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Level 2: Reading Independently

• More complex stories
• Varied sentence structure
• Paragraphs and short chapters

Find out how a little boy named Ehrich Weiss became Harry Houdini -- the greatest magician the world has ever known! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great introduction to an amazing character
Not too deep but thorough enough to introduce young minds to Houdini. My grandson read with much interest and now he dedicates all his magic tricks to the Great Houdini. A nice introduction to what a biography is and it captures the highlights of his career and early youth. I recommend it to all aspiring magicians and I dedicate this review to the memory of Doug Henning. ... Read more

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In 1897, New York City teems with hustlers and freshly made millionaires, fine artists and con artists, criminals and immigrants. Among them is a rabbi's son who calls himself Houdini. He is struggling to make it in the brutal entertainment business when detectives call on him to attempt the most amazing feat of his fledgling career: solve the mystery of a toy tycoon murdered in his posh Fifth Avenue mansion.

It's a challenge which Harry--never at a loss for self-confidence--is more than willing to accept. But soon two more murders are linked to the first, and the investigation leads into the strange world of rare curios and the collectors who pay fortunes to own them. Now, the master magician, with the reluctant help of his brother, Dash Hardeen, must uncover a motive for murder adn track a killer to his hidden lair--an appointment with danger from which not even the great Houdini can escape. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Impossible to escape from!
I love mysteries with historic settings, but tend to shy away from those that feature actual persons as protagonists.It seems like aflimsy conceit to me.That being said, however, I enjoyed the heck out of this book.Stashower has hit upon a great gimmick, letting us see behind the curtain into all of Houdini's many flaws, which in turn creates some wonderful comedic moments.As the real hero of the novel, Houdini's brother Dash alternates between regarding his brother with wild-eyed wonder and getting frustrated with Houdini's arrogant stubborn nature.You can't help feeling for Dash and getting drawn in as he inadvertently pieces the mystery together.It's great fun, with great flair and wit.What more does one need?

Refreshingly Awesome!
Sometimes it is just fun to read a really good mystery, one that mixes humor and intrigue in an historical setting. The Dime Museum Murders is a good old-fashioned whodunit which stars Harry Houdini along with his more sensible brother Dash, each offering up his own particular set of talents to help crack the case. It gets right to the crime, offers a variety of suspects and an ingenious ending. What more could one ask for? I bought this book with the Floating Lady Murder and the Houdini Specter and can't wait for more.Bring them on!!!

Awsome!
An unbelievable account of two brothers in the greatest profession on earth!The relationship and "banter" of these two is at times comical and frustrating.Houdini has never become more real and human and the love and comraderie of Houdini and his brother has never before seemed so vivid.Congratulations Mr. Stashower!Excellent! Excellent!!

Great Book!
Mr. Stashower has written an exceptional mystery which is not onlyengrossing, but realistically captures the essence of Houdini as the maincharacter.

Houdini appears not only as an exceptional escape artist andmagician, but also as a somewhat inept detective as he tries to emulate hishero, Sherlock Holmes.The effect is not only occasionally humorous, butvery engaging!

Read this book!You won't be able to put it down (even ifyou can pick handcuffs).

Extremely entertaining
This was a great read.Not only is it a well-constructed, fast-paced mystery, but Stashower gives us a wonderfully fresh look at the "Great Houdini" before he was famous.The vivid details of the time periodare exceptional, as are the unforgettable characters of Houdini and hisbrother Dash.I only hope there will be more Houdini mysteriesforthcoming! ... Read more

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Subtitle: A Complete Exposé of the Modus Operandi of Fire Eaters, Heat Resisters, Poison Eaters, Venomous Reptile Defiers, Sword Swallowers, Human Ostriches, Strong Men, EtcPublisher: E.P. Dutton ... Read more

Product Description
This is an OCR edition without illustrations or index. It may have numerous typos or missing text. However, purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original rare book from the publisher's website (GeneralBooksClub.com). You can also preview excerpts of the book there. Purchasers are also entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Original Published by: New York? in 80 pages; Subjects: Biography ... Read more

Product Description
MASTER THE ART OF MENTAL ESCAPOLOGY

Explore the life and exploits of a master magician from a unique perspective and create more magic in your own life. This book is not about becoming the next 'Houdini', an escape artist or more versatile magician.

