The book 'The Secret Life of Houdini' portrays Harry Houdini as a complex figure, blending historical facts with intriguing theories about his life. The reviewer notes the book's claims about Houdini's espionage activities and his role as a debunker of spiritualists, which adds layers to his legacy.
The book 'The Secret Life of Houdini' delves into the multifaceted life of Harry Houdini, presenting him as more than just a famous escape artist. The reviewer highlights the book's assertions that Houdini acted as a spy for Britain and advised Czar Nicholas II's court, which adds an intriguing dimension to his historical role. Additionally, the book portrays Houdini as a debunker of spiritualists, a role that reportedly strained his friendship with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The reviewer also mentions the controversial theory that Houdini's death was linked to his battles with the spiritual movement, although this claim was later revealed to be part of a PR stunt. Overall, the book paints a picture of Houdini as a figure who was part adventurer, part detective, and part myth-buster, making his life story both fascinating and complex.
Quick quotes
The book reportedly implied that famed escape artist Harry Houdini, according to The Hollywood Reporter, "acted as a spy for Britain and was asked to be an adviser to Czar Nicholas II's court in pre-revolutionary Russia.
The work also depicted Houdini as a "debunker" of conmen who claimed to be spiritualists
But the book also went on to theorize that Houdini's death was actually the result of his battling with the spiritual movement -- that he was poisoned.