Houdini and the Five-Cent Circus

Houdini's childhood years and the life that made him master of escape are reimagined in this thrilling book. Suitable for struggling, reluctant, or dyslexic readers aged 8+, it follows Erik Weisz, a penniless immigrant with a talent for picking locks, as he transforms into the greatest showman the world has ever seen.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 08 June 2018
Publisher: Barrington Stoke Ltd

Erik Weisz, a penniless immigrant in 1885, has a talent for picking locks and a penchant for showboating, earning him a bad reputation. However, this is just the beginning of his story, as he is destined for a more magical future. Watch as he transforms into the greatest showman the world has ever seen, particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant, or dyslexic readers aged 8+.

Born in Budapest, Hungary, in 1874, Erik Weisz was the youngest of three children. His father, a tailor, was a skilled craftsman, but his income was modest, and the family struggled to make ends meet. Erik's mother, on the other hand, was a strong-willed woman who believed in education and hard work. She encouraged her children to pursue their dreams and never gave up on them, even when times were tough.

Despite their financial difficulties, Erik's parents did everything they could to provide their children with a good education. Erik attended a local school and showed a keen interest in learning. He was particularly gifted in mathematics and science, and he quickly became a top student in his class.

However, Erik's love for magic was even stronger than his love for science. He spent hours reading books and watching videos about magic tricks and illusions, and he dreamed of becoming a professional magician. But his parents were not supportive of his dream, and they discouraged him from pursuing it.

Undeterred, Erik continued to practice magic in secret. He would sneak out of the house at night and practice his tricks in the park or in the woods. He was determined to become the best magician he could be, and he knew that he had to overcome his parents' objections.

One day, Erik's luck changed. He met a man named Harry Houdini, who was a famous magician and escape artist. Houdini was impressed by Erik's talent and offered to mentor him. Erik was overjoyed and accepted Houdini's offer without hesitation.

Under Houdini's guidance, Erik honed his magic skills and learned about the art of escape. He studied Houdini's tricks and techniques, and he practiced them tirelessly until he was able to perform them with ease.

Erik's performances quickly gained attention, and he began to perform in local theaters and clubs. He was a hit with audiences, and his shows were filled with excitement and suspense.

But Erik's success was not without its challenges. He faced criticism from some who believed that magic was not a real art form and that it was only a form of deception. Erik refused to be discouraged, and he continued to perform his shows with passion and dedication.

In 1891, Erik decided to take his magic show on the road. He traveled across Europe, performing in theaters and clubs and making a name for himself as a talented magician and escape artist.

But Erik's journey was not without its dangers. He faced many challenges, including being arrested for fraud and being threatened by rival magicians. But Erik was not afraid, and he continued to push himself to the limit.

In 1892, Erik set a new record for the most escapes in a single day. He performed 103 escapes in a row, breaking the previous record of 98. The record was widely celebrated, and Erik became a celebrity overnight.

But Erik's success was not without its consequences. He became addicted to fame and fortune, and he began to neglect his family and friends. He spent hours practicing his tricks and performing, and he neglected his health and well-being.

In 1902, Erik's addiction to fame and fortune finally caught up with him. He was diagnosed with a heart condition, and he was forced to stop performing. He spent the rest of his life trying to recover from his illness, and he died in 1926 at the age of 52.

Despite his short life, Erik Weisz left a lasting legacy. He was a talented magician and escape artist who inspired generations of magicians and escape artists. His story is a testament to the power of determination and perseverance, and it shows that even in the face of adversity, dreams can come true.

In conclusion, Erik Weisz was a talented magician and escape artist who overcame financial difficulties and parental objections to pursue his dream. He was mentored by Harry Houdini, and his performances quickly gained attention, making him a celebrity overnight. However, his addiction to fame and fortune led to his downfall, and he died in 1926 at the age of 52. Despite his short life, Erik's legacy lives on, and he continues to inspire generations of magicians and escape artists.

Weight: 194g
Dimension: 198 x 133 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781781128107