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Magical Rope Ties and Escapes by "Houdini."
Ira E. DAvenport. "Houdini"

[Book]
PART 1 of the REVIEW

Cost: NA

Around 75 pages

It basically covers exactly what the title says- Rope ties and Escapes.
It starts with a Forward by Houdini, giving a brief history, anecdotes, patter, about the rope ties, the program, and confidence.
Parts of the Book is illustrated to help explain the escapes and ties.

It then moves on to the escapes and ties:
{Rating out of 10 / Difficulty out of 5}

Opening For Rope Act- Basically it gives you a opening patter for the show. I haven’t used it, so I cant give a true rating on it.

A Simple Release- Considered to be one of the oldest releases known for professionals. Being able to release ones hands tied behind ones back, in an “ordinary way.” It looks really simple, but it isn’t, it will take some work, and one must be limber. It is explained very well, and even suggests what rope to use.
Rating 6 / Difficulty 3

The Keller Tie- In my opinion this is a great rope tie escape. Its been used for ages, and its lasted this long. I have used it in a few escapes of mine. Its very easy to do, you have an audience member tie, everything can be examined, before, during and after. Yet you can escape very fast. This tie can be used for comedy acts or serious escapes.
Rating 8 / Difficulty 4

Knotted Rope Tie- I have never used this, but it’s a nice variation of the Keller tie. Its slightly more complicated, as you have to experiment getting the knots right and in the correct position.
Rating NA / Difficulty NA

Another Knotted Rope- I don’t know much about this one, I haven’t really dealt with it, only read about it. It is a self tie knot (or more exact a row of knots), used for a spirit cabinet and séances and manifestations. The audience sees you walk into this cabinet, sit in an ordinary chair, and are then tied to the chair, then manifestations go to work.
Rating NA / Difficulty NA, but it sounds rather difficult.

The Twin-Rope Tie- A lot like the Keller Tie, but with two ropes, instead of just one. I have used this periodically.
Rating 7 / Difficulty 4

The Jacobi Tie- This tie uses two ropes, and one (person) is bound as if in a Straight Jacket. But instead of the two ropes being tied together they are tied to the back of a chair. This effect can be used for manifestations, if used with a cabinet. There is also an added effect using a ring.
Rating 7 / Difficulty 3

Three Effects with the Handcuff Tie- I have yet to use or even try any of these effects, So I really cant say much on them. Heck I have really only read it once. I will see if I can read more into them later and post my review on them.

An Added Effect for the Handcuff Tie- Same as above.

The Tom Fool Knot- I have used this one once or twice. It is a rather useful escape knot. Its best as a self tie for cabinet work. Its very easy to tie, and even easier to release ones self from it.
Rating 8 / Difficulty 3

The Double-Header- A lot like the Tom Fool, but it looks more “concrete” to the audience, as the knots look more complicated. Yet to make the main knot is very easy, and the end method of release is the same as the Tom Fool.
Rating 8 / Difficulty 4

The Volunteer Release- This is another I haven’t really used, but its meant for a comedy act. Basically you have a volunteer come up, sit in a chair and tied to it. Then through some “magic” he is released in a comedic fashion. Then you finish off by “showing” hows it done, buy doing it to your self. Its not the easiest to explain here. The explanation in the book is a good three pages long. Both the main routine and the ending are decent. I have used the ending before in smaller shows.
Rating 7 / Difficulty 4

The Revenge Tie- This is a “challenge” tie. The book says that it is good for a “heckler” or mister know it all. Basically you are both tied up exactly the same, yet you are able to escape extremely quick.
Rating 6 / Difficulty 3

A Good Chair Tie- This is another tie good for cabinet demonstrations. Firstly a rope is tied around your waist and the ends are tied around the back of the chair. Then each ankle is tied to the legs of the chair with separate ropes. Then both of your wrists are restrained under the chair. Its rather simple to release your self, and get back in.
Rating 5 / Difficulty 2

An Interlude- This isn’t really an escape, heck it isn’t one period. It’s a special knot, used as a magic trick. In the book it is used as an example of what not to do, a past story of what one man did, before tying up the Escape Artist.
Rating 5 / Difficulty 4 (remembering everything, clearly explaining it, and getting the volunteer to get it right.)

