Parades, protests, and riots were common. Urban tenements were packed with frustrated people, immigrants continued arriving, and the country was in turmoil as labor unions expanded and pressed for a better quality of life. The country faced internal divisions and bitter conflicts between employees and employers. In many ways Houdini’s rise to fame was a result of the conditions that existed during the era in which he lived.

After World War I began, he found himself more determined than ever to be recognized as a solid citizen of the United States. But his allegiance was never in question. He also dabbled in speaking French, Russian, and Danish. When touring in Europe, he taught himself to speak other languages so he could better connect with the audience, and his childhood German came in handy. As a child, he was reared in a household where no English was spoken-his parents spoke German. In the late 1800s Jewish immigrants faced discrimination in the United States, a condition that worsened as Houdini came to adulthood and led him to smooth over his foreign roots.

His birth date, birthplace, childhood, and other details were often changed. When considering the life of Ehrich Weisz, who would become the great Harry Houdini, it’s important to note that some stories he told have been contradicted and that he often re-created his past for personal reasons. &LP style='MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt'&R&L/P&R&L/DIV&R&L/DIV&R Read more Kids can amaze their family and friends with these simple, entertaining, and fun tricks and illusions: &L/P&R

&L/P&R&LP style='MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt'&R&L/P&R&LP style='MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt'&RKids will learn how he devised his most legendary stunts and will also learn the science and logic behind many of Houdini’s acts including his famous milk can escape. He performed such seemingly impossible stunts as escaping several sets of handcuffs and ropes after jumping off a bridge into a flowing river. Houdini was an artist who created his acts carefully, practicing them for years in some cases. Children will be inspired by this Jewish immigrant who grew up in poverty and, through perseverance and hard work, went on to become one of the most popular and successful entertainers of all time. This fascinating biography looks at all the facets of Houdini’s amazing life and includes 21 magic tricks and illusions for a hands-on learning experience. &LDIV&R&LDIV&R&LP style='MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt'&RIllusionist, escape artist, movie star, aviator, and spy-Harry Houdini was all these and an international celebrity and the world’s most famous magician.

Houdini magic tricks