Alexander by David Charvet

Discover the Enigmatic Life of Claude Conlin

The first edition of “Alexander: The Man Who Knows” unveiled the extraordinary journey of Claude Conlin, a leading mind reader of his time. This newly expanded edition introduces a wealth of fresh stories that unfold like captivating movie serials, complemented by numerous photographs that validate each tale.

Two distinct narratives emerge within this book. The first chronicles Claude Alexander Conlin’s ascent to becoming one of the highest-paid entertainers in magic. Transitioning from stage illusionist to a master of mentalism, Alexander captivated audiences with his psychic readings, amassing a fortune of four million dollars during the 1920s.

The second narrative delves into the tumultuous aspects of Alexander’s life, including his seven marriages (sometimes simultaneously), run-ins with the law, a trial for extortion, a daring escape attempt in a speedboat loaded with bootlegged liquor, and his admission to killing four men.

Surprisingly, this tale intertwines with notable figures like Harry Kellar, Dr. A.M. Wilson, Harry Houdini, and others, showcasing both allies and adversaries in Alexander’s life. From the gold fields of Alaska to séance parlors on the Barbary Coast and the grand theaters of North America, “The Man Who Knows” offers an unparalleled narrative.

Details: 267 pages – 8″ x 10″ – Hardcover with dust jacket – Illustrated with photographs, programs, advertisements, and diagrams, including twelve pages of full color with 70 new images!

Peek Inside “Alexander: The Man Who Knows”

Introduction to the Second Edition

In the first edition’s introduction, I expressed my hope that it would serve as the definitive biography of Alexander. I was mistaken. Following its 2004 release, a treasure trove of new material emerged, seemingly by magic. You might wonder, how could there be new information about someone who passed away in 1954? Surprisingly, quite a bit.

One of the first to reach out after the book’s release was Alexander’s grand-niece, Cathy Stevenson, the Conlin family historian. Her grandfather, Clarence “CB” Conlin, was Alexander’s brother. Cathy grew up with incredible stories about her family and inherited a trunk filled with materials related to her grandfather’s career as a stage mind reader, which paralleled Alexander’s fame. Clarence also had a successful legal career, defending high-profile clients, including Alexander Pantages.

Cathy’s research traced the Conlin family back to their arrival in America, predating previous accounts. She also gathered detailed information about Alexander’s father, Berthold Michael James Conlin, and reconnected me with Alexander’s 90-year-old son, John.

In November 2005, after my talk at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, I met Cathy and other Conlin family members. I gifted Cathy a copy of the book, which she promised to share with John. Shortly after, during a visit to Mike and Tina Caveney’s home, we decided to visit John Conlin. He welcomed us warmly and shared more captivating stories over dinner, including a photo of himself at age five with Harry Kellar, the legendary magician.

Before leaving, John entrusted us with four large scrapbooks filled with family photographs from the early 20th century. We spent hours examining these images, uncovering many surprising revelations. John and his son, Alexander, graciously allowed us to scan any photographs of interest before returning the scrapbooks.

Back home, I continued my research. Advances in technology have revolutionized access to information about the elusive Alexander. Online databases now allow for quick searches through vast newspaper archives, uncovering details that would have been unimaginable to Alexander himself.

When the first edition sold out, Mike and I decided to create a completely new edition that would integrate this newfound material. Some aspects of Alexander’s story have evolved, while others have gained clarity.

Although Alexander remains shrouded in mystery, we have managed to unveil more of his remarkable life. I believe you will find, as I have, that the man behind the curtain was even more extraordinary than his carefully crafted stage persona.