Houdini: Master of Illusion by Clinton Cox

Bibliographic Information

Cox, Clinton. (2001). Houdini: Master of Illusion. New York: Scholastic.

Descriptive Summary

Aimed at readers ages 9 and up, this book examines the life of the famous magician and escape artist Harry Houdini. Houdini, who is still a well-known figure today, lived a mysterious life hidden from the public. This book uncovers his story, from his childhood when he promised his ailing and poor father that he would provide for his mother after his father’s death, to his early years working as a photographer and then joining his brother in performing vaudeville shows across Europe, to making it on his own and gaining fame for his ability to break out of jail cells and handcuffs.

This biography also examines the private life of Houdini, who was a sickly workaholic for most of his life, a man so obsessed with taking care of his mother that he spent most of his free time at her grave site after she died, and finally a man forced to retire when vaudeville went out and movies came in.

Evaluative Comments

This book was highly informative about the life of Houdini behind the curtains. It provided an informative and heartfelt look into his personal life, as well as a close examination of how he achieved each of his stunts. I can image the latter being of particular interest to youth.

I give this book a 7/10.

Suggested Audience

Ages 9 and up. 

Readers’ Advisory Notes

non-fiction, biography, somber, inspiring

If you enjoyed this book you may also enjoy the biography of American magician Annie Abbott, titled Annie Abott: "The Little Georgia Magnet" and the True Story of Dixie Haygood. Also see the fictional teen read The Minstrel's Daughter by Linda Smith. 

Booktalking Hook

“As the famed magician was shackled and then lowered upside down into the water-filled Chinese Torture Cell, gazing through the glass front illusion at the immersed man, the audience sat transfixed knowing that unless escape was possible within precious minutes certain death by drowning would result.”

                                                -William E. Parker, Houdini scholar and enthusiast                                                                                   

Reason for Inclusion

While searching out non-fiction book topics for youth this was a title I stumbled upon and I remembered the mystery surrounding Harry Houdini being particularly fascinating to myself as a young adult.

Category

Nonfiction, Recreational