Houdini centennial marks century since escape artist's death

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 31 Oct, 04:50 · Archive

A century after Harry Houdini's death, new publications and events are marking his legacy, though questions about when and how he died persist.

Harry Houdini, the iconic escape artist, remains a figure of fascination a century after his death. A rare essay by Houdini about magicians of the past has just been published for the first time. Additionally, a recent book has revisited longstanding questions about the cause and date of his death at Detroit's Grace Hospital. Other centennial publications include a Houdini coloring book and an overview of his vast personal library.

Numerous events are taking place this weekend to mark the anniversary of his death. These include a 'Grand Houdini Centenarium' in his hometown of Budapest, an auction of memorabilia in Hollywood, California, and seances in cities he visited such as Chicago and Frederick, Maryland. His burial site at Machpelah Cemetery in New York City has long been a Halloween gathering place.

Matthew Solomon, a film history professor at the University of Michigan, noted that whilst the name 'Houdini' is widely recognised as synonymous with magic and the impossible, many people cannot specify when he lived or what he actually did in his performances. For those more familiar with his story, Solomon said, Houdini represents 'the epitome of the self-made man and immigrant success story'. The fact that he reportedly died on Halloween has enhanced his cultural mystique.

How it is being reported

• Houdini’s centennial spotlight: A newly published essay and a fresh fight over when and how he diedHarry Houdini, a century after his death, continues to captivate.News4Jax · 31 Oct, 04:02
• Houdini’s centennial spotlight: A newly published essay and a fresh fight over when and how he diedHarry Houdini, a century after his death, continues to captivate.Clickorlando · 31 Oct, 04:02

In this story: Harry Houdini · Detroit's Grace Hospital · Budapest · Hollywood · Chicago · Frederick, Maryland · Machpelah Cemetery · Matthew Solomon

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