Chapter
Dispute over Victorian Spirit Writing
53:52 - 59:40 (05:47)
The authenticity of Victorian spirit writing is questioned after Houdini's mother communicates a message in English despite only knowing German, while Conan Doyle insists that his wife performs a cross before presenting any spirit writing.
Clips
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Houdini's wife participate in a seance with Houdini in an attempt to communicate with his dead mother.
53:52 - 54:36 (00:44)
Summary
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Houdini's wife participate in a seance with Houdini in an attempt to communicate with his dead mother. Lady Conan Doyle takes notes of the conversation, and Houdini keeps them after the seance ends.
ChapterDispute over Victorian Spirit Writing
Episode793: The Problem with Ghosts
PodcastThis American Life
Houdini and Conan Doyle had different perspectives when it comes to spiritualism.
54:36 - 56:09 (01:32)
Summary
Houdini and Conan Doyle had different perspectives when it comes to spiritualism. After witnessing a seance, Conan Doyle believed in it more but Houdini remained skeptical and criticized mediums for their alleged fraud.
ChapterDispute over Victorian Spirit Writing
Episode793: The Problem with Ghosts
PodcastThis American Life
The rivalry between Harry Houdini and Arthur Conan Doyle is explored, including their differing beliefs about spiritualism and attempts at scientific investigation; with particular focus on Lady Conan Doyle's supposed demon channelling and predictions of the afterlife.
56:09 - 57:26 (01:16)
Summary
The rivalry between Harry Houdini and Arthur Conan Doyle is explored, including their differing beliefs about spiritualism and attempts at scientific investigation; with particular focus on Lady Conan Doyle's supposed demon channelling and predictions of the afterlife.
ChapterDispute over Victorian Spirit Writing
Episode793: The Problem with Ghosts
PodcastThis American Life
Harry Houdini dedicated a portion of his touring performance to revealing the tricks of spiritualists, whom he believed were taking advantage of vulnerable people.
57:26 - 59:40 (02:14)
Summary
Harry Houdini dedicated a portion of his touring performance to revealing the tricks of spiritualists, whom he believed were taking advantage of vulnerable people. He went as far as sneaking into seances in disguise to expose the supposed mediums as frauds.