 The book was controversial due to its explanation of how the magic of the great escapologist Harry Houdini was performed, and The Magic Circle thought it would promote daring behaviour to try recreate these stunts.However this book inspired The Great Omani into the magic world and after experimental trials with underwater stunts, he was ready for public appearance in 1950.He worked in Bognor Regis performing tricks in a straitjacket chained and padlocked to the legs of the pier as the tide rose.