A biography of the magician, ghost chaser, aviator, and king of escape artists whose amazing feats are remembered long after his death in 1926. Profiling his early years, personal life, and great accomplishments in show business, the story of the famous magician, Harry Houdini, comes to life through a review of his greatest tricks and most amazing feats, complete with index, photos, and author's notes.

Preface: sleuthing the Houdini story -- He was born, but where? -- From rags to rags -- King of the necktie cutters -- The Pygmalion of East 69th Street -- Dressing up the act -- Magic for sale! -- Mr. Beck beckons -- Don't walk on the grass -- The queen's dress -- The Siberian mystery -- Double-crossing -- The ink-stained wretch -- The life expectancy of an eggshell -- Unmasking an icon -- Walking through a brick wall -- One elephant to go -- The movie star -- The man who fooled Sherlock Holmes -- The phantom follies -- The pajama pocket -- Postmortem -- Digging around in Houdini's past.