This is a book about being inspired, and becoming inspiring. In this book you'll discover a rich source of inspiration for problem solving, creative thinking, innovation and taking on a challenge.

You'll discover insights from one of the most creative and innovative thinkers of the twentieth century and, with a creative twist, learn principles that will enable you to overcome obstacles, escape from tight spots and do it all with a sense of ease and adventure.

What You Can Expect When You Read This Book...

• Learn a simple trick for being more effective and productive
• Redefine problems so that they motivate you instead
• Discover the key to being more effective, productive and successful
• Feel good more often, have more fun and get more done
• Take your comfort zone with you and safely experience new things
• Build a reputation for daring, audacity and confidence
• 'Do It Anyway' without ever having to 'Feel The Fear'
• Use this simple strategy to eliminate fear of failure for good
• Learn the art of problem solving from 'The Man Who Made The Impossible Possible'
• Make your greatest strength even stronger
• See through your own illusions to get 'unstuck' from 'sticky spots' in an instant

Customer Reviews (1)

Interesting and a great self coaching book
Author Tim Kenning has done something I consider to be very clever. On one level The Houdini Principle is an fascinating introduction to the life and work of the enigmatic escapologist, filled with interesting anecdotes, photographs, challenges and newsprint. On another, it uses Houdini as a metaphor for personal freedom and growth. How do we escape from the binds of our lives? What do Houdini's remarkable feats offer as learning to us? The book brings out thought-provoking points about using one's strengths, taking control, changing what one believes about oneself (and about what's possible), making the most of situations and increasing creativity. We're challenged to wonder how unlimited we could each be if we could learn to have unreasonable amounts of self belief for ourselves. In short, it is an excellent book for self coaching.

The idea of using metaphor as a way to express personal development isn't new, but by using such an enigmatic reference, Tim Kenning's book is a more entertaining and enlightening experience than many of the academic personal development books around. By using a real-life reference, the stories and learning comes alive. ... Read more

Product Description
Houdini debunked spiritualists. In the early 1900s, many people were caught up in spiritualism as a way of contacting deceased relatives. People who were grieving would often pay enormous sums of money in order to contact the dead. Houdini recognized the spiritualist mediums for what they really were ... charlatans preying upon the delicate emotions of the recently bereaved. Because he was familiar with sleight of hand and other ways of manipulating audiences into believing the impossible, he was able to expose their tricks, which he often did. ... Read more

Product Description
This scarce antiquarian book is a selection from Kessinger Publishing's Legacy Reprint Series. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment to protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature. Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Very dated, but has some contemporary relevance
Houdini's book was written in an age of higher standards for criminals.The people who would got to the effort of committing crimes of the sophistication described in the first half of this book, have pretty much shifted their efforts to the crimed in the second half.

The first half of the book is dedicated to quaint but relatively sophisticated theft.Second story men, pickpockets, safe crackers, and other thefts that are more than just opportunity or brute force are covered.The second half is scams, con games, proto-phishing schemes, and other crimes requiring a greater degree of thought.The second half is the part with some contemporary relevance.The sleight of hand behind the housing market collapse of 2008 would have made complete sense to the con artists Houdini described.

Overall, a fun book and an interesting glimpse at the crime threats in America before WWII.

E. M. Van Court

Buyer Beware
I read about this book while reading Derren Brown's very entertaining book titled Tricks of the Mind.I thought it sounded interesting and would provide a glimpse into the mind of Houdini.

I was sorely disappointed.The book is a replicated copy of the original 1906 book which contains all of the printing press mistakes and crude drawings.This I didn't mind.

