The Life of the Great Escape Artist: Houdini

Biskup, Agnieszka. The Life of the Great Escape Artist: Houdini 

Capstone Publishers  2011  32p   21.99 978-1-4296-5474-6  

elm/ms      Graphic-non-fiction  

  

Harry Houdini was the greatest magician and escape artist of his me. 
In graphic format, this biography summarizes his life and accomplishments.

Nearly 100 years after his death, Harry Houdini’s legend remains very

much alive.  

    The graphic format will appeal to most readers, as well as high-low

audiences, though some may object to the bland coloring, used perhaps, to create

a sepia effect.  Flashback is used effectively to provide connection between

topics focusing on various aspects of Houdini’s life.  Included is how Ehrich

Weiss evolved into a professional entertainer and why he selected the stage name of Harry Houdini. Eventually Houdini became the highest paid performer in

vaudeville. Biskup admits that people still don’t know exactly how Houdini

performed some of his stunts, and that many of these were death-defying and

genuinely dangerous.  The writer also points out that Houdini never claimed to

use “real” magic, and preferred to be admired for his “creativity, courage, and

strength.”  Houdini went out of his way to expose swindlers and cheats.

     Nineteen terms are included in the glossary, which does not use a standard

pronunciation guide (for example “spiritualist,” is “SPIHR-uh-choo-uhl-ist”). 

This does not reinforce standard dictionary skills.  However, aside from this

small failing, the volume’s overall appeal, attractive format, and informative

text will see this book flying off the shelves.

            Welliver, Hilary