The Amazing Harry Kellar: Great American Magician [Hardcover]

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. Jarrow uses Kellar's own words and images—his amazing four-color promotional posters—to tell his riveting story in this first Kellar biography for young readers. And she reveals the science behind Kellar's illusions and explores nineteenth-century entertainment and transportation as well as the history of magic, spiritualism, and séances.* A first-rate visual presentation accompanies a fascinating biography of the first dean of the Society of American Magicians, a man Houdini regarded as a mentor. . . . Dozens of spectacular Kellar posters along with a dramatic book design nicely support this well-constructed look at a consummate showman. (timeline, bibliography, annotated sources) --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* This book draws readers in. . . . An excellent example of nonfiction that is readable, visually appealing, and well researched. --School Library Journal, starred reviewGail Jarrowis the author ofThe Printer's,Robert H. Jackson, andLincoln's Flying Spies, all for Calkins Creek. Her articles and stories have appeared inHighlights,Cricket,Muse,Spider, andCobblestone. A graduate of Duke University and Dartmouth College, Gail has taught in grades four to eight. She lives in Ithaca, New York.CN