What was disturbing is the complete lack of any depth to the subject matter.Each chapter was very sketchy and also childish in it's brevity of both substance and knowledge.Indeed, from watching TV and general reading, I propose that most modern people could have penned a book superior to this novelty tome.

Houdini's tales of beggars, pickpockets, spiritualist and burglars are neither instructive nor very amusing.In fact, I found the totality of the work to be rather bland and unevenly written.The editorial review stated that he was a "entertaining writer".He was obviously great with magic and escapes but he should have left the writing to the experts.

This is not a book I would recommend for fans of true crime or even Houdini fans.Still yet, I am still pondering whether to buy Houdini: A Magician Among the Spirits (I never seem to learn).

I hope you find this review helpful.

Michael L. Gooch
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Customer Reviews (1)

A lively biography
A little over a hundred pages complete with index charts the story of escape artist Harry Houdini, a child of immigrant parents who entered the circus world early and became a noted magician. Black and white photos pepper Harry Houdini: Master Magician, a lively biography which explores Harry Houdini's background and achievements. ... Read more

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WAS HOUDINI'S FANATICAL DEBUNKING OF PSYCHICS AND MEDIUMS A SUBTERFUGE TO CONCEAL HIS OWN REMARKABLE PARANORMAL ABILITIES?

At his burial some curious and suggestive words were used by the presiding rabbi: -- "HOUDINI POSSESSED A WONDROUS POWER THAT HE NEVER UNDERSTOOD AND WHICH HE NEVER REVEALED TO ANYONE IN LIFE!"

The creator of Sherlock Holes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Harry Houdini were strange bedfellows. Doyle was a contemporary of the world's greatest magician and escape artist, who continually battled his friend over the legitimacy of life after death, and the reality of spiritualism. Doyle was a "true believer," while Houdini made it his "mission" to denounce just about all things preternatural.

Doyle was convinced - from what he personally witnessed and what others confided to him - that Houdini could read minds, dematerialize, possessed supernatural strength, and was guided by angelic forces which shielded him from harm even during the most dangerous of escape performances which likely would have caused death to others.

Doyle stated that Houdini had once remarked, "There are some of my feats which my own wife does not know the secret of." And a famous Chinese conjurer who had seen Houdini perform added, "This is not a trick, it is a gift."

Sadly, many of Houdini's feats died with him, even though they would have been an invaluable asset. "What can cover all these facts," states Doyle, "save that there was some element in his power which was peculiar to himself, that could only point to a psychic element -- in a word, that he was a medium."

Here is both sides of the story -- in the actual words of the famed Sherlock Holmes originator and Houdini himself, who went out of his way to create the impression that fakes and phonies were afoot everywhere in the "shady world" of table tapping, levitating trumpets, spirit photography, slate writing, as well as the materialization of ectoplasmic forms in the darkening shadows of the seance room. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Doyle vs Houdini Revisited
In this book, Timothy Green Beckley has resurrected the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle versus Harry Houdini debate on mediums and spiritualism from the beginning of the last century. Reprinted here is Houdini's "A Magician Among Spirits" which offers in detail his investigations that exposed many of that time's biggest mediums as frauds. But did he? Sir Arthur Conan Doyle steps in with "The Riddle of Houdini" which questions some of Houdini's proclaimed fraudulent exposures as well as his motives. One case in particular that Doyle cites claims that Houdini was called out by a medium's dead brother when he tried to rig an experiment testing her abilities. Also included are Doyle's rebuttals to Houdini's book. Was Houdini himself a medium? Did Houdini have supernatural powers? Did Houdini rig some of his debunking sessions? As Beckley points out in his intro, this debate goes on today with The Amazing Randi's million dollar offer for proof of "real magic" as well as seemingly unexplainable feats committed by the likes of Uri Geller.

