TLS signed “Houdini,” one page, 8.5 x 11, The Society of American Magicians letterhead, April 25, 1922. Letter to Richard Van Dien, in full: "Am mailing you a parcel of two color letter-heads. By the way, in the Newark Sunday Call, Mr. W. B. Gibson is exposing an illusion, 'Sawing a Woman in Half,' (although he is doing it incorrectly). If I am not mistaken he is a member of the Philadelphia Assembly. Will you please write to the secretary asking about this? Enclosed you will find a clipping from the Newark Sunday Call, which please return after perusal." Houdini adds a brief postscript: "Did you send out the cards for the Ladies' Night?" In fine condition, with slight wrinkling and ink marks to upper portion.
Walter B. Gibson was as a prolific American author and pulp fiction writer responsible for the character The Shadow, a major influence for Bob Kane's Batman. Additionally, Gibson was a professional magician who served as a ghost writer for Houdini and many other legendary magicians and mentalists such as Howard Thurston, Harry Blackstone, Sr., and Joseph Dunninger. Although Houdini was initially upset with the article, the master magician quickly forgave Gibson and, impressed with the latter's own magic skills and inventions, often invited Gibson backstage during his performances.
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