Where There's a Will... Who Inherited What and Why

Wills can expose surprising aspects of the lives, characters and interests of the deceased as revealed by these intriguing, gossipy accounts by Silverman ( David Lean ) of how 30 notables amassed and disposed of their possessions. Although relatives, lovers and friends are chief beneficiaries, such prominent immigrants as John Jacob Astor and Joseph Pulitzer destined much of their wealth to the public weal. Harry Houdini, on the other hand, dictated that his most precious legacy--his magician's secrets--be destroyed, while little remained of the proceeds from Alan Jay Lerner's and Judy Garland's lucrative careers. A unique case is provided by gay fashion designer and AIDS victim Perry Ellis, who left his estate to a daughter conceived in vitro. (Apr.)