Beckley serves up a treat that includes many illustrations including page after page of color playbills announcing Houdini's performances. It also has many photos showing mediums, spirit photography, newspaper clippings and diagrams by Houdini showing how mediums carried out their tricks. Also included on a CD is the last séance to try and contact Houdini in the afterlife, on Halloween, 10 years after his death.

Almost 100 years later and the great debate continues. Beckley in this book shows us where it started.

Houdini's Vengence from Beyond!!
Well - this is an interesting softbound book. Primarily a reprint of Houdini's "A Magician Among the Spirits", and Sir Arthur Conan Doyles' rebuttal to Houdinis' skepticism with a nice modern intro.There's nothing objectionable to that.My four star rating (and some will think it generous) was not five stars because of technical shortcomings.Specifically, there were no illustrations on pages 53, 82, 107, 110, 113, 188, 189, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197 and 198; just big blank spaces with captions.I am assuming a problem in the scanning software, but this should have been caught in the proofreading.On a lighter note (and this actually RAISED my rating) the Bonus CD of Houdini's Last Seance had a video of Soupy Sales and the "Naked Lady".This must be THE VENGENCE OF HOUDINI!What else could account for it?

... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

Harry Houdini Death Defying Man
his is the 3rd book i have read in my life aand this is what i think about it.Many people4 know who harry houdini is is is titled the best escape artist in the world. I agree but is the author of this book really legit? Does she really know what she is talking about well in my review on this book you will find out all of my opinions on this book..Harry Houdini is born Ehrich Weiss March 24th 1847.Thats when it began one of the worlds best escape artist has shocked the world.Harry Houdini written by Rita Thievon Mullin.This book was a very great educational book.The Book is a Biography about Harry Houdini,the book has very deatailed information and well reconizable photos.It wells explains his life as a child from being a teenager and running off to the circus.I recomend this to Kids 7-12 being that the book is not entirely resourceful to all subjects.It is just a short 119 page bio on Harry Houdini.Rita does include some of Harry's most notable and famous tricks he has ever done such as,the coffin trick where he was under 6 feet of water in a 90 degree enclosed space.Rita does write that harry houdini had a burst in his abdomen and a man was beatin Harry as he just took it.I know that tat man should of been Killed for Murdering Mr.Houdini.Allthough this book has many facts and interesting things about houdini it is reliable mabey on 50% of the time.The author spends too much time on small things.Rita didnt even include many deatails i feel she could of done a little bettter on this




... Read more

Product Description
Harry Houdini is still the world's most famous magician -- thanks to his inventive tricks, death-defying stunts and incredible talent for publicity. He claimed he could escape from anything! The immigrant son of a rabbi, Harry overcame grueling poverty to become a one-man phenomenon, wowing audiences around the world. Harry happily hung upside down from skyscrapers, leapt into rivers in chains and survived in an airless coffin -- but driving a car made him nervous. He also starred in six Hollywood movies, some still available on video. This biography introduces young readers to the multitalented, mysterious and contradictory man behind the tricks, escapes and dangerous feats. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Perfect for the Classroom Library
I teach 6th grade reading. This book is perfect for the classroom library. Students need to read a variety of non-fiction. I have found that most students love reading biographies. This is a must buy for the classroom.

Harry Houdini: A Magical Life
Born Ehrich Weiss in Budapest, Hugary 1874, Harry Houdini was the poor immigrant son of a rabbi.
Due to his "death defying stunts" which ranged from making an elephant disappear to his "Milk Can Escape"
and bigger than life theatrics, Houdini has gone down in history as the world's most famous magician.With
a legacy of amazing escapes and illusions and featured in six Hollywood films magicians today still ponder over his tricks. As a young boy of four Harry immigrated with his family to the United States.When the family moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Harry's father took him to see the gruesome entertainer, Dr. Lynn, whose final act was to dismember a man and then put him back together again.At age six, young Harry was hooked for life and devoted the rest of his life finding ways to amaze an audience in the art of illusion.In his own words, Houdini comments, " Never try to fool children.They expect nothing and therefore see everything." Harry was full of adventure and fun and was always young at heart; with this rule of thumb; he kept the mind of a child close at hand and his magic always remained a mystery as well as delightful entertainment for the
whole family. This tile, the seventh of the "Snapshot Biography series" presents an up-close, personalized view of the life of a great man who has changed the face of magic.Large, oversized illustrations, many black and white photographs,a detailed timeline, a great index, and a list of actual places to find out more about Houdini will engage youngsters and make this a sure winner. For ages 8-13.
... Read more

