NOT SOLD (BIDDING OVER)
0.00USD+ applicable fees & taxes.
This item WAS NOT SOLD. Auction date was 2002 Mar 02 @ 09:00UTC-8 : PST/AKDT
(1874 - 1926) American magician known for his ability to extricate himself from handcuffs and locked and sealed containers of all kinds, and campaigned against mind readers, mediums, and other charlatans. Partly-printed D.S. ""Harry Houdini"" in blue pencil, 1p. oblong 12mo., Boston, Aug, 6, 1908, a receipt for a package sent via registered mail to Houdini by old magician EDWIN FAY RICE. Together with an interesting A.L.S. to Houdini by Rice, 3pp. 8vo., West Roxbury, Mass., Oct. 29, 1917, apparently responding to Houdini'si to include him in a book he was putting together.We believe, but are not certain, that it was for Houdini's 1920 book Miracle Mongers and Their Methods. In part: ""...Some men are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. I am in the last class. Seriously, now... I cannot see that my career as a worker of miracles, so many years ago, now more than thirty, can in reason entitle me in any way, to a place in M U.M. To be sure, by 'season' extended off and on, from 1874 to 1885, when I went into library work. I had my own 'show,' played a number of variety dates, a season with Alf Burnett, barnstormed with Melville, and had the ups and downs allotted to the showman of those never to be forgotten days...I've never given you a hint whether I could palm a coin, make the parr, or forth [?] a card. I may be the most bungling amateur for all any one of the present knows...I could never have become a Houdini. But I held my own and delivered the goods...Still, if you persist in your mad career I will make a few additions to the 'copy' you sent, and return. But I beg of you don't make out that I was the 'greatest' or anything near it. For I wasn't..."". A post office stamp affects the ""H"" in ""Houdini""'s signature. Third page of Rice's letter bears one tear, light toning and creasing, otherwise very good. Also includes a one page manuscript by Rice in another hand which bears the heading: ""What Bro. Edwin Fay Rice says of Harry Houdini as an 'Entertainer'"", and describes Rice's meeting with Houdini in Boston, a shared supper. A few marginal tears, otherwise very good condition. Three pieces.
Auction Location:
United States
Previewing Details:
By Appointment Friday, March 1st 11:00am - 5:00pm; Saturday March 2nd 9:00am - 11:00am
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