The Life and Many Deaths of Harry Houdini

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Houdini's life was a complex interplay between his stage persona and personal struggles, driven by a profound obsession with mortality. Ruth Brandon delves into his death-defying stunts, revealing them as both public spectacles and personal battles against psychological demons. The biography uncovers new insights, including Houdini's invention of a phantom son, his deep correspondence with his wife Bess, and his contentious interactions with spiritualists like Arthur Conan Doyle. This exploration offers a deeper understanding of one of the twentieth century's most iconic figures.