One Day in History invites you to discover the incredible illusion of Harry Houdini. Harry Houdini, born Erich Weiss in 1864 in Budapest, became one of the most famous magicians in history, although he long passed himself off as an American born in Appleton, Wisconsin. His pseudonym is inspired by Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin, a great French magician whom he admired, before finally criticizing his work. Immigrating to the United States as a child with his family, Houdini grew up in New York, in a modest environment. From an early age, he was fascinated by acrobats and street performers, imitating their feats with a zeal that even led to injury. His passion for illusion led him to learn the profession of locksmith, a knowledge which would be fundamental for his escape acts. Very athletic and determined, he acquired a physical discipline that allowed him to perform spectacular tricks, including the famous disappearance of an elephant, a feat that remains a mystery to magic experts. His career began early, first as a contortionist and trapeze artist, before meeting Jacob Heymann, who encouraged him in magic. Houdini quickly became a legend, fascinating the public with his audacity and his often embellished stories, which forged the myth of the great master of escape.
