
The Witch of Lime Street
Séance, Seduction, and Houdini in the Spirit World
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Narrated by:
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Simon Vance
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By:
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David Jaher
History comes alive in this textured account of the rivalry between Harry Houdini and the so-called Witch of Lime Street, whose iconic lives intersected at a time when science was on the verge of embracing the paranormal.
The 1920s are famous as the golden age of jazz and glamour, but it was also an era of fevered yearning for communion with the spirit world, after the loss of tens of millions in the First World War and the Spanish-flu epidemic. A desperate search for reunion with dead loved ones precipitated a tidal wave of self-proclaimed psychics—and, as reputable media sought stories on occult phenomena, mediums became celebrities.
Against this backdrop, in 1924, the pretty wife of a distinguished Boston surgeon came to embody the raging national debate over Spiritualism, a movement devoted to communication with the dead. Reporters dubbed her the blonde Witch of Lime Street, but she was known to her followers simply as Margery. Her most vocal advocate was none other than Sherlock Holmes' creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who believed so thoroughly in Margery's powers that he urged her to enter a controversial contest, sponsored by Scientific American and offering a large cash prize to the first medium declared authentic by its impressive five-man investigative committee. Admired for both her exceptional charm and her dazzling effects, Margery was the best hope for the psychic practice to be empirically verified. Her supernatural gifts beguiled four of the judges. There was only one left to convince...the acclaimed escape artist, Harry Houdini.
David Jaher's extraordinary debut culminates in the showdown between Houdini, a relentless unmasker of charlatans, and Margery, the nation's most credible spirit medium. The Witch of Lime Street, the first book to capture their electric public rivalry and the competition that brought them into each other’s orbit, returns us to an oft-mythologized era to deepen our understanding of its history, all while igniting our imagination and engaging with the timeless question: Is there life after death?
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Critic reviews
An NPR Best Book of 2015
“Riveting reading...flamboyant, enigmatic, and complex characters. [Jaher] is also a diligent researcher, and his storytelling skills are impressive.” —Wall Street Journal
“Occasionally, you run across a book so good it feels like a secret — and spend months recommending it to anyone who will listen. That's The Witch of Lime Street.” —Genevieve Valentine, NPR's Best Books of 2015
“David Jaher’s stunning and brilliantly written account of the battle between the Great Houdini and the blond Witch of Lime Street illuminates a lost period in American history...One of Jaher’s great achievements is to build real suspense in a tale whose conclusion is foreordained…captivating and unforgettable.” —Cass Sunstein, The New York Review of Books
Featured Article: 25 of the Best Witchy Listens to Cast a Spell for Halloween
Spooky season is upon us, and it's the perfect time of the year to sink into some wonderful witchy listens—although to be honest, we don't need an excuse to enjoy great stories about the fascinating world of witches. Whether you're into fantastical fiction tales of magic, the more practical informational guides on how to practice witchcraft, or historical tales about the real lives of famous witches, we've rounded up some of the very best witch audiobooks.
A History of the US Psychic
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Would you consider the audio edition of The Witch of Lime Street to be better than the print version?
Hard to say because I haven't read the print version.What other book might you compare The Witch of Lime Street to and why?
"The Remedy: Robert Koch, Arthur Conan Doyle, and the Quest to Cure Tuberculosis"Another captivating book featuring Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, years before the events of "The Witch."
Which scene was your favorite?
The seances with seemingly supernatural happenings..Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Too long. I like to go slowly and relish.Any additional comments?
Glad I picked it. Great for those interested in American history, European history, religious studies (Spiritualism),and celebrities of days gone by.Wonderful!
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awesome account of true spiritualists
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A little everything of mysticism, showmanship,
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I thought it would never end. .
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👍
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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
Yes, to anyone who had an interest in history, famous people and alternative thinking. It is truly fascinating.What other book might you compare The Witch of Lime Street to and why?
Occult America is quite similar, with a history of alternative approaches to the spiritual.Which character – as performed by Simon Vance – was your favorite?
Simon Vance is one of my favorite narrators and I loved all the voices. But perhaps my favorite in this book would be the voice of Walter.Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
I think probably the most moving parts were the invasive, sometimes cruel, and character destroying attacks and investigations that Marjorie (and other psychics) endured. Proving herself a valid medium must have meant a great deal to her to allow it to go on for years and to endure so much with such an obliging attitude.Any additional comments?
This is such a complex book that there is a great deal that one could comment on. First, it seemed to me that the rigid examination of alleged psychics was extreme and one wonders why the same kind of rigorous examination hasn't been used to question the tenets of most religions? Another thing that stood out to me is that "The Great Houdini" was really quite a petty and vindictive person who would not allow anyone to surpass him. Somewhat of a different view than is popular. Also, just the overall story of the famous people involved in the early Spiritualist movement both in the U.S. and Europe was intriguing. I suppose the question of whether life continues after death will continue to go on as it is human nature to want to know the unanswerable questions. This book was researched beautifully and gives one a feeling of being there as an observer and being part of a new way of thinking in a new century. Really brilliant!Houdini, Conan Doyle and Marjorie
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White dudes, plus Mina Crandon's vagina
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Great History of a Fascinating Cultural Phenomenon
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Really loved this book.
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