The Right Way to Do Wrong: A Unique Selection of Writings by History's Greatest Escape Artist (Neversink) Paperback – October 30, 2012

Houdini was an interesting person. Some might consider his writings a study in contradictions. This book, for instance, as with much of his work, reveals a deeply moralistic man obsessed with honesty, and yet often dishonest himself--even beyond the "honest deceptions" required of his profession as a magician, his writings are filled with inaccuracies and equivocations. He even lied (regularly, including in these pages) about his birthplace, claiming to have been born in Appleton, WI (he was actually born in Budapest).This book consists primarily of Houdini's writings on the subject of criminals and con artists, supplemented by a variety of other essays. Don't read it, however, if you're looking for high-quality or detailed scholarship on the subjects. Houdini regularly embellishes his stories and the methods he describes for a variety of feats range from the completely true to the physically impossible. Instead, read this for a fascinating glimpse into not only the bizarre subcultures of the criminal and performing classes, but into the mind of one of history's most colorful characters.Teller's introduction to this volume makes a wonderful addition and provides a more objective (if still admiring) look at the Handcuff King.

This is an entertaining collection of insight and short stories about the art of illusion. There are several essays written by Mr. Houdini on some of the popular acts of deception during his time; such as sword swallowing, rock swallowing, cryptography, and, to a small extent, escape artistry. Following the articles is his short book, The Right Way to do Wrong. In the book is a collection of stories, organized by type of property criminal (thief, pickpocket, burglar, etc.).Mr. Houdini was one of the world's greatest escape artists, but his writing reflects the character of a man that wants to be sure the reader is aware of his fame and talent. I would recommend this to anybody interested in the life of one of history's greats, and any aspiring illusionist, but probably not to the indifferent reader.

Houdini's legacy is often fragmented in my cultural consciousness: magician, escape artist, film pioneer, spiritualist debunker, and tragic victim of celebrity life (his appendix ruptured, allegedely, after a fan punched him in the abdomen backstage at the Princess Theater). I never knew as an writer or expert on pickpockets, con men, swindlers, and cat burglars before reading this charming edition to the Neversink Library. Taken with some measure of forgiveness for antiquated stylistic choices and a cornball wit that peeks through from time to time, this volume reads like an earlier version of Joseph Mitchell's oddest articles.Recommend for any fan of the Houdini myth and all who dream of a time when one could make off with a million in jewels with so much confidence and chewing gum.

This is a great collection of writings, including both Houdini offering his advice and opinions about performing magic and his interviews with street criminals on the tricks of their trade. Houdini worked as an escape artist and therefore frequently encountered and befriended police officers, which provided him an "in" for getting interviews with street criminals, who were in turn happy to talk to the most famous stage performer of the day. This is an unique collection of writings that is an easy read and a lot of fun.

This book is HILLARIOUS! I can't remember the last time I had such a blast reading a book. Houdini was such a character and the stories about the people he met and worked with are incredible.Also, Teller's intro is great too. This is a fantastic book from cover to cover.

If you are interested in reading about Houdini and his ventures, as well as be given a small peek into the world of dishonest men, this is your book.

I bought two of these books one for myself and one for a friend,he loves the book and said he savors every word,I will start my book tonight and am looking forward to enjoying it very much.

Learned a lot about the craft of magic, the man himself, the time period. Absolutely delightful, would recommend for anyone who has a fascination with magic.

I bought this expecting to read about the workings of Houdini's performances and some confidence tricks. Almost all of the cons in the book, I had heard of and of course Houdini reveals none of his secrets. At the time of writing, many people may not have heard of some of the tricks and performances but now a lot of them are tired cliches.