Unpublished Houdini book by William Rauscher will appear in 2026

One of the exciting pieces of news to come out of the 99th anniversary celebrations was Thomas Ewing's announcement that next year he and David Haversat's 1878 Press will publish a hitherto unknown Houdini manuscript by the late William V. Rauscher. The book is called Houdini Revealed and was written by Rev. Rauscher in the 1990s. Here's a preview:

How did Houdini become the magical folk hero, the symbol of escape from the chains of oppression, poverty and rejection? What circumstances brought him into the final spotlight of world prominence? What was the force behind his aggressive personality? Can we really understand the mind of the driven master mystifier? In exhausting efforts to sculpture his own image, did he leave us the mystery of himself?

You are invited to journey back in time, to a different way of life to grow up living as he did, searching for opportunity in an era we may have forgotten. His countless escapes and magic tricks on and off stage were but the surface of a whole world of happenings. We may never know all the hidden side of Houdini’s mind but in this book, I will attempt to reveal some workings of his inner self.

Houdini Revealed joins a growing list of new Houdini books scheduled or released for 2026 (12 by my current count). It's going to be a big year!

Related:

• William V. Rauscher (1932-2024)
• William Rauscher's Hardeen book released
• Guest blog: William V. Rauscher on Houdini and the Hippodrome

The end begins

We are now officially inside the 100th anniversary of the final year of Houdini's life. Where did Houdini (unknowingly) begin his final year? Ironically, he spent Halloween sick in bed with a cold. But the next day, he opened his 3 Shows in One at the Hanna Theater in Cleveland, Ohio.

It was a typically eventful week. Houdini faced off with a challenge packing a case from the Bailey Company. He also battled Cleveland's mediums and performed for children at the Sunbeam School for Crippled Children.

This was Houdini's first and last appearance at the Hanna (which still stands today). But this was to be the theater Houdini would have played after his Detroit engagement in 1926.

 

Related:

• The next stop
• A tour of Houdini's Cleveland
• Appleton launches "Year of Houdini" celebration

Another way to Escape

Heads up that Escaping Obscurity: The Travel Diary of Harry Houdini 1897-1899 is now available at Potter & Potter's Quicker Than The Eye store. Just click below to make the escape.

Of course, you can also still get the book directly from Mike Caveney's Magic Words.

Related:

• ESCAPING OBSCURITY: Reviews & Reactions
• YOU CAN NOW OWN HOUDINI'S FIRST DIARY
• Escaping Obscurity now available in the UK

Houdini's curious request

When Houdini died on Halloween 1926, his brother Theo Hardeen inherited his show and came out of retirement. Dash had a healthy career as a "Handcuff King" from 1900 to 1917. He then hung up the handcuffs to help run Houdini's ill-fated film factory. But now he was headed back to the stage. As far as I know, this poster was the first touting Hardeen as Houdini's successor. This appears in Ken Trombly's new book The Art of Magic.

Ken Trombly Collection

However, Hardeen's inheritance was not unconditional. Houdini's Will contained a curious stipulation that I rarely see discussed. Hardeen could only inherit the show if his sons were confirmed in the Jewish faith within three months. I recently came across an article in which Hardeen himself explained the reasons behind this.

The Herald Statesman, Nov 16, 1926.

Hardeen appears to have adhered to his late brother's wish, and he began his tour on January 17, 1927, in Bridgeport, CT. He continued to perform as "Houdini Legal Successor" until his own death in 1945.

While none of Hardeen's children or their offspring went into magic, we are fortunate today to have his grandson, George Hardeen, son of Harry Hardeen, looking after the legacy of Houdini and his grandfather. 

Related:

• Theo Hardeen
• Hardeen's new job
• NPR unlocks the secret of Houdini's bloodline

Inside The Official Houdini Séance 2025

The Official Houdini Séance was held this year at the new House of Magic in Glenside, Pennsylvania. The medium was Scott Wells, and the seance was open to the public this year. Did Houdini return? Apparently not, but a good time was had by all. Below is a collection of photos courtesy of John Costello.

Waiting for Harry.

The Inner Circle gathers.

Tom Boldt, Bill Radner, and the Séance Cuffs.

Medium Scott Wells getting into the spirit.

Barry Spector's creations.

"We are a very determined group." - Bill Radner

Inner Circle attendees were Paul Rosen, Scott Wells, Bruce Averbook, Tom Boldt, Bill Radner, Marc DeSouza, Deborah Hardeen Bloom, Barry Spector, and Fred Pittella.

Here's looking forward to 2026 and the 100th anniversary of Houdini's death. Maybe Harry is too!

Past Official Houdini Séances:

• The Official Houdini Séance 2024 (Appleton)
• The Official Houdini Séance 2023 (Charleston)
• The Official Houdini Séance 2022 (Providence)
• The Official Houdini Séance 2021 (Chicago)
• The Official Houdini Séance 2020 (Online)
• The Official Houdini Séance 2019 (Niagara Falls)
• The Official Houdini Séance 2018 (Baltimore)
• The Official Houdini Séance 2017 (Cleveland)
• The Official Houdini Séance 2016 (Milwaukee)
• The Official Houdini Séance 2015 (San Francisco)
• The Official Houdini Seance 2014 (Danvers)
• The Official Houdini Séance 2013 (Halifax)
• The Official Houdini Séance 2012 (Fort Worth)
• The Official Houdini Séance 2011 (Holyoke)
• The Official Houdini Séance 2010 (New York)
• The Official Houdini Séance 2009 (Melrose)
• The Official Houdini Séance 2008 (Madison)
• The Official Houdini Séance 2007 (New York)
• The Official Houdini Séance 2006 (New York)
• The Official Houdini Séance 2005 (Boston)

Appleton launches "Year of Houdini" celebration

Halloween and the 99th are behind us. Now begins our march toward the 100th and the "Year of Houdini." Looks like the History Museum in Appleton is already taking the lead.

Related:

• Let's all go to Appleton next year!
• S.A.M. will honor Houdini in Appleton next year

Marking the 99th on The Magic Word Podcast

It was my great honor to once again be a guest on Scott Wells' The Magic Word Podcast. And this time Banjoe got in on the action! Or at least he tried.

Related:

• Catching up with Houdini on Halloween podcasts (2024)
• The Magic Word Podcast - All Houdini Episode (2021)
• The Magic Word is Wild About Harry (2017)