Description:

ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE
(1859 - 1930) English author and spiritualist remembered for his creation of the immortal Sherlock Holmes and his friend Dr. Watson. Fine spiritualist-content A.L.S. "A Conan Doyle", 2pp. on his personal postcard stationery, Windlesham, Crowborough, Sussex, Jan. 9, [n.y.] to noted Philadelphia photographer William Nicholson (1860 - 1946). Jennings has the distinction of being the first photographer to capture lightning. He also conducted experimental work with color and artificial light as well as contributing to the development of flash photography. Doyle writes to Nicholson after the photographer apparently forwarded Doyle a possible image of a spirit-something that interested Doyle greatly. He responds, in full: "Dear Sir, I fear I have to turn down the photo, tho' it is interesting. I can afford to make no mistakes & I never yet have made one. I think this is a projection of a psychic, like the points seen in the mist in the Hartz Mountains when the sun is behind the observer. That is different from an ordinary shadow as it does not connect up. What makes me think so is the way in which the shadow bends when it passes over the top of the parapet[?]. Only the real shadow would do that. If it was a shadowy figure between the Camera and the parapet it would not bend. I am sure you will see the point. Al thanks none the less. Yours sincerely…" Light foxing and soiling, else very good.

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January 31, 2013 11:00 AM EST
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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