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The last greatest magician in the world : Howard Thurston versus Houdini & the battles of the American wizards / Jim Steinmeyer.

by Steinmeyer, Jim, 1958-

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Jeremy P. Tarcher/Penguin, c2011.

Thurston, Howard, 1869-1936.

Houdini, Harry, 1874-1926.

Magicians -- United States -- Biography.

Magic -- United States -- History.

9781585428458 (hbk.)

1585428450 (hbk.)

Alternate title:

Howard Thurston versus Houdini & the battles of the American wizards

Howard Thurston vs. Houdini & the battles of the American wizards

377 p., [8] p. of plates : ill., ports. ; 24 cm.

Includes bibliographical references (p. [345]-369) and index.

"Everyone knows Houdini--but who was Thurston? In this rich, vivid biography of the "the greatest magician in the world," the acclaimed historian of stage magic Jim Steinmeyer captures the career and controversies of the wonder-worker extraordinaire, Howard Thurston. The public's fickleness over magicians has left Thurston all but forgotten today. Yet Steinmeyer illustrates how his story is one of the most remarkable in show business. During his life, from 1869 to 1936, Thurston successfully navigated the most dramatic changes in entertainment--from street performances to sideshows to wagon tours through America's still-wild West to stage magic amid the glitter of grand theatres. Steinmeyer explores the stage and psychological rivalry between Thurston and Houdini during the first decades of the twentieth century--a contest that Thurston won. He won with a bigger show, a more successful reputation, and the title of America's greatest magician. Houdini may hold legendary status for his daredevil feats--but Thurston was the public's favorite."--Dustjacket.

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