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Houdini

The Elusive American

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Houdini

Written by: Adam Begley
Narrated by: Barry Abrams
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About this listen

From the prize-winning Jewish Lives series, an exuberant biography of the world's greatest escape artist.

In 1916, the war in Europe having prevented a tour abroad, Harry Houdini wrote a film treatment for a rollicking motion picture. Though the movie was never made, its title, The Marvelous Adventures of Houdini: The Justly Celebrated Elusive American, provides a succinct summary of the Master Mystifier's life.

Born Erik Weisz in Budapest in 1874, Houdini grew up an impoverished Jewish immigrant in the Midwest and became world-famous thanks to talent, industry, and ferocious determination. He concealed as a matter of temperament and professional ethics the secrets of his sensational success.

Nobody knows how Houdini performed some of his dazzling, death-defying tricks, and nobody knows, finally, why he felt compelled to punish and imprison himself over and over again. Tracking the restless Houdini's wide-ranging exploits, acclaimed biographer Adam Begley tells the story of a mystifying man's astonishing career.

©2020 Adam Begley (P)2020 Tantor Entertainment & Celebrities Religious Celebrity Inspiring War
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Profile Image for Langer MD

Serviceable Biography

Adam Begley mines newspaper chronicles, film/magazine records, and surviving letters written by Erick Weisz (Harry Houdini) to develop a fascinating picture of the legendary turn-of-the-century magician & showman.. and definitional "Escape Artist".
The depth of research is impressive - but the exposé is average at best. To be certain, Begley exhibits capable vocabulary/prose and reasonable documentary skills (discussing observer opinions & pointing out where there is controversy).. but his own insights are largely obscured/kept hidden (read: non-existent) and his overall tone is disappointingly lighthearted.

Contributing to the "adequate" status of the audiobook, too, is the unspectacular narration from Barry Abrams. Again.. it's not bad - just something that any professional reader could duplicate. Tantor Audio Inc. did well to hire Mr. Abrams - but didn't blow me away by any means.

Altogether, 'Houdini: The Elusive American' rates a respectable 6.5 stars out of 10. As a 'Plus' selection, it was a pleasant - if milquetoast - distraction for a couple of quiet afternoons.. and well worth a download. Should they ask for a Credit, however, better options beckon.


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