[HOUDINI] DOYLE, Arthur Conan (1859 – 1930). Important Four-Page ALS Regarding Houdini and His Escapes. Circa 1926. The author and creator of Sherlock Holmes writes to an unknown correspondent regarding Harry Houdini. Doyle writes extensively about Houdini, his death (on October 31, 1926), and his abilities. In the upper right corner of the first card, Doyle writes, “Confidential," continuing the main message with, “I … had such a prophecy. Since then we have twice had his coming doom told in my own … circle. “Houdini" is doomed. Never more will he stand in the way of God's light! That was the last. I know another private circle where also it was clearly told.
“I have always known that Houdini was himself a strong medium. HE may himself have stifled it and fought against it but it was there. I could prove this. I was thinking of writing an article on him & with the reinforcement which your article gives & certainly could do so.
“I have also always suspected him of using low psychic powers – fakir powers – in his escapes. I don't think that when a man is thrown into deep water in a corded box and is personally seen swimming on the crest of a wave it is a “trick." There is more in it than that. But he was a very deep man & capable of having elaborate trick boxes made, with explanations perhaps [by] his wife & assistant which could camouflage the true nature of the performance. His vigor against spiritualism would be the biggest camouflage of all.
“I see a connecting link which would make all this feasible. If it were so I would explain the very serious view which the spirit world took of his actions. His attempt to prove Margery to be a cheat by putting articles in her electric box and cabinet seemed to justify their resentment.
“Deeply as I differed, and I may add deeply distrusted him, I liked and admired him.
“… Give me all you can about Houdini. I won't use your name without leave. There is going, I think, to be a huge controversy. I saw his library valued at 100.00 pounds. I went over it & should value the book part at about 500 pounds. I am no judge of the playbills."
[SIGNED] “A Conan Doyle."
Inked on four sides of two printed notecards bearing Doyle's “Bingnell Wood, Minstead, Lyndhurst, Hants." address at the top of the recto of each, and lettered entirely in Doyle's distinctive hand. Minor staining to left edges of cards, else very good.
A remarkable and significant document regarding the relationship between Houdini and Conan Doyle and a revealing look at the great author's misguided judgement of the magician and the source of his abilities, and offering a revealing look at his deep belief in spiritualism and its apparent powers.