Here is the seminal biography of the magicians magician; Howard Thurston; a man who surpassed Houdini in the eyes of showmen and fans and set the standard fro how stage magic is performed today. Everyone knows Houdini-but who was Thurston? In this rich; vivid biography of the "greatest magician in the world;" celebrated historian of stage magic Jim Steinmeyer captures the career and controversies of the wonder-worker extraordinaire; Howard Thurston. The publics fickleness over magicians has left Thurston all but forgotten today. Yet Steinmeyer shows how his story is one of the most remarkable in show business. During his life; from 1869 to 1936; Thurston successfully navigated the most dramatic changes in entertainment-from street performances to sideshows to wagon tours through Americas still-wild West to stage magic amid the glitter of grand theaters. Thurston became one of Americas most renowned vaudeville stars; boldly performing an act with just a handful of playing cards; and then had the foresight to leave vaudeville; expanding his show into an extravaganza with more than forty tons of apparatusand costumes. His touring production was an American institution for nearly thirty years; and Thurston earned a brand name equal to Ziegfeld or Ringling Brothers. Steinmeyer explores the stage and psychological rivalry between Thurston and Houdini during the first decades of the twentieth century- a contest that Thurston won. He won with a bigger show; a more successful reputation; and the title of Americas greatest magician. In The Last Greatest Magician in the World; Thurstons magic show is revealed as the one that animates our collective memories.
#2222576 in eBooks 2010-09-17 2010-09-17File Name: B00433SO62
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A Tradition of SharingBy Bruce K. Hanson. author of For the Record: Confessions of a Vinyl- Soundtrack JunkieI was fortunate enough to be one of Karen Karnes students at Hunter College in the mid-seventies. At first I was not educated enough to really appreciate a ceramics department that boasted Karen Karnes. Susan Peterson. and John Mason as instructors. I was a painting major who accidently discovered Karens wonderfull teaching techniques when I attended the class of my best friend. The following semester I signed up for Karens ceramics class. and stayed with clay for the rest of my life. That was 40 years ago! Yikes!Karen exemplified the sharing qualities that are often associated with potters. She was an excellent advisor to handbuilders as well as wheel throwers. Patient. kind. softspoken. and oh so talented and wise. I find that I am still influenced (consciously and unconsciously) by Karens style. forms. and excellent craftsmanship. Often. when I asked for advise by my own ceramics students I will automatically say. "Id like to suggest..." rather than coming on like gangbusters. (I must also admit that John Mason and later. in graduate school. Doris Licht. were also true mentors.)"The Chosen Path" is a beautifuly realized tribute to one of Americas living treasures. The essays are interesting and imformative. the photos are well chosen. and. in particular. Karens stunning works are handsomely photographed and presented through out the book. I was given a copy of the book for Christmas about four years ago and then. a few months later. Karen sent me a signed copy. That one I keep home while the other is on my desk in school to share with my students. So...even today. Karen shares her talents with others though her actual work and through Mark Shapiros excllent book. My only regret: when Karen and her partner. Ann Stannard. were invited to my wedding 37 years ago. I told Karen not to give us her pottery; knowing her. being her student. and receiving recommendations for graduate school. were more than enough. Karen complied with my wishes but still gave a lovely book about love and committment. Years later. I wish I had kept my big mouth shut. :)0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. We want to see.By Dale AnnAn informative text with far too few images of her work.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Terrific!By CustomerBeautiful book with lots of great photos.
