Harry Houdini typed letter signed with content regarding Houdini's mission to discredit Mina Crandon, a purported psychic whose seances - showing that she could communicate with the dead - convinced even skeptics of her spiritualist powers. At the time of this letter, dated 30 December 1924, Crandon was set to receive a $2,500 prize from ''Scientific American'' for anyone who could prove ''conclusive psychic manifestations'' under test conditions. However, earlier in 1924 Houdini had attended several seances of Crandon's and came to know how she executed her seances, or what he would call her magic trick. And in January 1925 Houdini rented out Boston's Symphony Hall to expose how she did it. Crandon and her husband, a prominent Boston doctor, rented out their own event space a month later, but in February 1925, when the Crandons refused to allow Houdini to attend any more of her seances under test conditions did ''Scientific American'' finally deny her the prize.

Dated 30 December 1924 on his personal stationery, Houdini's letter reads in part, ''My dear Birren: - Am going to Boston to-night to issue a challenge to Professor William McDougall [a member of the ''Scientific American'' committee]. Have hired Symphony Hall and am going to denounce Dr. and Mrs. Crandon, the lectures to be given Friday, January 2nd and Saturday January 3rd. / Will let you know how things turn out. / I believe the Mayor will hold the stakes for the test, he to decide where the money is to go...'' Signed by Houdini in pencil.

Faber Birren was a friend of Houdini's who worked at a bookstore selling Houdini's books. Birren would also be dispatched by Houdini to investigate local psychics and spiritualists and then report back to Houdini with his findings. He would later become one of the most influential color theorists of the 20th century. Single page letter measures 8.5'' x 5.375''. Folds, light toning and chipping, abrasions at top, mounting remnants to verso and hole punched at left. Very good condition. Consigned by the family of Faber Birren.