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Lot #1024
Harry Houdini

The great magician postpones meeting in NYC to perform—and debunk—in Boston

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Description

The great magician postpones meeting in NYC to perform—and debunk—in Boston

TLS signed “Houdini,” one page, 8.5 x 5.5, personal letterhead, May 6, 1925. Letter to Frederick W. Brown in Maplewood, New Jersey. In full: “Am in Boston for the next two weeks. Send me a list or see me when I get back to New York.” Intersecting central horizontal and vertical folds, with a small separation along horizontal fold, paper loss to left edge, and some scattered light toning and soiling, otherwise fine condition.

During what would be the final few years of his life, Houdini focused his attention on exposing so-called psychics of the day. In May of 1925 he brought his performance, entitled "3 Shows in One: Magic, Escapes, and Fraud Mediums Exposed,” to Boston. At the time, he was closing in on exposing Boston medium Mina “Margery” Crandon, incorporating—and thus revealing—some of her “supernatural powers” as part of his act. Ironically, Houdini’s crusade to expose such ne’er-do-wells caused a rift in his friendship with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who was a strong advocate of Spiritualism and steadfastly refused to believe any of Houdini's exposés. A brief message linked to a place and a period during which the magician was pursuing one of his most passionate causes. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title:
  • Dates: #357 - Ended May 12, 2010





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
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