This fascinating collection of writings examines legendary performer Chung Ling Soo, alter ego of William E. Robinson of New York, and includes more than fifty of Soo's extraordinary close-up and stage effects, forty gorgeous color Soo posters, over fifty letters from Robinson to Houdini, Robinson’s insightful articles and books, including a full reprint of his scarce Spirit Slate Writing and Kindred Phenomena, plus programs, reviews, biographical profiles, rare photos, and memorabilia. I’m delighted that, through this collection, we have a chance to appreciate Robinson’s inventive abilities and insights into magic, and that his portrait will, line by line, be that much clearer to us all. — Jim Steinmeyer The Miracle Factory has produced another beautiful, fascinating, and useful book.. The Silence of Chung Ling Soo features beautiful production values and fascinating information. I highly recommend it. — Michael Close, Magic Chung Ling Soo – (1861- 1918) Chung Ling Soo was the stage name of the American magician William Ellsworth Robinson who is mostly remembered today for his death after a bullet catch trick went wrong. During his early career, William Ellsworth Robinson called himself Robinson, the Man of Mystery. To increase his allure with a touch of exoticism, he changed his name to Chung Ling Soo and took his show to Europe. He took the name as a variation of a real Chinese stage magician - Ching Ling Foo - and performed many of the tricks that Foo had made famous. Chung Ling Soo maintained his role as a Chinese man scrupulously. He never spoke onstage and always used an interpreter when he spoke to journalists.