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.
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Owned by Harry and Beatrice Houdini (bookplate and inscription). Kevin Connolly collection.