Between 1900 and 1920 Harry Houdini toured Great Britain, extensively
visiting many of its major towns and cities. Whilst there, he escaped
from jails, jumped from bridges into rivers whilst bound up in chains,
performed amazing escapades, tricks and illusions, and delighted
everyone who came to see him.
Everywhere he performed, he issued challenges to local workers to either
make a chest, box or other contraption from which he wouldn't be able to
escape. He was always triumphant and his feats amazed his audiences.
Many of his shows have long since been forgotten and many towns and
cities have no knowledge that he once appeared there this compelling
book seeks to remedy that.
Houdini was, and remains, the best-known escapologist of all time. At
the height of his career, he was the highest paid entertainer in the
world.
The Great Houdini: His British Tours successfully pieces together
Houdini's appearances using archive material, old newspaper clippings
and extensive research. His friendship with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is
also documented, along with his involvement with seances and
spiritualism.
The book gives the most comprehensive account of his time within the UK
and brings to life the excitement and thrills of many of his
appearances. It contains many photos and adverts from his shows, some of
which have not been seen since they were originally published over 100
years ago, and offers an insight into the life of one of the world's
greatest entertainers.
