The Secret Life of Houdini traces the arc of the master magician's life from desperate poverty to worldwide fame -- his legacy later threatened by a group of fanatical Spiritualists led by esteemed British author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Initiating the reader along the way into the arcane world of professional magic, Kalush and Sloman decode a life based on deception, providing an intimate and riveting portrayal of Houdini, the man and the legend.

Foreword

Introduction

1. THE OATH

2. STARVING FOR A LIVING

3. THE CELEBRATED CLAIRVOYANTS

4. QUID PRO QUO

5. THE KING OF HANDCUFFS

6. M

7. POLICE STATE

8. TAMING THE BEAR

9. THE CHALLENGE OF THE MIRROR

10. LEAP OF FAITH

11. KILL THY FATHER

12. DEATH VISITS THE STAGE

13. ABOVE THE DOWN UNDER

14. THE EMPEROR OF SYMPATHY-ENLISTERS

15. CHINESE WATER TORTURE

16. FORGIVE

17. FIGHTING OUR WAY TO THE GRAVE

18. DEATH BY MISADVENTURE

19. ART IMITATES LIFE

20. SAUL AMONG THE PROPHETS

21. LITTLE  SISTER WILL DO EXACTLY AS  BIG  BROTHER SAYS  ...

22. MARGERY'S BOX

23. MY OWN  SECRET  SERVICE

24. I...AM A FAKE

25. AN EYE FOR AN EYE

26. THERE IS NO DEATH

Epilogue

Acknowledgments

     Index

About the Authors