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Author Topic: Houdini Biography  (Read 3595 times)
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todd
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« on: December 17, 2006, 11:20:21 am »

There is an interestng interview of with the two authors of the ne Houdini Bioraphy on penn jillette's radio show.
I'd post alink to the podcast but can't seem to get the direct address.

go to

www.pennradio.com
and click on the dec. 13th ALL ABOUT HOUDINI episode

They appear to have changed the minds of both Penn&Tellero n what Houdini was really about.

I LOVED IT.
I'm about half way through the book right now maybe i'll put up a review if nobody beats me to it.
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Fantum_Dook
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« Reply #1 on: December 21, 2006, 07:52:36 pm »

Here's a link to that store where all the tall jungle women sell books.

http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Life-Houdini-Americas-Superhero/dp/0743272072/sr=8-1/qid=1166748421/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-8279131-2430565?ie=UTF8&s=books
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todd
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« Reply #2 on: December 24, 2006, 04:16:18 pm »

Houdini was the first to fly in australia,
The police helped him "jump start" his career and send him to superstardom (is that a word?)
Inspired by Houdin and then tried to tear him down
Sir arthur Conan Doyle was the likely culpret behind the piltdown man hoax,
houdini was a spy,
he was poisoned and that's how he died?

Meticulously researched and easy to read.  I just finished it and loved every page. 

I am sure that some of you that think you know everything about Houdini will cast off some of this as nonsense.  But, if you are open to the posibility that there may be some new information out there, this book might change your views on the Houdini you thought you knew.   

The authors make a strong case for all of the above.  They spend a fair amount of time discussing WHY he went in the directions he did along his career the circumstances of his family and the ties that may have pushed and pulled him to go in certain directions.  I loved the back story that this BIO provided.  I'd recommend this book to anyone that likes biographies and would love hear what some of that alrady "know" everything about Houdini think. 

Andrew - Can I borrow a spirit slate?  I'm inspired to take on the next spiritualist i see.   Angry
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Christian
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« Reply #3 on: January 02, 2007, 09:38:42 pm »

I got it for Christmas, havn't read it all yet but it seems good.
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Hrvatska
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« Reply #4 on: January 19, 2007, 11:09:24 pm »

I got it for Christmas, havn't read it all yet but it seems good.

Finished after reading everyday at 30 minute lunch! Great book!
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Hrvatska
Michael L.
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« Reply #5 on: August 06, 2007, 03:03:54 pm »

I actually hated this book!

Well, I didn't hate it.  It did have a wealth of new information (or at least new to me and I have read a few biographies) and did renew my interest in Houdini.  But the spy connection was tenuous and overall I didn't think the book was written in an interesting manner at all.  Perhaps it suffered because of my comparisons to Steinmeyer's popular magic history books, particularly Hiding the Elephant or perhpas it was the rather electrifying talk I saw Kalush give at the 2006 MCA event... but I thought this book was just a bit dry and academic!
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Michael L.

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sklinger63
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« Reply #6 on: August 07, 2007, 01:37:52 pm »

When this book first came out, there were quite a few news stories about exhuming Houdini's remains.  They wanted to do an autopsy and run an chemical analysis to see if he was indeed poisoned by arsenic.  But I haven't heard word since, anybody else heard anything? Or was the entire 'diggin' up Harry just a stunt to get publicity for the book?...ironically just the kinda 'pub' Mr. H. woulda loved.
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FigaroTheParrot
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« Reply #7 on: August 07, 2007, 04:34:58 pm »

Houdini's living relatives have agreed to the exhumation, and there seems to be very little standing in the way of it happening, so we should hear something about the actual proceedings soon.
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Michael L.
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« Reply #8 on: August 07, 2007, 05:26:28 pm »

I seem to remember reading that because of the various legal proceedings and such it wouldn't be happening until closer to the end of the year; I seem to remember someone saying that it may be happening around Halloween.

What do you mean publicity stunt? Roll Eyes
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Michael L.

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HenryMagician
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« Reply #9 on: August 08, 2007, 10:45:32 am »

I seem to remember reading that because of the various legal proceedings and such it wouldn't be happening until closer to the end of the year; I seem to remember someone saying that it may be happening around Halloween.

What do you mean publicity stunt? Roll Eyes
that'd be cool because he died on Halloween

but Bess's relatives didnt want it, saying Bess wouldnt want it.  I say this is excactly the kind of publicity Houdini would love
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sklinger63
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« Reply #10 on: August 08, 2007, 11:59:45 am »

...now...just imagine this.  It's Halloween, Geraldo Rivera is graveside for a live remote of Houdini's exhumation.  They open it..and it's empty.  Geraldo has a nervous breakdown.

If you aren't old enough to get this joke...just Google "Al Capone's Vault" Grin
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HenryMagician
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« Reply #11 on: August 08, 2007, 12:04:26 pm »

"The Greatest Escape of them All"

I can see it now.
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McAig
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« Reply #12 on: August 08, 2007, 12:06:07 pm »

empty except for the chains and the straightjacket
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« Reply #13 on: August 08, 2007, 12:12:39 pm »

thatd be pretty cool

or better, Bess is in it.  The greatest metamorphosis illusion ever.
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sklinger63
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« Reply #14 on: August 08, 2007, 12:16:09 pm »

worse yet...out springs Doug Henning..."Oooo!...maaagic and imaaagination!...ooo!!!"
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