'The Great Houdini'
Illustration for The Ghastling Magazine - BOOK THREE
The Ghastling, described as a ‘modern day Penny Dreadful’, is a privately produced magazine that features spooky stories, creepy illustrations and some fantastic graphic design. It’s a throwback to something of the 'olden days’, when Hallowe’en costumes were truly frightening, the macabre was a disturbing concept and people read ghost stories (such as those of M. R. James and Edgar Allan Poe), together in front of the fireplace during the long, dark winters. It’s a fantastic editorial work of art that would look good on any bookshelf.
Books ONE and TWO have already been published and Book THREE has just been released.
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Harry Houdini (real name Erik Weisz), the great illusionist and stunt performer, is perhaps best remembered for his daring feats of escape. However, he spent the latter part of his life exposing fake spiritualists and fraudulent mediums, using his knowledge of magic to figure out all their tricks.
Before Houdini died, he and his wife Bess devised a secret code known only to themselves so that, should communication after death be possible, they would have a way to prove it. The code translated as 'Rosabelle believe', a reference to their favourite song.
Houdini died on the 31st of October 1926 from peritonitis, a curious date in the calendar.
Bess never heard from him again.
