Harry Houdini exposes the tricks that astonish folks in this book that he himself authored - This is a book on how common psychology, special effects and trickery can create miracles for audiences.

The author tries to explain that there may be nothing supernatural in magic but only science and illusion.

He refers to miracle mongers are mere mortal men without any supernatural powers but have the knowledge of how to create illusions and wow audiences.

Readers will find interesting tricks and objects used to create illusions. Definitely, a must-read book for magicians and anyone engaged in entertainment business!

Contents

LETTER

I. EVERY MAN SHOULD HAVE A HOME

II. A GRATEFUL CLIENT

III. THE BEAUTY OF TRUTH AND UTILITY

IV. PROFESSIONAL FOLLY

V. BUILDING-SITES AND FOUNDATION-WALLS

VI. GRAVEL-BANKS AND QUAGMIRES

VII. NATURE'S BRICKS ARE BETTER THAN OURS

VIII. THERE IS A SOFT SIDE EVEN TO A STONE WALL

IX. A BROAD HOUSE IS BETTER THAN A HIGH ONE

X. TROUT BROOKS ARE BETTER THAN STREET SEWERS

XI. THE STRENGTH AND DURABILITY OF BRICK

XII. THE WEAKNESS AND SHAM OF BRICKWORK

XIII. SKILL DIGNIFIES THE MOST HUMBLE MATERIAL

XIV. EVERY MAN TO HIS TRADE

XV. THE COMING HOUSE WILL BE FAIR TO SEE AND MADE OF BRICK

XVI. DOMESTIC DISCIPLINE

XVII. GOOD TASTE IS NOT A FOE BUT A FRIEND TO ECONOMY

XVIII. OUR PICTURESQUE ANCESTORS

XIX. THE USE AND THE ABUSE OF WOOD

XX. A SURRENDER AND CHANGE OF BASE

XXI. HOSPITALITY AND SUNLIGHT

XXII. UNPROFESSIONAL SAGACITY

XXIII. STAIRWAYS AND OUTLOOKS

XXIV. IN A MULTITUDE OF COUNSELLORS IS SAFETY

XXV. DOORS AND SLIDING-DOORS, WINDOWS AND BAY-WINDOWS

XXVI. EXPERIENCE KEEPS A DEAR SCHOOL

XXVII. FASHION AND ORNAMENT, HARD WOOD AND PAINT

XXVIII. THOUGHT PROVOKES INQUIRY

XXIX. CONSISTENCY, COMFORT, AND CARPETS

XXX. AUTOBIOGRAPHY AND ARCHITECTURE, POTATOES AND POSTSCRIPTS

XXXI. DOMESTIC-SERVICE REFORM

XXXII. GO TO; LET US BUILD A TOWER

XXXIII. BASEMENTS AND BALCONIES

XXXIV. FOUR ROOMS ENOUGH

XXXV. CONVENIENCES AND CONJECTURES

XXXVI. THE LESSON OF THE ICE-HOUSE

XXXVII. SHINGLES, SUNSHINE, AND FRESH AIR

XXXVIII. WHERE THE DOCTORS DIFFER

XXXIX. HOW TO DO IT

XL. THE BREATH OF LIFE

XLI. ETERNAL VIGILANCE

LII. SAVED BY CONSCIENCE

XLIII. FINAL AND PERSONAL

BY WAY OF APPENDIX