The Comedy Tie- This is really a great comedy act, the book suggests using it as an interlude. One volunteer is used for this act as is one piece of rope. It starts by the volunteer binding your wrists around behind your back. Then he is to move on to the ankles, while he is down there you release one of your hands and point toward one of the ankles. When the volunteer your hand is already back, tied behind your back. This is only the beginning. This act really gets laughs.
Rating 8 / Difficulty 2

TO BE CONTINUED…

Magical Rope Ties and Escapes by "Houdini."
PART 2 of the REVIEW



The Thumb Tie- Thumb tie, one of the most used escape acts. There are many many variations- many created by magic manufactures in an attempt to duplicate the original method. Now most EA’s use the ‘real’ method. This covers some of the most used methods and ties for the thumb tie escape- around 3,4 different methods. All are taught very well and are aided by illustrations.
Rating 8 / Difficulty 1

Another Method- I included this one in the one above. ^ ^ ^

The Handkerchief Release- Another great classic. This is one of the escapes taught in Dixie D. escape DVDs. Basically a length of rope passes through a silk wrapped tightly around ones wrists.
Rating 8 / Difficulty 1

The Clothes Line Tie- This is basically the 100ft rope challenge, but using less “rope,” and instead of rope one uses a clothes line. Its explained very well, step by step.
Rating 9 / Difficulty 3

Simplex Tie- As the names states, this is a very simple escape. All it takes is practice to work on speed. Basically your hands are tied behind your back, as you are sitting in a chair. The explanation is aided with a picture, as the explanation isn’t very deep.
Rating 6 / Difficulty 3

Under-Water Escape- An escape that no Beginner should ever attempt. Practice is extremely important with this escape, not just the release but also being able to swim. Your entire body is bound with rope, then you are thrown into a body of water. The majority of this ‘section’ goes into precautions and advice.
Rating 7 / Difficulty 5

Spectacular Escapes- The first of the “spectacular” escapes is the “Ladder Escape.” You are bound to a ladder-neck, hands, chest, legs, and ankles. Looks impossible, but it isn’t. It clearly explains placement of ropes and body parts for the escape to be made simple.
Rating 8 / Difficulty 4

The Big Wheel Release- This one isn’t so easy to perform any more, it’s a pain to find a wheel as large if not larger than ones self. It clearly explains all the details to make this escape go smooth.
Rating 7 / Difficulty 4

The North American Indian Tie- He starts by explaining where he came across this special tie, and how he originally escaped from it. He then goes into where it really originated, and some back stories of him performing it for a show. I have yet to attempt it, so I can give no rating.

The Russian Transport Tie- He basically does the same with this one as he did with the last. Covers the history, how he escapes and some advice for those who want to perform it. I can give no rating yet.

Slade’s Knot- A version of Slades effect, where you cause a knot to appear on an endless tope. It is very well explained and given a brief history of Slade. I have never used this, so no rating can be given.

The Cotton-Bandage Test- This is only good for cabinet work, get that out of the way now. I don’t really know how to explain it other than, I will break it down to simple words:
You take 5 strips of bandage and are restrained with these, some of them are even sewed together. You are then restrained to a poll within the cabinet. Then once the door is closed, through simple method of release, the manifestations begin.
No rating can be given.

Houdini’s “Full View of Audience” Release- This escape is also taught in the Dixie Dooley’s DVD set, as the Houdini Rope Tie. It is a great tie, that is done right in front of the audience and the method is achieved right under their noses. Houdini himself says in takes nerve to attempt this escape.
Rating 9 / Difficulty 4

The Turned Vest- This is a great little cabinet effect. You and a volunteer are brought up. {You are wearing a vest}. You are both bound in the same manner, then linked together. Then the volunteer is blindfolded, and both of you are put into the cabinet, a couple minutes later you both come out, and your vest is on backwards and buttoned all the way up.
Rating 7 / Difficulty 4

Sack Escapes- This section explains the sac escape, and what is basically needed for the sac escapes.

