Editorial Reviews
From the Publisher
"[A] magical history tour of the highest order . . . Nova Scotia writer Bruce MacNab, according to experts cited all over, has simply nailed the untold apprenticeship of Harry Houdini as the magician performed throughtout Maritime communities more than a century ago. . . . you cannot escape the fact that this is an absolutely exceptional book." — Philip K. Thompson, The Chronicle-Herald"Bruce MacNab's absolutely fascinating reconstruction of Harry Houdini's summer-long 1896 tour of Eastern Canada was Atlantic Canada's "sleeper" book of the past year. . . . It's a fabulous book to read and savour, with an engaging narrative, detailed research and striking visuals, including rare news clippings, vintage posters, illustrative maps and newly unearthed photographs. . . . In his first book, the author has produced a gem that won the 2012 APMA Best Atlantic Published Book Award. . . . It has great appeal to those with a passion for Victorian Canadian life, travelling circuses, magic tricks, fortune tellers and freak shows. Fans of the master magician as well as curious people of all ages will also marvel at Houdini's sleights of hand and the secrets of his illusions. . . . Shedding new light on Houdini's career is quite an accomplishment, but it's the author's polished writing style and the richness of the illustration that makes The Metamorphosis a very entertaining summer read." — The Chronicle Herald
"It's a fascinating read." — The Vancouver Sun
What People are saying about this
From the Publisher
"A definitive masterpiece of describing the early travelling life of the world's greatest showman in magic. An explicit 'diary' of Harry Houdini during his first Maritime-Canadian tour, filled with details unlike any other historical documents previously published! Exciting and brilliantly written!" — Coral and Peter Reveen, hypnotist, magician, performers, The Man They Call Reveen"This is a book that will wow the magic world. Not only does it contain a wealth of never-before-published photos, but Bruce MacNab has drilled down into a relatively unknown period of Houdini's early life and uncovered facts, incidents, and artifacts that rewrite Houdini history. This is one of the most important books ever written about the great escape artist. It's also just a wonderfully told story. A standing ovation for The Metamorphosis: The Apprenticeship of Harry Houdini." — John Cox, creator of Wild About Harry
"This is a terrific book. After reading The Metamorphosis: The Apprenticeship of Harry Houdini, I was left amazed by all the new details, photos, and juicy tidbits Bruce MacNab has uncovered. This book is well researched and a must-read for anyone interested in Houdini." — Dorothy Dietrich, The First Lady of Magic, founder/director of The Houdini Museum, Scranton, PA
"No other performer captured the attention and entertained an audience during the vaudeville era as did Houdini. Bruce MacNab has done an amazing job in researching and sharing new information in his book The Metamorphosis. While Houdini toured with Marco the Magician for twelve weeks in 1896 throughout the Maritime provinces, he learned skills in the art of suspense and marketing that helped shape his career and made him the legend he is today. As the proud owner of one of Houdini"s original Metamorphosis trunks, I am sure Houdini would agree that the book deserves a standing ovation." — Roger Dreyer, CEO, Fantasma Magic and Houdini Museum, New York
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