Escape artist Houdini is focus of final Chautauqua Book Discussion

ASHLAND − Harry Houdini. So many people know his name, even nearly 100 years after his death. So many young magicians have been inspired by him. His name still conjures up an aura of mystery and daring. No wonder a book about him is titled "The Life and Afterlife of Harry Houdini."

The book by Joe Posnanski will be the focus of the final virtual discussion in the series sponsored by Ashland Chautauqua. Larry Bounds will lead the discussion at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 27. Bounds will portray Houdini at the in-person Ashland Chautauqua event in July.

Houdini was born Erik Weisz, later spelled Erhich Weiss, in Hungary (probably) in 1874 (maybe). As Houdini, he often claimed Appleton, Wisconsin, as his birthplace. His life story is full of conflicting facts. As Houdini would say, “What are lies? What are illusions?” He would counsel young magicians, “Walk right out and tell your tale to the audience. Perhaps many will believe it.”

It is not necessary to read the book, as Bounds will summarize it at the beginning of the discussion. However, pre-registration for the free book discussion via Zoom is required through Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/ashlandhoudini.

This discussion concludes a series of five based on the theme “History’s Real Action Figures,” Ashland Chautauqua’s theme for the July 11-15 event. The characters to be portrayed in first-person performances at Brookside Park this summer are Meriwether Lewis portrayed by Brian “Fox” Ellis, Jackie Cochran portrayed by Karen Vuranch, Pauli Murray portrayed by Becky Stone, Samuel Bellamy portrayed by Joey Madia and Harry Houdini portrayed by Bounds. For a listing of the book discussions, including book titles and YouTube recordings, go to ashlandchautauqua.org/bookdisc.php.

This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Chautauqua to focus on Houdini for final discussion