An Easy Sack Escape- This is a very simple sack escape. It takes basically no skill, just great presentation and a good assistant and some kind of cover- cabinet for example.
Rating 6 / Difficulty 2

The Broomstick Escape- This is another very simple sack escape. But remember simple doesn’t mean bad. Every thing is inspect able before and after, but a cabinet is still used.
Rating 6 / Difficulty 2

Lock and Chain Sack Escape- The performer is placed in an un-gimmicked sac; which is secured with a dog choker and a padlock that’s key hole is sealed. He goes into great detail of what is needed to escape and how to use it. I haven’t performed this, but this sounds like one that I might one day.

The Spirit Sack- Another ‘escape’ only for the cabinet. Though this is more of an restraint for a medium that an escape. The performer is locked in a sac, then placed in the cabinet, a couple minutes later, the manifestations start to happen. Yet at the end you are found still locked in the sac. I have yet to perform this, so no rating.

Double Sack Challenge Escape- The performer is tied into Two un-gimmicked burlap sacks. The first (inside) goes from bottom to top, and the second (outside) goes from the top to bottom. Once placed in the cabinet the escape begins. Have yet to attempt this one as well.


Overall Review:
This is an old book I got from a good friend. I really enjoy this book, it has really helped me in my escapes and stage performances. If your into stage or escapes, this is a good book to have. Though I am not sure how easy it will be to find. If you can find it, get it. Houdini is not only an excellent performer, but a great teacher and historian.
Rating 8

Whoa killer review.

Nice review.
Could someone explain to me what the rating out of 10 represents. I just can't work it out.

David The Cryptic wrote:It then moves on to the escapes and ties:
{Rating 1 out of 10 / Difficulty 1 out of 5}

beeno wrote:Nice review.
Could someone explain to me what the rating out of 10 represents. I just can't work it out.

David The Cryptic wrote:It then moves on to the escapes and ties:
{Rating 1 out of 10 / Difficulty 1 out of 5}

How highly he rates the trick. 1 being terrible, 10 being brilliant.

Aah right I see now, I thought that was his actual rating of the whole thing and not the key.
Although it should really read "Rating out of 10" not "Rating 1 out of 10"

beeno wrote:Aah right I see now, I thought that was his actual rating of the whole thing and not the key.
Although it should really read "Rating out of 10" not "Rating 1 out of 10"

Nope, the overall rating is at the bottom where it says overall. Sorry if the 'mis-phrasing' mess you up, I changed it.

If difficulty is rated 1-5, how is it possible that two difficulty ratings exceeded 5?

The first one that exceeds 5 is given a 6. I kind of figured that you meant it was really, really, exceptionally hard so were making a point. But, when one came in at a 7, well...

Excellent review, though, David. Thank you for taking the time and putting it up.

Mike.

Michael Jay wrote:If difficulty is rated 1-5, how is it possible that two difficulty ratings exceeded 5?

The first one that exceeds 5 is given a 6. I kind of figured that you meant it was really, really, exceptionally hard so were making a point. But, when one came in at a 7, well...

Excellent review, though, David. Thank you for taking the time and putting it up.

Mike.

Thanks for pointing that out. I guess after a few shots, typing becomes harder. I will change them where needed.


Any Time!!

like the review

Great Review David! One of the best that I've read on TM for a while.

May be worth pointing out that unlike Houdini, don't practice these knots standing on the roof edge of a 200ft building

It's good that these techniques have been saved to print but is escapology entertaining these days? I recently attended a lecture at the Wessex that was given by a young and well known escapologist whose name eludes me at the moment (very nice guy indeed) and whilst I find many of the techniques fascinating, I did wonder how well this skill entertains lay people in a cabaret situation? I've often observed that if someone performs an escape then this is the part of a show that people use for a convenient break to the loo or the bar.

