The infamous Harry Houdini (born Erik Weisz) arrived in the United States from Hungary in 1878 with his mother and four brothers, joining their father in Appleton, Wisconsin, where he served as Rabbi of the Zion Reform Jewish Congregation. In his short fifty two years, Houdini achieved a level of international stardom that few have ever, or will ever, surpass. As a magician, escapologist, stunt performer, actor and film producer, he worked tirelessly to maintain his excellent physical and mental shape, and as a result he bewildered audiences with his unparalleled feats of magic. He wrote "Miracle Mongers and their Methods" to expound upon the techniques and secrets of magicians, fire-eaters, heat resisters and other masters of deception. While he was always fascinated with the magic of spiritualists and illusionists, he was careful to never reveal his own most valued secrets. This is a great book for those interested in Houdini and the predecessors of modern psychics and mentalists.