This book could well be called The Unmasking of Harry Houdini. Was Houdini, as the long-standing myth begs us to believe, truly the world's greatest magician? Did he communicate a secret message to his wife through a famous spirit medium? If you give credence to either of these claims, prepare to have your beliefs shattered.

By bringing together the opinions of those who actually knew and worked with Houdini, author William Rauscher has painted a most accurate portrait of this American icon. Some will argue that Rauscher has tarnished Houdini's polished image while others will hail it as the most honest account ever written.

Includes 60 photographs, printed endsheets, and a tipped-in, color frontispiece. Limited to 1,000 numbered copies.

Hardbound with dustjacket