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

1. 1874
   Harry Houdini is born Erik Weisz, the son of a rabbi, in a family that later emigrates to the U.S.
2. By his teens
   Houdini becomes a professional magician.
3. By age 30
   Houdini becomes an international celebrity known for escaping restraints.
4. Days before his death
   A college student in Montreal punches Houdini in the stomach, possibly aggravating his condition.
5. Oct. 30 or 31, 1926
   Houdini dies at Detroit's Grace Hospital, with the exact date disputed.
6. This weekend (centennial)
   Numerous Houdini events take place, including a centenarium in Budapest, an auction in Hollywood, and seances in cities he visited.

“I’m not sure many of the people who know the name ‘Houdini’ could pick him out of a lineup, specify when he lived, or say what he actually did in his performances. But, they know that 'Houdini' is synonymous with magic, an ability to do the impossible, or get out of a tight spot.”