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HOUDINI IN THE NEW YORK TIMES

By Tom Interval

A sea of hats floods the streets of Times Square in New York. Surrounded by thousands of other people, you feel pure kinetic energy all around you.

The guy next to you picks your pocket; but you don't notice because your eyes are riveted on Harry Houdini, internationally renowned magician and self-liberator, who is suspended upside-down high above the crowd, wriggling his way out of a straitjacket.

A reporter from The New York Times also is in the crowd, covering the spectacular feat. Of course, the newspaper is always there, recording virtually every phase of Houdini's life as it unfolds.

At Houdini in The New York Times, you can read about Houdini's exploits through the eyes of the Times as the news occurred, taking with you some history, myth, and nostalgia about the legendary entertainer. Compiled by Pittsburgh magician Tom Interval, the Web site is a free resource for Houdini enthusiasts and researchers who want to access hundreds of Houdini articles, features, and letters that appeared in the Times in the early half of the twentieth century.

To begin the journey, click here.