About the book
In this uniquely brilliant and insightful book, an acclaimed essayist and psychoanalyst analyzes four escape artists—including Harry Houdini and Emily Dickinson—to meditate on the notion of escape in our society and in ourselves.
\"Provocative ... lucid and engaging ... a pleasure to read.\" —The Washington Post
No one can escape the desire and need to escape. By analyzing four examples of escape artists—a young girl who hides from others by closing her eyes; a grown man incapable of a relationship; Emily Dickinson, recluse extraordinaire; and Harry Houdini, the quintessential master of escape—Phillips enables readers to identify the escape artists lurking within themselves. Lucid, erudite, and audacious, Houdini's Box is another scintillating and seminal work by one of the world's most dazzlingly original thinkers.
Editions of Houdini's Box
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780375406362
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780375706233
- EBook
- ISBN 9780307772794
Read an Excerpt
In this uniquely brilliant and insightful book, an acclaimed essayist and psychoanalyst analyzes four escape artists—including Harry Houdini and Emily Dickinson—to meditate on the notion of escape in our society and in ourselves.
\"Provocative ... lucid and engaging ... a pleasure to read.\" —The Washington Post
No one can escape the desire and need to escape. By analyzing four examples of escape artists—a young girl who hides from others by closing her eyes; a grown man incapable of a relationship; Emily Dickinson, recluse extraordinaire; and Harry Houdini, the quintessential master of escape—Phillips enables readers to identify the escape artists lurking within themselves. Lucid, erudite, and audacious, Houdini's Box is another scintillating and seminal work by one of the world's most dazzlingly original thinkers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Houdini's Box about?
In this uniquely brilliant and insightful book, an acclaimed essayist and psychoanalyst analyzes four escape artists—including Harry Houdini and Emily Dickinson—to meditate on the notion of escape in our society and in ourselves.
\"Provocative ... lucid and engaging ... a pleasure to read.\" —The Washington Post
No one can escape the desire and need to escape. By analyzing four examples of escape artists—a young girl who hides from others by closing her eyes; a grown man incapable of a relationship; Emily Dickinson, recluse extraordinaire; and Harry Houdini, the quintessential master of escape—Phillips enables readers to identify the escape artists lurking within themselves. Lucid, erudite, and audacious, Houdini's Box is another scintillating and seminal work by one of the world's most dazzlingly original thinkers.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Houdini's Box?
Society and Social Sciences > Psychology > Social, group or collective psychology > Interpersonal communication and skills
Where can I read a sample of Houdini's Box?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780375406362
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Houdini's Box?
Adam Phillips
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Houdini's Box is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780375406362) and paperback(ISBN 9780375706233) and ebook(ISBN 9780307772794)
Where can I buy Houdini's Box online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Houdini's Box from below
Where can I buy Houdini's Box?