This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/15/2025
HOUDINI, Harry (Erik Weisz, 1874 – 1926). Houdini TLS to De Vega Regarding Spirit Photos. Dated August 26, 1920, Houdini writes on a single sheet of 4to paper stating, in part, “What I want particularly is Spirit Photos and their methods. I will [be] willing [to] pay all your expenses, to any séance you may go to, no matter what it is write it down in detail and send it along. … Anything that may seem small may be important. My book is nearly finished, but will take at least 14 more months for me to whip into shape." Old crossfolds, minor splitting, staining at perimeter. Boldly SIGNED in ink “Houdini."
Here, Houdini refers to his 1924 expose of fraudulent mediums, A Magician Among the Spirits, and asks De Vega to investigate the Crewe Circle Spiritualist group and its leader, the spirit photographer William Hope. A fascinating account of De Vega's investigation and meeting with Hope appears in Houdini's book at page 129.