Oscar Teale Signed Houdini Contract Draft, Personal Notebook, and Harper & Brothers Editorial Letter To Harry Houdini.

Rare collection of items from the magician Oscar Teale, the private secretary to famous magician Harry Houdini. Including a typed contract copy signed by Teale regarding him agreeing to compile and edit Houdini's book A Magician Among the Spirits. An autograph note at the top of the contract states that Houdini never signed the contract that he prepared. One page, typed copy, dated May Eighth, 1922. Boldly signed by Oscar Teale at the bottom. In very good condition with toning and paperclip impressions. Oscar Teale's personal notebook with notes on performances, magic tricks, and musings. Duodecimo, six ring leather binder, with handwritten notes on blue lined paper in pencil and pen. Accompanied by four tricks in envelopes with printed instructions on the front panels and typed instructions for two more tricks. All in very good to good condition with toning, chipping, a few small closed tears. A typed letter from editor William H. Briggs of Harper & Brothers to Harry Houdini discussing the title of his upcoming book on spiritualism. One page, typed on Harper & Brothers Publishers letterhead, and dated November 17, 1923. The letter entreats Houdini to title his book A Magician Among the Spirits rather than use the original title of Spiritualism Exposed, which may have had negative connotations and offended spiritualistic believers, who they hoped to have buy his book. Instead, Mr. Briggs proposes to Houdini that the title A Magician Among the Spirits both capitalizes on Houdini's reputation as a magician and would be most advantageous for the sales of his book. Boldly signed by Briggs at the bottom of the letter. In good condition with mail folds, creasing, toning, and a small closed tear to the top left corner.