Houdini and Conan Doyle : the Story of a Strange Friendship (First Edition)

Ernst, Bernard M. L. & Hereward Carrington

Published by Hutchinson, London, 1933. First edition and impression. Bound in the publisher's hardcover red boards, titled in gilt to the spine. Spine ends and board corners bumped, light marking to the covers, small chip to the upper edge. Internally, the block is sound, albeit with some scattered foxing to the prelim and latter leaves, age toning as expected. 255pp plus an 8pp section of ads for the publisher's new books for the spring of 1933. RARE FIRST EDITION

An account of the strange relationship and friendship between Harry Houdini and his expose of fake Mediums and Spiritualists and Arthur Conan Doyle a devoted believer of Spiritualism. 

This book explores the unlikely friendship between two famous figures of the early 20th Harry Houdini and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. It delves into the fascinating relationship between the two men, who were initially brought together by their mutual interest in spiritualism and the paranormal. Despite their vastly different backgrounds and personalities, Houdini and Conan Doyle formed a bond that lasted for many years, even as they disagreed on many issues related to their shared interests. Through extensive research and analysis, Ernst offers readers a detailed look at the complex dynamics of this unusual friendship, shedding light on the lives and personalities of two of the most iconic figures of their time, and provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of spiritualism and the paranormal, as well as the lives of two of the most fascinating and enigmatic personalities of the early 20th century. To Houdini, Doyle was a good fellow who was often fooled and would be fooled again. To Doyle, Houdini was a remarkable man concealing the light of great mediumistic gifts under the bushel of gold he received for his performances as an illusionist. Both men were children of inspiration. Houdini was illiterate, but had the genius of character and imagination. Doyle, an author and dreamer, had culture and perception. This book sheds light upon two of the most fascinating men of the times.

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