Product Description
An introduction to the life of Harry Houdini, one of the most famous magicians of all time. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Wonderful Book
A fascinting story, well-told, with good illustrations.My grandchildren love it, and we all learned a lot.This is part of an excellent series.

the great houdini9step into reading
My Grandson who in 11 read this book with great ease. Thank You

Needs A Jumpstart at the First
The Great Houdini, by Monica Kulling is about a little kid who goes to a dime circus. His family is very poor and barely has enough money to get him a ticket. While he's there he goes to watch a magician, and he is amazed. After the show the magician shows him how he did it. He decides he wants to be a master of illusion. He starts practicing what the magician shows him, he decides he will leave home and become a performer. He goes all around the world, he has bad times and he has good times. This book was boring at first but got better in the end, it's worth the boring reading. I give this book 3 out of 5 stars.

Best book ever
I think Harry Houdini is one of the best books I have ever read. I think it is good because it's about a true story and they write it in a very good way.

An interesting biography of this fascinating man....
While reading this book aloud to a six-year-old, who had picked it out, I learned a lot about this man, Houdini, who has become a legend.In aclassic biography format, this book takes us through Houdini's childhood asa son of poor immigrants who admires acrobats in the cirus and makes up hisown act.As a young man, he gets work as a locksmith and learns how topick any lock... a talent that would come in very handy!Throughout hisadulthood, Houdini worked incredibly hard to make a name for himself;sadly, his hard-earned fame indirectly led to his untimely death. Houdini's story is one of perseverence rather than glamour and stardom. The book has a serious tone for a childrens' book; even the illustrationsare somber, but it is interesting and well worth a read. ... Read more

Product Description
A compilation of magic tricks, interviews and experiences as related by and about Harry Houdini, Howard Thurston, LeRoy and Talma, David Devant, Charles Bertram, Horace Goldin and a host of other past masters of magic. It is a wondrous collection of articles gathered from popular magazines of the 1890s through the 1930s, which brings to life the great magicians of the early 20th century. Houdini shares his secrets of escaping from ropes and handcuffs, Thurston shows how to produce playing cards "from thin air," marvels of sleight of hand are explained, card-sharpers and con games are exposed, the best tricks for amateur magicians are offered by the greatest mystifiers of the age.196 pages, illustrated with over 400 vintage photographs. ... Read more

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A simple biography of the famous magician describing his major tricks. ... Read more

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``All wonder,'' said Samuel Johnson, ``is the effect of novelty on ignorance.'' Yet we are so created that without something to wonder at we should find life scarcely worth living. That fact does not make ignorance bliss, or make it ``folly to be wise.'' For the wisest man never gets beyond the reach of novelty, nor can ever make it his boast that there is nothing he is ignorant of; on the contrary, the wiser he becomes the more clearly he sees how much there is of which he remains in ignorance. The more he knows, the more he will find to wonder at.

My professional life has been a constant record of disillusion, and many things that seem wonderful to most men are the every-day commonplaces of my business. But I have never been without some seeming marvel to pique my curiosity 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.

