Howard Thurston, a famous American stage magician and rival of Harry Houdini, traveled throughout India and performed at venues in Allahabad, Bombay, and Calcutta, among others, from 1906 to 1907. Throughout his career, Thurston continually added new acts to his repertoire, forming the largest touring magic show in the United States. This publicity poster enticed visitors to witness Thurston’s Indian Rope Trick, a popular illusion that involved his assistant climbing a levitating rope.