New Hodgson Article Available!

I’m happy to announce that my article “Hodgson v. Houdini: The Blackburn Challenge” has just been published by Centipede Press.  It appears in WEIRD FICTION REVIEW #3 which has just been released.

WEIRD FICTION REVIEW is an excellent magazine (edited by the amazingly prolific S. T. Joshi) which contains the best in articles, poetry and new weird fiction.  I would highly recommend it even if my article did not appear here!

Here is the publisher’s write up for the issue:

The Weird Fiction Review is an annual periodical devoted to the study of weird and supernatural fiction. It is edited by S.T. Joshi. This second issue contains fiction, poetry, and reviews from leading writers and promising newcomers. It features original stories and essays by Michael Cisco, Wilum Pugmire and Maryanne K. Snyder, Joseph S. Pulver, Sr., Stuart Galbraith IV, Danel Olson, John Pelan, and many others; a lengthy, previously-unpublished interview with Karl Edward Wagner; a 16-page gallery of art by artist Jason Zerrillo; and much more.

My article is my attempt to provide the final word on the infamous encounter between Houdini and Hodgson which occurred at the Palace Theatre in Blackburn, England, in 1902.  The confrontation would leave Houdini permanently scarred (physically and emotionally) and is mentioned in virtually every Houdini biography.

I encourage all of the readers of this blog to get a copy of this wonderful magazine and not just because it contains my article.  Another great reason to pick up a copy is that it includes a new story by one of the best modern Lovecraftian writers, Wilum H. Pugmire.   WFR is an enterprise well worthy of our support.

On another note, much of my vision for the forthcoming Hodgson literary magazine, SARGASSO, has been inspired by WEIRD FICTION REVIEW.  I can only hope to attain such a high standard of excellence.

The issue cost $20 and can be ordered via Centipede Press at this link.