Much has been written about the feats of miracle-mongers, and not a little in the way of explaining them. Chaucer was by no means the first to turn shrewd eyes upon wonder- workers and show the clay feet of these popular idols. And since his time innumerable marvels, held to be supernatural, have been exposed for the tricks they were. Yet to-day, if a mystifier lack the ingenuity to invent a new and startling stunt, he can safely fall back upon a trick that has been the favorite of pressagents the world over in all ages. He can imitate the Hindoo fakir who, having thrown a rope high into the air, has a boy climb it until he is lost to view. He can even have the feat photographed. The camera will click; nothing will appear on the developed film; and this, the performer will glibly explain, ``proves'' that the whole company of onlookers was hypnotized! And he can be certain of a very profitable following to defend and advertise him.

So I do not feel that I need to apologize for adding another volume to the shelves of works dealing with the marvels of the miracle- mongers. My business has given me an intimate knowledge of stage illusions, together with many years of experience among show people of all types. My familiarity with the former, and what I have learned of the psychology of the latter, has placed me at a certain advantage in uncovering the natural explanation of feats that to the ignorant have seemed supernatural. And even if my readers are too well informed to be interested in my descriptions of the methods of the various performers who have seemed to me worthy of attention in these pages, I hope they will find some amusement in following the fortunes and misfortunes of all manner of strange folk who once bewildered the wise men of their day. If I have accomplished that much, I shall feel amply repaid for my labor. HOUDINI.

Download Miracle Mongers And Their Methods Now! ... Read more

Product Description
Harry Houdini and his exposure of the fraud spiritualist, spirit photography, spirit slate writing, ectoplasm, clairvoyance, and other quakery and cons perpetrated on the gullible, by the likes of the Boston Medium Margery, the Davenport Brothers, Annie Eva Fay, the Fox Sisters, Daniel Dunglas Home, Eusapia Pallandino, and other con artists of their ilk.

The whole country got excited by Houdini's campaign against faking spiritualists. He careened through the country, offering money for spirit contacts he couldn't duplicate by admitted magical chicanery. It was a heyday not only for Houdini but for the spirit-callers and there was an equally famous protagonist who thought the spirits could indeed be contacted, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. A photo at the front records a meeting between Houdini and Doyle and Houdini gives Doyle his own chapter. There's an earlier chapter on Daniel Dunglas Home, the English engineer of spectacular paranormal effects. Houdini raises hell with spiritualists who were giving their (usually paying) clients a vision of heavens to come, and shares the methods used to practice "fake" and sensational spiritualism.

Houdini was nothing if not unrelenting. As a taste of things to come, he ends his introduction with the words: "Up to the present time everything that I have investigated has been the result of deluded brains." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

From a charlatan hunter to you.
If you want to know the truth about charlatan mediums and card readers and there methods this and the other houdini books on the subject are for you,the colection on the subject is:

1.- THE RIGHT WAY TO DO WRONG (1906)

2.-MIRACLE WORKERS AND THERE METHODS (1920)

3.- A MAGICIAN AMONG THE SPIRITS (1924)

PLEASE BUY THEM AND SHARE THEM AND LETS PUT THIS THIEVES OUT OF BUSINESS.

Something to ponder before heading down an endless road
Even though Houdini's book refers to spiritualism tricks,the book could be a must read for the many gulliable people out there more than ready and willing to part with their money for a chance to talk to their deceased loved ones.In today's "psychic" world we are bombarded with cold readers without any aids other thanthere rapid talk and generalistic "messages from the other side" yet Houndini's book is a warning of sorts and we could use his help in today's world with these so called "psychics". Houndini's work is not complete since we need other talented and honest individuals such as he to face off with the charletans we have now a days.I'll say that Houndini's work is extremely valuable and I highly respect him for giving of his time toinvestigate fraud.

Houdini exposes mediums' and spiritualists' methods
Houdini spent a long time and much anguish trying to contact the spirit of a dead family member.Mediums were very popular in his time.This book is his exposure of them as frauds.Great anecdotes, interesting methods described, amusing and fascinating.Highlights include his role in the Scientific American investigative committee, and the many interactions with Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle.Easy reading. ... Read more

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Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone! ... Read more