Using exclusive access to newly uncovered archives, Kalush and Sloman reveal the clandestine agreements in which the British and Americans recruited Houdini to be an active secret agent. In exchange for his cooperation, the governments of these two countries facilitated his rise to the top of the world stage. The authors give thrilling accounts of his assignments, such as his participation in early aerial surveillance and his use of his own magic magazine to communicate espionage-related information. After the war, Houdini embarked upon what became his most dangerous mission when he took on the Spiritualist movement. Convinced that Spiritualist mediums were frauds, he became obsessed with exposing them. But the Spiritualists were a powerful adversary. An organized network of fanatics, led by Sherlock Holmes creator Arthur Conan Doyle, worked relentlessly to orchestrate a campaign that would silence Houdini forever. Grounded in solid research, but as exciting and dramatic as a good thriller, THE SECRET LIFE OF HOUDINI traces the magician's long and circuitous route from struggling vaudevillian to worldwide legend.

About the Author
William Kalush is one of the most respected names in the world of magic. Founder of the Conjuring Arts Research Centre, he has collaborated with David Blaine on the magician's world-famous stunts and television specials. Larry 'Ratso' Sloman is an award-winning author best known for his collaboration with Howard Stern on PRIVATE PARTS and MISS AMERICA.


Book Information
ISBN 9781847390820
Author William Kalush
Format Paperback
Page Count 608
Imprint Simon & Schuster Ltd
Publisher Simon & Schuster Ltd