Fooling Houdini: Adventures in the World of Magic

Description

An insider's tour through the strange and secretive world of magic - exploring the ancient art of deception and the mysteries of human nature Alex Stone, part of the underground magic circuit, is determined to take his lifelong hobby to the professional level, to reach the pinnacle of this bizarre world and become a master magician. Combining his passion for magic with his studies in Physics, Stone takes us on a journey through a strange and colourful subculture of brilliant characters - a blind card sharp, street-hustlers, Las Vegas showmen and world-leading scientists - as he seeks answers to the questions about the limits of perception and the psychology of deception and decision-making. By pulling back the curtain, Stone reveals the principles and history of some of the greatest tricks ever performed.

Alex Stone has written for Harper's, Discover, Science, and The Wall Street Journal. He lives in New York City.

An enthralling journey into the world of magic. Alex Stone writes with a winning voice that you'll want to follow anywhere. -- Joshua Foer, author of Moonwalking with Einstein Bursting with energy, inventiveness, and a sense of wonder on every page. -- Steven Levitt, author of Freakonomics Fooling Houdini is a delight. He writes with wit and scientific sharpness and grand humour. He immerses us in a fascinating world few have entered. -- Buzz Bissinger, author of Father's Day and Friday Night Lights Mr. Stone's chequered history in magicianship sets the stage for Fooling Houdini, his cheery, inquisitive book about a world where math, physics, cognitive science and pure geeky fanaticism intersect. While it nominally describes the author's efforts to improve his sleight of hand and regain his self-respect, Fooling Houdini is more than a series of anecdotes. It's an effort to explore the colourful subculture of magic devotees and the serious, theoretical basis for the tricks they do. * New York Times * In Fooling Houdini, Stone recounts with humour and humility his love affair with magic and the experience it affords him... To wrtie a captivating and charming book all about magic is a hard trick to pull off, but like all good magicians, Stone makes it seem effortless. * Catherine de Lange, New Scientist *