David Blaine is half a century too late.

In 1952, hypnotist Jack Wafer hid away in Queens Road, Brighton, and starved himself for 76 days, nearly twice as long as David’s attempt of 44 days. The Times says he survived for 76 days in a glass case in Brighton on only soda water and cigarettes. Members of the public paid a shilling to watch him. Could that be where they get the expression ‘wafer thin’ from?

I just discovered flambingo – a fellow Brightoner who also blogged this. Lots of good stuff there!