E.L. Doctorow dies at 84

E.L. Doctorow, who wrote the popular bestselling novel Ragtime, has died at age 84. The cause of death was complications from lung cancer.

Published in 1975, Ragtime featured Houdini in a key role and helped kick off the 1970s renaissance of Houdini in popular culture. It was made into a film in 1981 (with Houdini in a reduced role) and became a popular stage musical in 1996.

You can read E.L. Doctorow's full obituary at The New York Times.

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• Houdini on the covers of Ragtime
• Ragtime's first Houdini in fatal crash
• John Belushi almost played Houdini