100 years after Houdini’s passing, researchers work to keep his magic alive

A century after Harry Houdini's death, a rare essay by the escape artist has been published for the first time, and a new book challenges the official cause and date of his death. Centennial events include a Budapest festival, an auction, and seances. Experts and Houdini's great-nephew weigh in on the legacy.

A century after Harry Houdini's death, researchers are working to keep his legacy alive through new publications and events. A rare essay by the escape artist, titled 'An Interesting Scrapbook,' has been published for the first time in The Strand Magazine, in which Houdini pays tribute to early American magicians and laments their lack of historical recognition. A new book, 'Houdini: The Man Who Died Twice' by Larrian Gillespie, challenges the official account of his death, arguing that he actually died on October 30, 1926, from intestinal blockage rather than peritonitis on Halloween. The book has received a starred review from Kirkus and is endorsed by Houdini's great-nephew, though some experts remain skeptical. Centennial events include a 'Grand Houdini Centenarium' in Budapest, an auction in Hollywood, and seances in cities he visited. The article also notes Houdini's background as a rabbi's son who emigrated from Austria-Hungary and became an international celebrity.