Magic Video - J.C. Cannell - The Secrets of Houdini
Description & Effect
Unlocking the Legend of Houdini
Step into the enigmatic world of Harry Houdini, the master illusionist whose name remains synonymous with impossible escapes and mind-bending magic. J.C. Cannell's 'The Secrets of Houdini' offers an unprecedented look behind the curtain, revealing the carefully guarded methods of the man often misunderstood as supernatural. This seminal work, now a convenient digital download, cuts through the myth to present a rational, professional analysis of Houdini's most incredible feats, written by a contemporary who understood the true artistry of stage magic.
Delve Into the Art of Illusion
This comprehensive study meticulously dissects the mechanics of Houdini's legendary repertoire. From his death-defying challenges and escapes from bank vaults, Russian prison vans, and submerged crates, to startling acts like walking through brick walls, vanishing elephants, and women floating in mid-air, Cannell explains it all in clear, simple language. You'll explore how classic card and rope tricks were executed, alongside insights into seances, ghostly manifestations, and mind-reading performances that captivated millions. The book is enriched with numerous line drawings of Houdini's ingenious escape devices and detailed diagrams of complex illusions, ensuring a thorough understanding of each principle.
A Glimpse Behind the Curtain
When first published shortly after Houdini's passing in 1926, this book sparked considerable controversy, with many refusing to believe Cannell's exposés. Yet, its historical significance as the first rational explanation of Houdini's genius is undeniable. Beyond the technical explanations, 'The Secrets of Houdini' provides a unique glimpse into the life and times of this iconic showman. Featuring 47 photographs – including 24 newly added illustrations alongside the 23 from the original edition – you'll witness scenes from Houdini's life and his mesmerizing performances, bringing his incredible journey to life. This digital edition ensures that the legacy and revelations of Cannell's work are accessible to a new generation.
Your Digital Key to Magic History
Whether you're a seasoned magician, a student of stage history, or simply fascinated by the extraordinary life of Harry Houdini, this digital download is an essential addition to your collection. Prepare to be engrossed as Cannell guides you step-by-step through the astonishing stunts that defined a century. This isn't just a book; it's an invitation to understand the meticulous craft, the daring ingenuity, and the sheer brilliance of the greatest escape artist who ever lived. Discover 'The Secrets of Houdini' and forever change your perception of magic.
Original Specs
World-famous illusionist, master deluder, showman; Harry Houdini (alias of Ehrich Weiss) is one of the most legendary figures of the modern stage, and probably the most controversial and misunderstood magician of all times. So fantastic were his tricks that many thought him to be supernatural, a mystic and an amazing spiritualist.
Exposing his closely kept professional secrets, and revealing in general terms the whole art of stage magic, this book is now considered a classic study of Houdini's strange deceptions.
J.C. Cannell, professional magician, friend and colleague of Houdini in The Magician's Club, was the first to explain rationally how Houdini achieved his tricks. These include the famous challenges to death, escapes from bank vaults and from a Russian prison vanlined with zinc, walking through brick walls, escapes from crates under waters, disappearing ladies, women floating in mid-air, vanishing elephants, ghostly manifestations, seances, card tricks, rope tricks, mind reading, spirit messages and miracles. All of these and much more discussed in clear, simple language and for better understanding, the author has included numerous line drawing of Houdini's ingenious escape devices, with diagrams of the more complicated tricks. Twenty-four new photographs have been added to the twenty-three in the original edition, illustrating scenes from the magician's life as well as his performances.
When this book was originally published shortly after Houdini's death in 1926, it caused such a controversy that many people simply refused to believe the author. Yet, if you are interested in magic, the stage or the fabulous life of Harry Houdini, you are certain to find this book a fascinating experience. Perhaps the only way to really understand Houdin is is to tread this book and judge for yourself. Don't be surprised if the author keeps you glued to each page as you follow step-by-step some of the most incredible stunts of the century!
