in the 1920s, Miracle Mongers and Their Methods scrupulously examines the direct predecessors of modern psychics and mentalists. "My professional life has been a constant record of disillusion," writes Houdini in his preface, "and many things that seem wonderful to most men are the everyday commonplace in my business. But I have never been without some seeming marvel to pique my curiousity and challenge my investigation. In this book I have set down some of the stories of strange folk and unusual performers that I have gathered in many years of such research." The greatest magician of his time, Houdini baffled experts and amateurs alike with his sensational and dangerous feats. Houdini attained worldwide fame during his lifetime for his daring escapes from strait-jackets, jails, underwater chambers, and a variety of "escape-proof" devices. Throughout his career, Houdini insisted that all of his feats could be rationally explained and boldly exposed the methods of those claiming supernatural powers. The ever present fascination with psychics and miracle mongers makes this book as timely as when it was originally written.

About this title

About the Author

Harry Houdini (1874 - 1926), born Erik Weisz in Budepest, Hungary, emigrated to the United States and began his career in entertainment as a circus trapeze artist. From about 1900 Houdini began to earn an international reputation for his daring feats of escape from shackles, ropes, and handcuffs and from various locked containers. In one outdoor exhibition, performed before thousands, he allowed himself to be suspended in a straitjacket, head down, about 75 feet above ground and then freed himself. He became so famous that he appeared in motion pictures from 1916 to 1923 in which he demonstrated his amazing skills. In his later years Houdini campaigned against mind readers, mediums, and others who claimed supernatural powers. He argued that they were charlatans who produced all of their effects through natural means and various tricks.

Edition details

• Publisher: Prometheus
• Publication date: 1993
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0879758171
• ISBN 13: 9780879758172
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 254