Overview

Between 1900 and 1920 Harry Houdini toured Great Britain, extensively visiting many of its major towns and cities. Whilst there, he escaped from jails, jumped from bridges into rivers whilst bound up in chains, performed amazing escapades, tricks and illusions, and delighted everyone who came to see him. Everywhere he performed, he issued challenges to local workers to either make a chest, box or other contraption from which he wouldn't be able to escape. He was always triumphant and his feats amazed his audiences. Many of his shows have long since been forgotten and many towns and cities have no knowledge that he once appeared there this compelling book seeks to remedy that. Houdini was, and remains, the best-known escapologist of all time. At the height of his career, he was the highest paid entertainer in the world. _**The Great Houdini: His British Tours**_ successfully pieces together Houdini's appearances using archive material, old newspaper clippings and extensive research. His friendship with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is also documented, along with his involvement with sances and spiritualism.The book gives the most comprehensive account of his time within the UK and brings to life the excitement and thrills of many of his appearances. It contains many photos and adverts from his shows, some of which have not been seen since they were originally published over 100 years ago, and offers an insight into the life of one of the world's greatest entertainers. AUTHOR: Derek Tait is a full-time author who lives in Plymouth. Born in 1961, he lived his early years in Singapore and Malaysia and has written several books about his time there, including Sampans, Banyans and Rambutans. A former photographer and cartoonist, his work has been featured in newspapers and magazines around the world. Being a keen historian, his books include 1950s Childhood, A 1960s Childhood, A 1970s Childhood, and several Great War books for Pen & Sword. He has also written many local history books, including 'Plymouth at War, Saltash Passage, St Budeaux, Mount Edgcumbe' and 'Images of Plymouth: Stonehouse.' 110 illustrations

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9781473867949

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""I had no idea that Harry Houdini was touring Britain - my only frame of reference being the film starring Tony Curtis. This is a most fascinating account of the man and the people he met and influenced, together with accounts of his tour shows. Superb.""-- ""Books Monthly""

I had no idea that Harry Houdini was touring Britain - my only frame of reference being the film starring Tony Curtis. This is a most fascinating account of the man and the people he met and influenced, together with accounts of his tour shows. Superb. --Books Monthly

Author Information

Derek Tait is a full-time author who lives in Plymouth. Born in 1961, he lived his early years in Singapore and Malaysia and has written several books about his time there, including Sampans, Banyans and Rambutans. A former photographer and cartoonist, his work has been featured in newspapers and magazines around the world. Being a keen historian, his books include 1950s Childhood, A 1960's Childhood, A 1970s Childhood, and several Great War books for Pen & Sword. He has also written many local history books, including _Plymouth at War, Saltash Passage, St Budeaux, Mount Edgcumbe,_ and _Images of Plymouth: Stonehouse._

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