Fooling Houdini: Adventures in the World of Magic

(Paperback)

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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.

Reviews

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. Stones 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 authors efforts to improve his sleight of hand and regain his self-respect, Fooling Houdini is more than a series of anecdotes. Its 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 *

Author Bio

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