Harry Houdini leaves behind secret codes for communication from beyond the grave, igniting intrigue after his death in 1926. Reports claim contact has been made, leading to a clash of belief and skepticism. Bess Houdini struggles with grief, grappling with her husband's legacy while dealing with fraudulent mediums. Meanwhile, Arthur Conan Doyle's fascination with the supernatural adds to the emotional turmoil. The narrative culminates in a poignant séance where Bess confronts her doubts and ultimately bids farewell to Houdini.
40:54
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
Houdini's Posthumous Message
Rose Mackenberg, Houdini's investigator, was stunned by a 1929 headline claiming Houdini sent a message from beyond the grave.
This alleged message followed Houdini's crusade against fraudulent mediums and his public skepticism of spiritualism.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Coffin Challenge and Paranoia
Houdini, facing financial strain from lawsuits and investigations, challenged an Egyptian fakir's coffin stunt.
Despite health concerns, Houdini outlasted the fakir in an underwater coffin, but his paranoia about spiritualist threats increased.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Injury and Dedication
Houdini's autumn tour was disrupted by a fractured ankle during his Chinese Water Torture Cell Cell escape.
Despite the injury, he continued performing, traveling overnight to New York for legal meetings before returning to the stage.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Final Séance explores the intriguing relationship between Harry Houdini, the renowned illusionist and escape artist, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the celebrated author of Sherlock Holmes. The book delves into their contrasting views on spirituality and the paranormal, highlighting their debates and interactions. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of two of the most captivating figures of the early 20th century.
The Coming of the Fairies
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
In 'The Coming of the Fairies', Arthur Conan Doyle examines the famous Cottingley Fairies photographs taken by Elsie Wright and Frances Griffiths. Doyle, a spiritualist, presents these images as evidence of psychic phenomena, discussing their authenticity and the reactions they provoked. The book includes observations from a clairvoyant and explores Theosophic views on fairies.
A magician among the spirits
Harry Houdini
In this book, Harry Houdini chronicles his extensive investigations into the spiritualist movement, particularly focusing on the fraudulent practices of mediums. Houdini's journey began with a personal quest to contact his deceased mother, which led him to infiltrate the spiritualist community. He reveals the tricks and methods used by mediums, including spirit slate writing, spirit photography, and obtaining personal information to deceive their clients. The book also discusses the founders of modern spiritualism, such as the Fox Sisters, and notable figures like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Houdini argues that magicians are crucial in detecting and exposing these frauds, and he approaches his research with a scientific and systematic mindset[1][2][5].
The Secret Life of Houdini
William Kalush
Larry Sloman
This biography, written by William Kalush and Larry Sloman, delves into the life of Harry Houdini from his desperate poverty to his worldwide fame. It details his passions for performing increasingly dangerous feats, his alleged role as a spy, and the plot by fanatical Spiritualists, led by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, to subvert his legacy. The book provides an intimate and riveting portrayal of Houdini, both the man and the legend, drawing from millions of pages of research and initiating the reader into the arcane world of professional magic.
The Life and Afterlife of Harry Houdini
Joe Posnanski
In 'The Life and Afterlife of Harry Houdini', Joe Posnanski delves into the fascinating world of the legendary magician, exploring his impact on global culture and why his fame persists nearly a century after his death. The book blends biography, memoir, and first-person reporting to reveal Houdini's transformation from Ehrich Weiss to an iconic figure who continues to inspire generations.
Fearing for his life, Harry Houdini leaves secret codes with his loved ones, promising to use them in any post-mortem messaging. In 1926, Houdini's death shocks the world, but the news that follows is even more astounding. A report of the impossible: contact has been made.
For a full list of sources, see the show notes at timharford.com.
Get ad-free episodes, plus an exclusive monthly bonus episode, to Cautionary Tales by subscribing to Pushkin+ on Apple Podcasts or Pushkin.fm. Pushkin+ subscribers can access ad-free episodes, full audiobooks exclusive binges, and bonus content for all Pushkin shows.
Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford 
