Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Collection
Publication
Calkins Creek (2012), Edition: First Edition, Hardcover, 96 pages
Description
"Presenting the amazing Harry Kellar! The first magician to receive international fame! The most well-known illusionist at the turn of the twentieth century! The model for the Wizard of Oz! Author Gail Jarrow follows Kellar from a magician's assistant traveling and performing across the United States during the Civil War to an international superstar with a show of his own, entertaining emperors, kings, and presidents"--
User reviews
LibraryThing member Sullywriter
Houdini is the name of a magician most people recognize but Harry Kellar is the magician Houdini idolized. Kellar was the first American-born magician to become an international celebrity and Jarrow conjures up a fascinating introduction to the man who served as the model for the Wizard of Oz.
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Superbly illustrated and elegantly designed. Show Less
LibraryThing member abbylibrarian
Think Harry Houdini is the most famous American magician? Well, he might be NOW, but it was a different story in the early 20th century when an American-born magician, Harry Kellar, dominated the stage and played to sold out theaters.
This is a great biography for anyone with an interest in magic,
I really appreciated the layout of the book. Full color replications of the famous Harry Kellar posters and many archival photographs bring the time period to life. The layout, with thinner columns in the center of the pages, suggests turn-of-the-century newspapers.
Extensive back matter includes an index, bibliography, source notes, suggestions for further reading, and a timeline of Kellar's life.
This would be a GREAT choice for kids wanting to do biography reports on Harry Houdini when the Houdini books are checked out, BUT this book deserves to be more than a backup for Houdini. Keep it in mind when kids come in looking for magic trick books.
This is a great biography for anyone with an interest in magic,
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history (early 20th century, in particular) or Harry Houdini. Harry Kellar was 25 years Houdini's senior and was an inspiration to the escape artist. The men were close friends. I really appreciated the layout of the book. Full color replications of the famous Harry Kellar posters and many archival photographs bring the time period to life. The layout, with thinner columns in the center of the pages, suggests turn-of-the-century newspapers.
Extensive back matter includes an index, bibliography, source notes, suggestions for further reading, and a timeline of Kellar's life.
This would be a GREAT choice for kids wanting to do biography reports on Harry Houdini when the Houdini books are checked out, BUT this book deserves to be more than a backup for Houdini. Keep it in mind when kids come in looking for magic trick books.
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LibraryThing member laurlou
This is the story of Harry Kellar, his life from childhood through his death. His interests, apprenticeship, milestones and accomplishments are highlighted in the book.
Awards
Orbis Pictus Award (Recommended Title — 2013)
YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction (Nominee — 2013)
The Best Children's Books of the Year (Nine to Twelve — 2013)
Physical description
96 p.; 11.3 inches
ISBN
1590788656 / 9781590788653