The Life and Afterlife of Harry Houdini
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Narrated by:
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Jacques Roy
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By:
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Joe Posnanski
About this listen
Joe Posnanski enters the colorful world of Harry Houdini and his legions of devoted fans to explore the illusionist’s impact on global culture - and why his legacy endures to this day.
Nearly a century after Harry Houdini died on Halloween in 1926, he feels as modern and alive as ever. The name Houdini still leaps to mind whenever we witness a daring escape. The baby who frees herself from her crib? Houdini. The dog who vanishes and reappears in the neighbor’s garden? Houdini. Every generation produces new disciples of the magician, from household names in magic like David Copperfield and David Blaine to countless other followers whose lives have been transformed by the power of Houdini. In rural Pennsylvania, a 13-year-old girl finds the courage to leave a violent home after learning that Houdini ran away to join the circus; she eventually becomes the first female magician to saw a man in half on television. In Australia, an eight-year-old boy with a learning impediment feels worthless until he sees an old poster of Houdini advertising “Nothing on earth can hold Houdini prisoner” and begins his path to becoming that nation’s most popular magician. In California, an actor and Vietnam War veteran finds purpose in his life by uncovering the secrets of his hero.
But the unique phenomenon of Houdini was always more than his death-defying stunts or his ability to escape handcuffs and straitjackets. It is also about the power of imagination and self-invention. His incredible transformation from Ehrich Weiss, humble Hungarian immigrant and rabbi’s son, into the self-named Harry Houdini has won him a slice of immortality. No one has withstood the test of time quite like Houdini. Fueled by Posnanski’s personal obsession with the magician - and magic itself - The Life and Afterlife of Harry Houdini is a poignant odyssey of discovery, blending biography, memoir, and first-person reporting to trace Houdini’s metamorphosis into an iconic figure who has inspired millions.
©2019 Joe Posnanski (P)2019 Simon & Schuster AudioListeners also enjoyed...
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Comedy superstar Mike Myers writes from the (true patriot) heart about his 53-year relationship with his beloved Canada. Mike Myers is a world-renowned actor, director and writer and the man behind some of the most memorable comic characters of our time. But, as he says, "No description of me is truly complete without saying I'm a Canadian". He has often winked and nodded to Canada in his outrageously accomplished body of work, but now he turns the spotlight full-beam on his homeland.
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Thoughtful and perfect for any X-Pat from Canada
- By Hugh Burnham on 05-02-17
By: Mike Myers
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Manhood for Amateurs
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- Narrated by: Michael Chabon
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As a devoted son, as a passionate husband, and above all as a father, Chabon's memories of childhood, of his parents' marriage and divorce, of moments of painful adolescent comedy and giddy encounters with the popular art and literature of his own youth, are like a theme played by the mad quartet of which he now finds himself co-conductor. At once dazzling, hilarious, and moving, Manhood for Amateurs is destined to become a classic.
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Terrible
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By: Michael Chabon
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Fooling Houdini
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When Alex Stone was five years old, his father bought him a magic kit - a gift that would spark a lifelong love. Years later, while living in New York City, he discovered a vibrant underground magic scene exploding with creativity and innovation and populated by a fascinating cast of characters: from his gruff mentor, who holds court in the back of a rundown pizza shop, to one of the world's greatest card cheats, who also happens to be blind. Captivated, he plunged headlong into this mysterious world.
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I suppose the author thinks he's clever
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The View from the Bridge
- Memories of Star Trek and a Life in Hollywood
- By: Nicholas Meyer
- Narrated by: Nicholas Meyer
- Length: 10 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
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When Nicholas Meyer was asked to direct the troubled second Star Trek film, he was something less than a true believer. A best-selling author and successful director, he had never been a fan of the TV series. But as he began to ponder the appeal of Kirk, Spock, et al., he realized that their story was a classical nautical adventure yarn transplanted into space and - armed with that insight - set out on his mission: to revitalize Trek.
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Mostly good
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By: Nicholas Meyer
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From two-time Academy Award winner and screen icon Geena Davis, the surprising tale of her “journey to badassery”—from her epically polite childhood to roles that loaned her the strength to become a powerhouse in Hollywood.
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so perfect
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All About Me!
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At 95, the legendary Mel Brooks continues to set the standard for comedy across television, film, and the stage. Now, for the first time, this EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) winner shares his story in his own words.
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Wonderful and nostalgic
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In Crossing Over, John brings his listeners with him on the extraordinary journey that has been his life since his New York Times best seller One Last Time was published in 1998. In the style of his TV show and personal appearances (poignant, funny, and remarkably candid) John deals head-on with the controversial issues he has confronted on his voyage as a psychic medium. Listeners might be surprised to learn that it hasn't always been smooth sailing.