Just a thought

I perform escapes weekly and the audience is very entertained. ITs all in the presentation, same as magic.. probably even more in the art of escapes. It can be much more of a challenge to make certain escape entertaining, but who doesnt love a good challenge.
And to add, my shows are magic and escapes they are either Just Escapes or a mix of Escapes and Sideshow. So if people were to go to the bar during my escapes, they would miss the entire show, or alot of it... and that wouldnt be cool.
I keep my magic separate.

Oh and thanks for the compliment.

It was one of several books(
Okito's Quality Magic, Nikola's Magical Masterpieces etc) I bought, by post, in my teens, around 1946/7, straight from Will Goldston. I tore( sacrilege) one of the photographs of Houdini performing, from the book; it's still in my scrapbooks.
I read in the The Edison Of Magic by Sam Smith that it was in fact written by Burling Hull. 'When W G decided to publish a book dealing with escapes, he recognized the value of employing Harry Houdini's name as the 'author' of the book. he therefore negotiated with his friend H & it was agreed that WG would use the H name for the authorship credit, under the provision that H would receive a royaltyon the basis of sales. WG for some reason unknown, decided to purloin the entire contents of Burling Hull's "33 Rope Ties & Chain Releases" & use that book as the volume on escapes to which Houdini's byline would be placed. H was UNAWARE of the devious & unthethical doing of WG who even so far to use the original illustrations from Burling's book- adding only a few photographs of H. The Magic Wand ( at that time a British leading magical magazine) severely criticised H for stealing the young author's book, voicing their disgust in their book review section'. There is a lot more to the story but space is short!
BH was eventually told, got 2 dealers to order a number of the books & persuaded the USA Customs to refuse their entry into America on the grounds that that were a violation of rights of an American author & copyright owner. Houdini eventually persuaded BH that he was innocent and to drop a possible law suit. To preserve his good name H offered $500 & wiould buy up any books that were offered to the USA. They did become friends.
33 Rope Ties & Chain Releases,is now published in a cheap edition by D Robbins & Co.
Does your edition still have the photographs or as I think, just the original drawings?
Will Goldston purloined a lot of material & told a lot of lies during his long career.Max Stirling( the Egg on Fan inventor) in his maazine, Tjhe Magical World;1910 onwards, often criticised him. There was also strife between WG & Chung Ling Soo amongst others.
Other Houdini stuff was ghosted & penned by Walter Gibson.
Allen Tipton.

Allen thats a rather interesting history and story, ones of which I have never heard. I appreciate you sharing. Its also nice to know some back history on items one owns.

Now are the italic words directed to me? As I see a question pertaining to the photos or drawings that may be in the book.
My copy has actual photos in them as well as drawings. There are pictures of Houdini is various ties, and drawings of certain knots and set ups.



In all honesty, I am really suprised that this review has recieved so much attention, based that its reviewing Escape Material. I do have some more material on Escapes from before I was born, I guess I can review that too.

Well David, I think it interests because it was one of the most popular books on 'Escapes'of its time. There were obviously others. My friend( originally from our teen age days) Vic Odin was an escape artist and illusionnist., in cabaret and circus for over 30 years. Last Christmas he sent me a xerox copy of 'The Great Handcuff & Gaol Breaking Mystery Exposed' compiled by W. Selby. Published in Manchester. There are 3 pictures of him in chains etc. and a front portrait taken by The American Midget. Co. in 1916. 35 pages. 8 and a half inces by 5 and a half.
It 'exposes' handcuffs, leg irons, chains, prison cell, lunatic strait jacket, ropes, tapes etc. And only 35 pages. Wow.
Not because I am into Escapes: I've only ever attempted the Siberian Chain, as a youth and the Rope Tie, but i am passionate about Magic History.
Davenports ( London) were selling a copy in 1982 at £2 about $1 today.

Allen