An amazing pair of letters written in the final two weeks of Houdini’s life: one by the master escape artist shortly before the punch that would lead to his death, the other by his secretary providing firsthand updates of his deteriorating condition afterward.
[1] TLS signed in pencil “Houdini,” one page, 8.5 x 11, October 15, 1926. To Attorney Oliver Barrett in Chicago, Houdini conveys recent news. In full: “The articles in the Examiner have not come to my attention and I am very glad you have some. If there is any information regarding the people with whom we have lawsuits, I will let you know. I met with an accident, having suffered an interior fracture of my ankle, and can do only three quarters of my performance. The show has kept me busy, and I have done a little in the collecting line. My route for the next few weeks is as follows: Princess Theatre, Montreal, Canada—week of October 18th, Garrick Theatre, Detroit, Michigan—week of October 25th and November 2nd, Hanna Theatre, Cleveland, Ohio—week of November 9th. Mrs. Houdini joins me in sending the kindest regards to you all.”
[2] Two-page ALS, 5.75 x 9.5, from his secretary, Elliot F. Sanford. This letter from the Hotel Statler in Detroit, also written to Oliver Barrett two weeks later on October 29, 1926, was penned just two days before Houdini’s death and describes the tenuous state of his condition.
At first Sanford relays optimistic news: “Mrs. Houdini has asked me to answer your very kind letter of Oct. 28th. Naturally, she is deeply affected by Mr. Houdini’s grave condition and cannot write to you herself. After the operation he showed remarkable improvement and our hopes have been raised very high. The doctors say he has an even chance of recovery which was not the case at first. Today or within the next 48 hours he will pass the crisis, and we are praying for the best. All is in God’s hands. Everything possible is being done. Mrs. Houdini thanks you for your thoughtfulness, and I’m sure Mr. Houdini will want to write personally when he is recovered.” The news worsens with a postscript: “P.S. His condition today was not so favorable, and another slight operation was necessary this afternoon.”
Both letters are in fine condition, tastefully affixed by their left edges to the same 10.25 x 13 sheet. Houdini’s letter displays a very mild shade of toning, aforementioned mounting strip to extreme left edge, and unobtrusive intersecting folds, one passing through a single letter of signature. Sanford’s letter rates fine as well, with light intersecting mailing folds.
Houdini died of peritonitis in Detroit on Halloween: October 31, 1926. He was in Montreal several days earlier (the Princess Theatre show mentioned in his letter would prove to be his final performance), giving a lecture on exposing the fraudulent spiritualists he refers to in his letter as “the people with whom we have lawsuits.” There, he was punched in the stomach by some students as a demonstration before he had hardened his abdomen to receive the blows. By some accounts, this caused his death; by others, including modern medical opinions, he must already have been suffering from appendicitis and the blows simply exacerbated the condition.
These mesmerizing letters present a fascinating picture of the final two weeks of Houdini’s life: the fractured ankle that failed to sideline him just before he became ill, the list of his final engagements, and the vow to fight spiritualist charlatans…then the poignant description by his secretary of the worsening condition that took his life less than 48 hours later. An intimate and unique glimpse into Houdini’s final days, long shrouded in mystery and popular myth. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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