Book Review: Houdini: The Handcuff King by Jason Lutes and Nick Bertozzi

Houdini: The Handcuff King written by Jason Lutes and art by Nick Bertozzi

Harry Houdini is without doubt the most famous escape artist of the twentieth century. He's probably the most famous escape artist ever. He spent his life escaping from handcuffs, straight jackets, prisons, and other elaborate traps that would make a Batman villain jealous. He was also a great showman. In the early 1900s, without television or radio or the internet, entertainments had to be advertised in print media or through people shouting in the streets. Houdini used these but also did publicity stunts. This book chronicles one such publicity stunt, a May 1908 jump from Harvard Bridge in Massachusetts while handcuffed.

The book tells a lot about Houdini through this one incident. He's highly devoted to his wife Bess, who often helped out on stage. Here, she passes a lock pick when she kisses him just before he jumps off the bridge. Earlier in the day, Houdini hired a new assistant. The process included a "swearing to secrecy" that was very important for Houdini. Secrecy about his methods were key to keeping Houdini's mystique. Houdini worked hard at his craft, studying all sorts of locks and handcuffs, practicing his escapes and mastering his timing. He claimed hard work was what made him capable, implying anyone else could do it, if they had the dedication of Houdini.

Houdini's personality and ability are caught vividly in this short and entertaining graphic novel.

The book also has a bibliography, notes, and a description of the creative process, a nice bonus.

Recommended.