Collection: Houdini

Harry Houdini, born Erik Weisz in Budapest, Hungary, on March 24, 1874, grew to become one of the most illustrious illusionists and escapologists of all time. His family migrated to the United States when Houdini was four years old, settling in Appleton, Wisconsin. Showing an early interest in magic, he began his career in the 1890s under the stage name "Harry Houdini," inspired by the French magician Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin.

Houdini first gained attention with card tricks before moving on to his renowned escape acts, which catapulted him to international fame. His ability to extricate himself from handcuffs, chains, and water tanks, often while suspended from cranes or submerged underwater, captivated audiences worldwide. Houdini's dedication to his craft included the meticulous study of locks and restraints, as well as practicing holding his breath for extended periods.