Houdini's Centennial Spotlight: A Newly Published Essay and a Fresh Fight over when and How He Died
A newly published essay and a recent book renew debate over whether Houdini died on Oct. 30 or Oct. 31, 1926.
- The Strand Magazine published a rare Houdini essay, "An Interesting Scrapbook," while author Larrian Gillespie's new book, "Houdini: The Man Who Died Twice," challenges the official October 31, 1926, death date.
- Gillespie contends Houdini actually died October 30, 1926, from intestinal blockage caused by a doctor allowing him to eat vegetables and sour cream while recovering from surgery, citing medical records that conflict with the official peritonitis diagnosis.
- Houdini's great-nephew, George Hardeen, told The Associated Press he found the book "convincing and persuasive" and had "zero doubts" about Gillespie's findings, though scholar Bruce Averbook and blogger John Cox remain skeptical.
- Legacy debates continue this weekend with a "Grand Houdini Centenarium" in Budapest, seances in Frederick, Maryland, and memorabilia auctions in Hollywood, California, marking the centennial of his passing.
- Professor Matthew Solomon notes that Houdini remains synonymous with "an ability to do the impossible," serving as an enduring symbol of the self-made immigrant success story that transcends the specifics of his death.
35 Articles
35 Articles
A book based on medical records and historical documents states that the escapist died on October 30, 1926, a day before the officially recognized date. AP NEW YORK Agency (AP).- A century after his death, Harry Houdini is still a man from whom we are still trying to learn more. An unpublished essay of [...]
Harry Houdini died 100 years ago today, and a previously unpublished essay and a new book have refocused attention on the life of the famous illusionist and the circumstances of his death.
Unpublished writings by Harry Houdini, the world's most famous escape artist and magician, will be published in the United States on Saturday, the 100th anniversary of his death.
The hitherto unknown text of the world's most famous illusionist, Harry Houdini, was published today in the USA on the occasion of the centenary of his death.
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