A biography of Harry Houdini, who became famous as America's most famous escape artist and magician.

Introduction: a life too amazing for fiction -- Introducing Harry Houdini -- The Houdinis -- The handcuff king -- Taking the stage in Europe -- Daring new escapes -- A master of publicity -- A new passion: flying -- In search of the next big trick -- Houdini in Hollywood -- The magician and the mediums -- Defying death -- Glossary -- Bibliography -- Image credits -- About the author -- Index.