Houdini's Escapes: Prepared from Houdini's Private Notebooks and Memoranda, by Walter B. Gibson (PB, 1958, originally published in 1930, $1.50)
"Never-before-told: The Secrets of the World's Greatest Magician"
"More than 80 escapes illustrated in full fascinating detail"
Houdini wrote," I accomplish my purpose purely by physical, not psychical means. My methods are perfectly natural, resting on natural laws of physics. I do not dematerialize or materialize anything..."
From the preface, "Many of his effects were so hazardous and nerve-racking that no one, even if familiar with the modus operandi, would have the courage, physical ability, or temerity to attempt to duplicate them.
Houdini died on Halloween in 1926. He was only 52. Also written in the preface, "There has been only one Houndini and he is gone."
Look for this book on the new non-fiction table, avail. 3/7. (later: puzzles)
