Kansas Psychic Gene Dennis Personal Copy of David P. Abbotts Occult Draft of Wonder Girl: an Investigation of the Famous Kansas Phenomenon C1930s
by David P. Abbott
- Used
- Paperback
- Condition
- Good with no dust jacket
- Seller
-
Cochrane, Alberta, Canada
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
Seattle, Washington. Good with no dust jacket. Softcover. On offer is a fabulous piece of American occult history, being the personal copy of a draft of David P. Abbotts Wonder Girl: An Investigation of the Famous Kansas Phenomenon, belonging to the subject of the then-unpublished book, Gene (Eugenie) Dennis (1904-1948). Written in pencil, the cover of the draft document reads Property of Gene Dennis Important Do Not Destroy and Gene Dennis Liberty Theatre Seattle, Wash. This copy was likely in Genes possession while she was living in Washington and performing at her husband, John Grey Von Herbergs (18771947) theatres. The document itself is a typewritten draft of Abbotts 62-page book, covering his own investigation into Dennis and her powers, which he undertook in the early 1920s. He includes very specific recollections of conversations with Dennis and of her demonstrations of her powers. This small book was published in 1992 by Walter Graham, though it is unclear as to where one might now acquire a copy. Tipped into the manuscript are a small photo of Dennis, a couple clipped news articles about Dennis successes as a clairvoyant, a letter thanking Dennis for her work, and a one-page typed document written about Dennis by Dick Reed, which refers to her as worlds greatest psychic, summarizes all the work shes doing and tells a short story (possibly rooted in truth? ) about a lover Dennis took who was shot. BIO NOTES: Eugenie (Gene) Dennis was discovered to be a psychic as a child by a local tailor in her Kansas town. At age 16, Dennis became well-known after a newspaper article in the Minneapolis Star presented her as a mind reader who had found missing items among other things, including oil. David Phelps Abbott (1863-1934) , an author and magician who investigated psychics, invited her to visit him to test her powers. Abbott and Dennis remained friends and he remained involved in her career. He wrote Wonder Girl about his tests of her powers. The name Wonder Girl was said to have been given to her by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. She was also known as the girl who amazed Einstein. In 1935, Dennis secretly married the wealthy (and much older! ) Washington theatre owner, John G. Von Herbert. Together they had five children: Denny, Jay, Jensen, Jeannie and Virginia. Von Herbert died in 1947 and sadly, Dennis died only three months later in 1948 at the age of 44. This manuscript would make a remarkable addition to the collection of any 20th century American occult researcher or collector, or anyone interested in mediums, psychic phenomenon or female performers in the Roaring 20s and throughout the Great Depression. This soft-cover manuscript measures 10.0 inches by 8.5 inches and contains 76 pages. It is 82% complete. The cover is in good condition as is the binding. The pages are in good condition as well. The ephemera varies in condition with the newspaper clippings showing ++ signs of age. The manuscript is typed. Overall G. ; Manuscripts; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 76 pages .
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Details
- Bookseller
- Katz Fine Manuscripts Inc. (CA)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- 0012234
- Title
- Kansas Psychic Gene Dennis’ Personal Copy of David P. Abbott’s Occult Draft of Wonder Girl: an Investigation of the Famous Kansas Phenomenon C1930s
- Author
- David P. Abbott
- Format/Binding
- Softcover
- Book Condition
- Used - Good with no dust jacket
- Binding
- Paperback
- Place of Publication
- Seattle, Washington
- Keywords
- OCCULT, PSYCHIC, MEDIUM, Female Experience
- Bookseller catalogs
- 20th Century Manuscript;
Terms of Sale
Katz Fine Manuscripts Inc.
All items are guaranteed as stated for life or returnable for refund. If a refund is requested, seller must be notified within 7 days of postal delivery of the item based on postal tracking data. To receive a refund, the item must be returned to seller in the same condition in which it was received. All digital items are final sale.
About the Seller
Katz Fine Manuscripts Inc.
Biblio member since 2009
Cochrane, Alberta
About Katz Fine Manuscripts Inc.
Katz Fine Manuscripts Inc. (formerly M. Benjamin Katz Fine Books/Rare Manuscripts) is based out of both Ontario and Alberta, Canada. We do business by appointment, and have had an online presence selling fine books and rare manuscripts since 1999. Specializing in handwritten, historically significant books, manuscripts, diaries, documents and ephemera. A member of The Manuscript Societyeach treasure on offer is guaranteed authentic and as represented for life. Worldwide clientele includes esteemed collections and public, private and university libraries on both sides of the Atlantic and Pacific. Always buying collections and estates.
Katz Fine Manuscripts Inc.has been an online sales and auction presence with over 7000 transactions since 1999.
Katz Fine Manuscripts Inc.has been an online sales and auction presence with over 7000 transactions since 1999.
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