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Intriguing and entertaining
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Becoming Duchess Goldblatt
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Becoming Duchess Goldblatt is two stories: that of the reclusive real-life writer who created a fictional character out of loneliness and thin air, and that of the magical Duchess Goldblatt herself, a bright light in the darkness of social media. Fans around the world are drawn to Her Grace's voice, her wit, her life-affirming love for all humanity, and the fun and friendship of the community that's sprung up around her.
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Oh Dear Duchess!
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The Stephen King Companion
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The Stephen King Companion is an authoritative look at horror author King's personal life and professional career, from Carrie to The Bazaar of Bad Dreams. King expert George Beahm, who has published extensively about Maine's main author, is your seasoned guide to the imaginative world of Stephen King, covering his varied and prodigious output: juvenalia, short fiction, limited edition books, best-selling novels, and film adaptations.
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A Kingopedia: Books, Movies, Bio and Art
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Chasing the Light
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An intimate memoir by the controversial, Oscar-winning director and screenwriter about his rarefied New York childhood, volunteering for combat, and his struggles and triumphs making such films as Platoon, Midnight Express, and Scarface.
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Impressive
- By Merle O. Tanner on 10-07-20
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Robin Williams
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Through roles in cherished films such as Mrs. Doubtfire, Jumanji, Aladdin and Hook, he became the genial face of family comedy. His childlike enthusiasm was infectious, sweeping viewers away. Allied to his lightning-quick improvisation and ability to riff lewdly off any cue thrown at him, Robin was that rare thing - a true comic genius who appealed to adults and children equally. He could also play it straight, and empathetic depth came to him naturally.
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Good... but too many quotes
- By DDub on 11-09-18
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100 Things the Simpsons Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die
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Most fans of The Simpsons can distinguish Lenny from Carl without checking their hands. But only real fans recall the Eastern European equivalent of The Itchy & Scratchy Show, know the name of Barney Gumble's submission to the Springfield Film Festival, and have road tripped to the World's Fair in Knoxville. 100 Things The Simpsons Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die is the ultimate resource for true fans, whether you comprehend at a Ralph Wiggum or Lisa Simpson level.
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BEST BOOK EVER!!😁
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Talking to Canadians
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What is Rick Mercer going to do now? That was the question on everyone's lips when the beloved comedian retired his hugely successful TV show after 15 seasons - and at the peak of its popularity. The answer came not long after, when he roared back in a new role as stand-up-comedian, playing to sold-out houses wherever he appeared. And then COVID-19 struck. And his legions of fans began asking again: What is Rick Mercer going to do now? Well, for one thing, he's been writing a comic masterpiece.
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Mercer Killed and He Will Kill Again
- By Quinn M on 11-28-22
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What listeners say about The Life and Afterlife of Harry Houdini
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- C. Zanot
- 04-02-23
Different than expected
I expected a biography but this is much different. This is a very interesting and unique book. Great performance by the reader. It provides great insight into the legend and the man.
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- Amazon Customer
- 12-04-20
Lirrle on Medium, Big on Life
a very comprehensive review of Harry Houdini's life, but felt a little cheated on the lack of detail regarding his fight against spiritualism and mediums
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2 people found this helpful
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- Brian W Bales
- 03-26-22
fantastic read!
I love this book and the content and they're reading of it for that matter.
it has lots of great new information brought to life and revealing insights about old history about Harry
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- kentbale
- 11-30-19
Now I know why we all still know the name Harry Houdini
I’ve read a couple of good Houdini books in the past. But Posnanski’s take is so rich in detail and nuanced in character, that I finally have a better sense of Houdini the man. Not just the legend. Brilliantly researched, beautifully written and told.
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4 people found this helpful
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- Jill C. Kirkham
- 01-25-24
Well Researched
A nicely written, and well researched peek into the extraordinary life of Houdini. His persistence in unmasking spiritual charlatans, while harboring the deep need to belive is beautifully illustrated.
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- charlie tuna III
- 01-08-20
Interesting book
Starts out slow, much like any book or movie then gets more interesting. However could do without The David Copperfield parts of the book, but it does add a little interest to the book but has nothing to do with Houdini. Overall the book is quite interesting. Would have liked to learn more about Houdini and his wife.
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2 people found this helpful
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- ANL9395
- 09-12-20
Magical
A winning combination of exceptional writing with a tantalizing story and entertaining narration. Bravo Mr. Posnanski!
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1 person found this helpful
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- Amazon Customer
- 04-13-20
Great Reader
a few of the readers on audible are superb. This Roy is one of them.
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2 people found this helpful
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- Kevin
- 07-08-21
Very much less than average
Has very little to do with Houdini and more to do with his lasting legacy on pop culture. That's fine to an extent but when the book goes into a detailed explanation of some YouTube rap battle thing, it goes over the edge. I can't imagine anyone caring about that but maybe that's just me. Returned it.
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7 people found this helpful
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- Charles W. North Jr.
- 10-06-21
Horrible
Might be the worst book ever. Do not waste time on it. Not about Houdini.
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