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Sat, Apr 8, 2017 11:00AM EDT - Sun, Apr 9, 2017 11:00AM EDT
Lot 295

Scathing Letter from Houdini to E.E. Free, Editor of Scientific American, Regarding the Margery Case.

Estimate: $3,000 - $4,000

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Houdini, Harry (Ehrich Weiss). Scathing Letter from Houdini to E.E. Free, Editor of Scientific American, Regarding the Margery Case. Dated March 4, 1925, and being a four-page carbon of a letter regarding the famous Scientific American “Margery” case and Dr. Hereward Carrington. Written by Houdini to the editor of the famous journal. Houdini writes about his current activities: “I have been exceedingly busy lecturing and giving performances at several asylums for the insane”; the Margery case: “Had I not been on the committee in the ‘Margery’ case, according to the reports when I was taken to Boston in July, The Scientific American would have had to pay the prize award to ‘Margery’”; his personal philosophy: “In life there is a Nemesis, which, sooner or later, reaches out and places its avenging brand upon all evil-doers. Even though the Scientific American has been saved from the catastrophe which payment of the award to “Margery would have spelled, it will take many weary months and much patient, careful thought to catch up with its old reputation…”; and many more issues related to the expose of the medium Margery and her supporter, J. Malcolm Bird. Each page boldly signed in ink by Houdini, with some underlining in his hand; possibly a draft or marked up copy approved by the great magician before retyped by a secretary. Four 4to sheets. Minor tears and chips at extremities. In all, a revealing, forthright, and important letter regarding one of the most famous episodes in Houdini’s storied career, signed four times by the most famous of all magicians.

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