Marking 100 years since his death, the world’s fascination with Harry Houdini is being refreshed by two major releases. The Strand Magazine has printed a rare essay Houdini wrote about earlier American magicians, and author Larrian Gillespie’s new book Houdini: The Man Who Died Twice challenges the long‑standing account of his fatal illness.
Newly published Houdini essay
The essay, titled “An Interesting Scrapbook,” appears in the latest issue of The Strand Magazine. In it Houdini pays tribute to 19th‑century performers such as Robert Heller and H.J. Sargent, lamenting how few records exist of their work. He writes, “American magicians never were thought of enough to be placed in books… only in recent years have they become prominent enough to be listed as real acts.”
Magician‑historian Eric Colleary, curator of Theatre and Performing Arts at the Harry Ransom Center, notes that Houdini’s dedication to preserving his peers’ legacies extended to visiting graves and funding their upkeep, receiving scrapbooks and playbills in return.
Book revisits Houdini’s death
Gillespie’s book reexamines the October 31, 1926, death that has long been linked to a punch to Houdini’s stomach by a Montreal college student. While contemporary reports cite diffuse peritonitis following appendicitis, Gillespie argues the true cause was an intestinal blockage triggered by a doctor’s decision to let Houdini eat a bowl of vegetables and sour cream during recovery.
She also points to conflicting documentation: a doctor’s affidavit lists October 30 as the date of death, whereas the official state death certificate records October 31. Gillespie suggests the Halloween date may have been favored to preserve Houdini’s mystique.
The book received a starred review from Kirkus, calling it an “absorbing, argument‑starting account.” Houdini’s great‑nephew, George Hardeen, called the work “convincing and persuasive” with “zero doubts” about its findings.
Scholars weigh in
Not all experts agree. Houdini scholar Bruce Averbook told the Associated Press that the family’s grief at the time makes a deliberate date change unlikely, noting personal assistant records list October 31. John Cox, a Houdini blogger and founder of Wild About Harry Press, said the book offers valuable new information but that a “second opinion” is still needed to settle the matter.
Regardless of the debate, Houdini’s cultural impact remains strong. Events this weekend include a “Grand Houdini Centenarium” in Budapest, an auction of memorabilia in Hollywood, California, and seances in cities such as Chicago and Frederick, Maryland. His burial site at Machpelah Cemetery in New York City continues to draw Halloween‑time visitors.
Why Houdini matters today
Professor Matthew Solomon of the University of Michigan describes Houdini as “the epitome of the self‑made man and immigrant success story.” The newly uncovered writings and fresh scholarship underscore how the legendary escape artist still inspires curiosity about perseverance, ingenuity, and the American dream.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
