| "I believe that the reading of this book will so familiarize the public with the methods of the criminal classes that it will enable law-abiding citizens to protect themselves from the snares of the evil-doer. I hope it will warn you away from crime and all evil doing. It may tell "The Right Way to Do Wrong," but as I said in the beginning, all I have to say is "Don't." — Harry Houdini |
A few years ago, I stumbled across David Blaine's Real or Magic TV show on Youtube, in which he astonishes and terrifies both A-list celebrities and unsuspecting bystanders alike with some truly inexplicable illusions. My favorite part? Well, there's two:
1. The dumbfounded look on Kanye West's face after Blaine sticks an ice pick through his own hand. 'But there's no blood,' Blaine says, showing his hand with a slightly creepy tone in his voice.
2. When Blaine pulls the exact card that Harrison Ford was thinking out from the core of an un-cut orange in his kitchen. (Harrison promptly answers, "Get the f@#$ out of my house.")
Watching Real or Magic, coupled with a book recommendation from the legendary direct marketer Dan Kennedy, eventually led me to this one.
The Right Way to Do Wrong by Harry Houdini is a collection of writings from the Handcuff King on all things magic and crime, but beneath the material is a glimpse into one of the most powerful brand-builders America has ever seen. I've written about Houdini's exceptional self-marketing 'magic' before, and I have to say I absolutely loved getting a second glimpse behind the wizard's curtain. (Seriously, I spent all day / night reading it — and it's Saturday)
As Teller, the less-talkative half of the famous Pen and Teller duo, mentions in the book's introduction, the Handcuff King once signed an autograph to a fan with this:
1. The dumbfounded look on Kanye West's face after Blaine sticks an ice pick through his own hand. 'But there's no blood,' Blaine says, showing his hand with a slightly creepy tone in his voice.
2. When Blaine pulls the exact card that Harrison Ford was thinking out from the core of an un-cut orange in his kitchen. (Harrison promptly answers, "Get the f@#$ out of my house.")
Watching Real or Magic, coupled with a book recommendation from the legendary direct marketer Dan Kennedy, eventually led me to this one.
The Right Way to Do Wrong by Harry Houdini is a collection of writings from the Handcuff King on all things magic and crime, but beneath the material is a glimpse into one of the most powerful brand-builders America has ever seen. I've written about Houdini's exceptional self-marketing 'magic' before, and I have to say I absolutely loved getting a second glimpse behind the wizard's curtain. (Seriously, I spent all day / night reading it — and it's Saturday)
As Teller, the less-talkative half of the famous Pen and Teller duo, mentions in the book's introduction, the Handcuff King once signed an autograph to a fan with this:
"My brain is the key that sets me free."
This encapsulates the spirit of Houdini. He was ruthlessly analytical when it came to his craft, not just in mastering the most difficult and dangerous tricks, but also his delivery on — and off — stage. From strengthening his voice and diaphragm with daily practice in order to be able to be heard in the largest of amphitheaters, to staging public challenges to the world's most secure prisons and expert policemen, one of Houdini's greatest tricks was the marketing of his tricks. And he needed this marketing — there were copy cats and imposters springing up in his time more and more. One such rival was 'The Great Kleppini,' who actually challenged Houdini that he could escape from any handcuffs procured by the King. Of course Houdini accepted, with a plan.
Feigning a security oversight, Houdini allowed Kleppini access to his French Letter Cuffs before the show. French Letter Cuffs were handcuffs that required a series of letters to be correctly inputted in order to unlock — an early twentieth century version of the password. Houdini's confidant 'betrayed' his employer by telling Kleppini the password: Clefs, the French word for keys. So, when the challenger took the stage and called out Houdini in the crowd he chose to be bound by the French Letter Cuffs.
Little did Kleppini know — until a few hours later — Houdini had switched the password to Fraud. He actually tried to lie about the result, publishing an article that he had in fact won the challenge, but Houdini was sure to have plenty of press agents there to witness firsthand the reigning champion's successful defending of his title as Handcuff King. Well played, Mr. Houdini. {JG}
Feigning a security oversight, Houdini allowed Kleppini access to his French Letter Cuffs before the show. French Letter Cuffs were handcuffs that required a series of letters to be correctly inputted in order to unlock — an early twentieth century version of the password. Houdini's confidant 'betrayed' his employer by telling Kleppini the password: Clefs, the French word for keys. So, when the challenger took the stage and called out Houdini in the crowd he chose to be bound by the French Letter Cuffs.
Little did Kleppini know — until a few hours later — Houdini had switched the password to Fraud. He actually tried to lie about the result, publishing an article that he had in fact won the challenge, but Houdini was sure to have plenty of press agents there to witness firsthand the reigning champion's successful defending of his title as Handcuff King. Well played, Mr. Houdini. {JG}
