Synopses & Reviews
One of the most intriguing and recognized figures of the twentieth century conducts a masterclass in subversion Part expose, part instruction manual, The Right Way to Do Wrong features history's most famous illusionist revealing the methods of deception involved in everything from burglary, to pickpocketing, to swindles, forgery and tricks.
Along the way, he also debunks the secrets of his own and other conjurers' tricks, including rope escape methods such as the Russian Transport Tie, instrumental in the famous stunt in which Houdini escaped a Siberian prison truck. Also disclosed are the secrets of fire-eating, sword-swallowing and strongmen.
Although remembered more for his spectacular stunts of escapism and magic, Houdini was as clever and nimble a writer as he was a magician, and surprisingly revealing of trade secrets! All of which makes The Right Way to Do Wrong both the ultimate anti-etiquette guide and proof that things are not always as they seem.
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Synopsis
One of the most intriguing and recognized figures of the twentieth century conducts a masterclass in subversion
Originally published in 1906,
The Right Way to Do Wrong was a masterclass in subversion conducted by the world's greatest illusionist. It collected Hou-dini's findings, from interviews with criminals and police officers, on the most surefire ways to commit crime and get away with it.
This volume presents the best of those writings alongside little-known articles by Houdini on his own brand of deception: magic. Revealing the secrets of his signature tricks, including handcuff and rope escapes, and debunking the methods of his rivals, he proves himself to be just as clever and nimble a writer as he was a magician--and surprisingly free with trade secrets All of which makes this unique selection of works both the ultimate anti-etiquette guide and proof that things are not always as they seem.
In an exclusive introduction to this volume, Teller--magician, comedian, and silent sidekick of Penn Jillette--speaks up about the greatest magician of modern times.
About the Author
HARRY HOUDINI (born Erik Weisz, 1874–1926) was a Hungarian-born American escapologist, magician, stuntman, actor and film producer, and one of the most iconic figures of the twentieth century. Towards the end of his career he focused his energies on debunking spiritualists and mediums, and on the ethics of magic and illusion.
TELLER (Introduction) is one half of magic and comedy duo Penn & Teller. He is the author of When I’m Dead All This Will Be Yours: Joe Teller—A Portrait By His Kid and, with Penn Jillette, of How to Play in Traffic, How to Play with Your Food and Penn & Teller’s Cruel Tricks for Dear Friends. TV credits include the series Penn & Teller: Bullshit!, in which, like Houdini, the duo set out to debunk common beliefs.