Houdini’s centennial spotlight: A newly published essay and a fresh fight over when and how he died

Harry Houdini died a century ago, and interest in him continues with new publications and events.

Houdini was born Erik Weisz in 1874, the son of a rabbi whose family emigrated to the U.S. to escape antisemitism in Austria-Hungary.

By his teens Houdini was a professional magician, and by age 30 he was an international celebrity known for escaping handcuffs and restraints.

A previously unpublished Houdini essay, 'An Interesting Scrapbook,' has just appeared in The Strand Magazine.

1874: Harry Houdini is born Erik Weisz, the son of a rabbi, in a family that later emigrates to the U.S. · By his teens: Houdini becomes a professional magician. · By age 30: Houdini becomes an international celebrity known for escaping restraints. · Days before his death: A college student in Montreal punches Houdini in the stomach, possibly aggravating his condition. · Oct. 30 or 31, 1926: Houdini dies at Detroit's Grace Hospital, with the exact date disputed. · This weekend (centennial): Numerous Houdini events take place, including a centenarium in Budapest, an auction in Hollywood, and seances in cities he visited.

1874 birth year · 30 age · Oct. 31, 1926 official death date · Oct. 30 alternate death date · 2010 publication year

The exact date of Houdini's death is disputed: some records list Oct. 30, while the official death certificate lists Oct. 31.