The Man Who Fooled Houdini

Bookhouse — Fri, 22 May 2009 19:43:52 -0800

Dai Vernon chased down card cheats and swindlers to make him a better magician. It paid off. One of the best magicians of the twentieth century, Dai first made his name in 1919 when he became The Man Who Fooled Houdini. Watch his version of the classic routines the cups and balls and the linking rings. Vernon also mentored many magicians throughout his life, including Ricky Jay. Vernon died at the age of 98 after years as the Magician in Residence at Hollywood's Magic Castle.

The coolest man alive.

Bookhouse — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 00:52:36 -0800

Ricky Jay wants to play cards. Place your bets. He can do all sorts of crazy shit with cards. To learn more about this magician, historian of the con, member of David Mamet's troupe, author and dice collector, be sure to read this wonderful New Yorker article. (previously)