Houdini Returns: The Centennial Auction
Sat, Oct 31, 2026 04:00PM EDT
Lot 9
REEVE, Arthur (1880 - 1936). The Romance of Elaine.
Estimate: $800 - $1,200
Sold for
$540
Sold Price includes BP
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $5 |
| $30 | $10 |
| $100 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $200 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
REEVE, Arthur (1880 - 1936). The Romance of Elaine. New York and London: Harper and Brothers, (1916). 8vo. Pale blue cloth gilt. Frontispiece, plates. INSCRIBED AND SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR TO HOUDINI: "To Harry Houdini - who will show these serial "fans" a few / Arthur B. Reeve / June 15, 1918." Below the inscription is the SIGNED bookplate of Beatrice Houdini. A wonderful association item from Houdini's own library, a relic of his short-lived career in Hollywood, and a personal gift from one of his chief collaborators.
Reeve was a prolific writer, authoring over eighty detective novels featuring Craig Kennedy ("The American Sherlock Holmes") as their main character. Three of these became silent films starring Houdini: The Master Mystery, The Grim Game, and Terror Island. The inscription in this book is a foreshadowing note, as the two men were on the cusp of collaborating on their first feature together when the volume was signed.
Condition
Spine toned, thumbing to page edges, extremities and cloth generally rubbed. Good to very good.
Available payment options
If your bid is successful, as an alternative to in-house shipping, we can provide you with a list of shippers. We will not be responsible for the acts or omissions of carriers or packers whether or not recommended by us. Property will not be released to the shipper without the buyer's written consent and until payment has been made in full. Packing and handling by us of purchased lots is at the entire risk of the purchaser, and Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc. will have no liability of any loss or damage to such items. Packing and shipping expenses shall be added to buyer's invoice and will reflect a charge for labor, materials, insurance, transportation, as well as actual shipper fees.
Owned by Harry and Beatrice Houdini (bookplate and inscription). Kevin Connolly collection.
