Discover 'The Last Greatest Magician in the World'

Step into the glittering, mysterious world of early 20th-century entertainment with Jim Steinmeyer's definitive biography, 'The Last Greatest Magician in the World.' This compelling digital ebook, available as a 138-page PDF, unveils the remarkable story of Howard Thurston, a name that, despite once eclipsing Houdini's in the realm of grand illusion, has faded from public memory. Steinmeyer, a celebrated historian of stage magic, meticulously resurrects Thurston's legacy, presenting a vivid portrait of the man who set the standard for modern stagecraft and captured the imagination of millions.

Howard Thurston's Unforgettable Journey

Born in 1869, Howard Thurston navigated the most dramatic shifts in American entertainment, from humble street performances and sideshows to expansive wagon tours across the still-wild West, culminating in the dazzling grand theaters of vaudeville's golden age. This book charts his meteoric rise from a bold card manipulator to a vaudeville sensation. Thurston's foresight led him to transform his act into a monumental spectacle, featuring over 40 tons of apparatus and costumes. His touring production became an American institution for nearly three decades, establishing Thurston as a brand name synonymous with theatrical grandeur, much like Ziegfeld or the Ringling Brothers.

The Rivalry: Thurston vs. Houdini

One of the most enthralling aspects of this biography is Steinmeyer's deep dive into the intense professional and psychological rivalry between Thurston and Harry Houdini during the early decades of the twentieth century. While Houdini may be better remembered today, Steinmeyer expertly illustrates how, in their own time, Thurston was widely considered the victor. He commanded a larger, more elaborate show, cultivated a more successful reputation, and ultimately earned the coveted title of 'America's greatest magician.' This ebook reveals how Thurston's spectacular magic show is, in many ways, the very one that still animates our collective memories of classic stage illusion.

A Must-Read for Enthusiasts

Whether you're a devoted magic fan, a history buff, or simply captivated by fascinating biographies, 'The Last Greatest Magician in the World' offers an unparalleled look into a pivotal era of American entertainment. This digital download provides instant access to a rich narrative that both enlightens and entertains, bringing a forgotten giant of illusion back into the spotlight.

Original Specs

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!

#Howard Thurston

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