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An insider's tour through the strange and secretive world of magic - exploring the ancient art of deception and the mysteries of human nature

About the Author

Alex Stone has written for Harper's, Discover, Science, and The Wall Street Journal. He lives in New York City.

Reviews

An enthralling journey into the world of magic. Alex Stone writes with a winning voice that you'll want to follow anywhere.
*Joshua Foer, author of Moonwalking with Einstein*

Bursting with energy, inventiveness, and a sense of wonder on every page.
*Steven Levitt, author of Freakonomics*

Fooling Houdini is a delight. He writes with wit and scientific sharpness and grand humour. He immerses us in a fascinating world few have entered.
*Buzz Bissinger, author of Father's Day and Friday Night Lights*

Mr. Stone’s chequered history in magicianship sets the stage for Fooling Houdini, his cheery, inquisitive book about a world where math, physics, cognitive science and pure geeky fanaticism intersect. While it nominally describes the author’s efforts to improve his sleight of hand and regain his self-respect, Fooling Houdini is more than a series of anecdotes. It’s an effort to explore the colourful subculture of magic devotees and the serious, theoretical basis for the tricks they do.
*New York Times*

In Fooling Houdini, Stone recounts with humour and humility his love affair with magic and the experience it affords him... To wrtie a captivating and charming book all about magic is a hard trick to pull off, but like all good magicians, Stone makes it seem effortless.
*Catherine de Lange, New Scientist*