Presto! Uncover the captivating biography of Howard Thurston by Jim Steinmeyer, once hailed as the world’s greatest magician. Explore his rivalry with Houdini and much more! ✨
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Jim Steinmeyer – The Last Greatest Magician in the World
Discover the untold story of Howard Thurston, the magician who outshone Houdini and revolutionized stage magic. In this compelling biography, acclaimed historian Jim Steinmeyer brings to life the career and controversies of Thurston, a man whose legacy continues to inspire magicians today.
Key Features:
- Detailed Biography: Explore the life of Howard Thurston, from his humble beginnings to becoming one of America’s most renowned vaudeville stars.
- Historical Insights: Understand the dramatic changes in entertainment during Thurston’s life, from street performances to grand theaters.
- Rivalry with Houdini: Learn about the psychological and stage rivalry between Thurston and Houdini, a contest that Thurston ultimately won.
- Rich Visuals: The book includes vivid descriptions of Thurston’s extravaganza show, complete with over 40 tons of apparatus and costumes.
- For Fans of Magic and Biography: Both magic enthusiasts and biography lovers will find plenty to enjoy in this detailed account.
Published in February 2011, this 138-page PDF is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of magic and the life of one of its greatest performers. Thurston’s story is a testament to the enduring allure of magic and the relentless pursuit of excellence in entertainment.
PDF
Howard Thurston vs. Houdini & the Battles of the American Wizards
Published: February， 2011 | PDF – 138 pages
Here is the seminal biography of the magician’s magician， Howard Thurston， a man who surpassed Houdini in the eyes of showmen and fans and set the standard for how stage magic is performed today. Everyone knows Houdini， but who was Thurston? In this rich， vivid biography of the “greatest magician in the world，” celebrated historian of stage magic Jim Steinmeyer captures the career and controversies of the wonder-worker extraordinaire， Howard Thurston.
The public’s fickleness over magicians has left Thurston all but forgotten today. Yet， Steinmeyer shows how his story is one of the most remarkable in show business. During his life， from 1869 to 1936， Thurston successfully navigated the most dramatic changes in entertainment – from street performances to sideshows to wagon tours through America’s still-wild West to stage magic – amid the glitter of grand theaters.
Thurston became one of America’s most renowned vaudeville stars， boldly performing an act with just a handful of playing cards， and then had the foresight to leave vaudeville， expanding his show into an extravaganza with more than 40 tons of apparatus and costumes. His touring production was an American institution for nearly thirty years， and Thurston earned a brand name equal to Ziegfeld or Ringling Brothers.
Steinmeyer explores the stage and psychological rivalry between Thurston and Houdini during the first decades of the twentieth century – a contest that Thurston won. He won with a bigger show， a more successful reputation， and the title of America’s greatest magician. In The Last Greatest Magician in the World， Thurston’s magic show is revealed as the one that animates our collective memories.
The book will delight both magic fans and biography fans， giving both plenty to enjoy!
