More famous than Houdini. More daring than any man of her era.

For nearly sixty years, Adelaide Herrmann (1853-1932) ruled the global stage. She caught speeding bullets with her bare hands. She soared through the air as a human cannonball. Alongside her husband, Alexander, she executed the most mesmerizing illusions of the Golden Age of Magic. Then, tragedy struck. Widowed at forty-three, Adelaide stepped into the magician's role as the sole headliner.

For three thrilling decades, she reigned supreme as vaudeville's absolute Queen of Magic.

Rescued from obscurity after her lost memoir surfaced, Adelaide Herrmann finally returns to the spotlight. Renowned historian Margaret B. Steele resurrects this forgotten icon, rich with Adelaide's own words and beautifully enhanced by vivid historical essays, rare interviews, and over 100 stunning period photos and posters. Move over, Houdini. The Queen is back.