Hungary - 2024 Harry Houdini Was Born 150 Years Ago - M/S (MNH)
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$3.25 USD
Magyar Posta is issuing a unique special souvenir sheet to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of the world-famous escapologist Harry Houdini.
The greatest escape artist of all time was born in Budapest on 24 March 1874. He was named Erik by his parents and his surname at birth was Weisz. The family moved to the United States in 1878. As a child, the magic tricks of a travelling magician, Dr Lynn, captivated him to such an extent that he developed a deep interest in conjuring. At the age of 12, he ran away from home in the hope of finding a better life and a well-paid job. Erik, who changed his name first to Ehrich and then to Harry, eventually found work in New York. At around this time, he read his first book on magic, the autobiography of Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin. To express his admiration for his great predecessor, Harry added an “i” to Houdin’s name, and, from then on, he and his performing partner Jacob Hyman became known as the “Houdini Brothers”. Hyman was later replaced by Houdini’s real brother “Dash” (Theodore, born Dezső Ferenc Weisz). From the early 1900s, Houdini’s success on stage and in his performances made him the most celebrated man of the age, his name becoming a metaphor for breaking free, escaping and mystery. The artist died in Detroit on 31 October 1926. His name is still known worldwide and the star of his art shines brighter than ever...