September 2024 Auction Ends Thursday, September 26th, 5pm Pacific
Harry Houdini typed letter signed, dated 31 January 1924 on The Oliver hotel stationery. Houdini writes to his friend Faber Birren, referring to the March 1924 issue of ''Weird Tales'' that features Houdini on the cover. Letter reads in part, ''My Dear Capt. Birren, Will you hand the enlosed [sic] letter to the proper person to give me permission for making use of the material as enclosed, so that I will know that all is right. / Book [''A Magician Among the Spirits''] will be on press in March...'' Signed ''Houdini'' in black fountain pen.
Houdini then writes a postscript, referencing the issue of ''Weird Tales'' that featured a story by Houdini, ''The Spirit Fakers of Hermannstadt''. It reads in part, ''Have you read Feb issue of the Scientifit [sic] American? Also get March number of Weird Stories, but dont read it before retiring. Unless you would like to spend a sleepless hour after reading...''
Letter measures 8.375'' x 10.75''. Separation starting along middle fold, toning, light creasing and three hold punched on left. Very good condition. Consigned by the family of Faber Birren, a friend of Houdini's who would later become a renowned color theorist, writing 40 books on the subject.
Harry Houdini Letter Signed -- ''...get March number of Weird Stories, but dont read it before retiring. Unless you would like to spend a sleepless hour after reading...''
Click above for larger image.