TLS signed “Houdini,” one page, 8.5 x 11, Houdini Picture Corporation letterhead, November 22, 1922. Letter to Burr Cook in New York. In full: “Enclosed you will find four photographs which might answer your purpose regarding manacles. If they are not O.K. Or if you want any more please drop me a line or call me up.
I will try and let you have a photograph of the title page of Scot’s ‘Discouverie of Witchcraft.’
Regarding your contemplated article for the magazine mentioned, I would be pleased to let you have any material that you wish.
It will interest you to know that I have a number of original pamphlets and notations from Ireland, the perpetrator of the fraud Shakespearian [sic] stories. I am certain that you will find a mine of information of interesting material.
I will give Mr. Brooks your address so he can get in touch with you.” Intersecting folds, uniform toning, a bit heavier at edges as well as some scattered damp staining, a tack hole to each corner, and scattered edge chipping and tears, otherwise very good condition. Houdini’s signature is bold and prominent.
Cook did indeed contribute an article on Houdini for the March 1923 issue of Theatre Magazine. Entitled “The Mystery Man of the Stage,” the piece was described as an “interesting close-up of a famous magician who indulges other tastes than feats of strength.” As such, it focused not as much on his escapes as on his passion as a book collector. His reading tastes often concentrated on debunking myths, whether of the supernatural variety (Discouverie of Witchcraft, published in 1584) or literature (the Ireland Shakespeare forgeries, dating to the 1790s). And of course, Cook certainly went straight to the source when it came to the use of manacles, as Houdini’s in-depth study of locks and their mechanisms allowed him to take his escapes to a new level and earned him the monicker, the “Handcuff King.” Interesting content that displays Houdini’s varied and eclectic interests. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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