Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share Who is Harry Houdini?
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
Who is Harry Houdini?
Would you throw yourself over Niagara Falls in a barrel? Well, this week, we’re talking about the man who, allegedly, did just that. His performances have become the stuff of legend, including the one he did on this very day in 1907, escaping from chains underwater in San Francisco. So I want to know more about the life, career, and legacy of one of the greatest showmen in American history, as I ask… who is Harry Houdini?
...
Special guest for this episode:
- John Cox, a lifelong Houdini fan and founder of Wild About Harry, who has written extensively about him, and is currently working on a definitive chronology of Houdini's life and career.
...
Highlights from this episode:
- Harry Houdini, born as Eric Weiss, transformed his life from modest beginnings in Hungary to becoming one of America's most legendary entertainers.
- His innovative approach to escapology combined athleticism with theatricality, creating a unique style that captivated audiences everywhere.
- Houdini's understanding of media and publicity was exceptional, making him a master of self-promotion and audience engagement.
- The relationship with his wife, Bess, played a significant role in his life and career, providing him with both personal and professional support throughout their time together.
- Despite his fame, Houdini struggled with the loss of his mother, which deeply affected his motivations and sense of purpose in life.
- Houdini's legacy endures today, as his name has become synonymous with magic and impossible feats, reflecting his lasting impact on performance art.
...
Additional Resources:
WILD ABOUT HARRY
Escaping Obscurity - The Travel Diary of Harry Houdini, 1897-1899 by John Cox
Houdini!!!: The Career of Ehrich Weiss by Ken Silverman
...
And if you like this episode, you might also love:
What Makes Country Music so American?
Are the Oscars Still Relevant?
Why Does Everyone Love Disney?
Could Friends BE Any Bigger?
How Accurate is Forrest Gump?
...
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Individual Supporters: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/support
University Partners: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/partnerships
Brand Sponsors: [email protected]
Contact us: [email protected]
We're partnering with NeoTaste, the exclusive membership card unlocking huge discounts at hundreds of restaurants across the UK & Europe. Get your first 2 months free by using the code AAH at checkout. Sign up here: https://neotaste.com/gb?code=AAH&a=2
Are you a University or college? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.
Mentioned in this episode:
NeoTaste
Be on the Show!
What would you put in a US time capsule? We're creating a virtual one on the podcast very soon, and we want to hear from you. Visit https://www.speakpipe.com/AmericaAHistory right now to record your contribution... and you might just make it on the show.
View all episodes
By Liam HeffernanWould you throw yourself over Niagara Falls in a barrel? Well, this week, we’re talking about the man who, allegedly, did just that. His performances have become the stuff of legend, including the one he did on this very day in 1907, escaping from chains underwater in San Francisco. So I want to know more about the life, career, and legacy of one of the greatest showmen in American history, as I ask… who is Harry Houdini?
...
Special guest for this episode:
- John Cox, a lifelong Houdini fan and founder of Wild About Harry, who has written extensively about him, and is currently working on a definitive chronology of Houdini's life and career.
...
Highlights from this episode:
- Harry Houdini, born as Eric Weiss, transformed his life from modest beginnings in Hungary to becoming one of America's most legendary entertainers.
- His innovative approach to escapology combined athleticism with theatricality, creating a unique style that captivated audiences everywhere.
- Houdini's understanding of media and publicity was exceptional, making him a master of self-promotion and audience engagement.
- The relationship with his wife, Bess, played a significant role in his life and career, providing him with both personal and professional support throughout their time together.
- Despite his fame, Houdini struggled with the loss of his mother, which deeply affected his motivations and sense of purpose in life.
- Houdini's legacy endures today, as his name has become synonymous with magic and impossible feats, reflecting his lasting impact on performance art.
...
Additional Resources:
WILD ABOUT HARRY
Escaping Obscurity - The Travel Diary of Harry Houdini, 1897-1899 by John Cox
Houdini!!!: The Career of Ehrich Weiss by Ken Silverman
...
And if you like this episode, you might also love:
What Makes Country Music so American?
Are the Oscars Still Relevant?
Why Does Everyone Love Disney?
Could Friends BE Any Bigger?
How Accurate is Forrest Gump?
...
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Individual Supporters: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/support
University Partners: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/partnerships
Brand Sponsors: [email protected]
Contact us: [email protected]
We're partnering with NeoTaste, the exclusive membership card unlocking huge discounts at hundreds of restaurants across the UK & Europe. Get your first 2 months free by using the code AAH at checkout. Sign up here: https://neotaste.com/gb?code=AAH&a=2
Are you a University or college? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.
Mentioned in this episode:
NeoTaste
Be on the Show!
What would you put in a US time capsule? We're creating a virtual one on the podcast very soon, and we want to hear from you. Visit https://www.speakpipe.com/AmericaAHistory right now to record your contribution... and you might just make it on the show.