Photography was new in those days, and people didn’t have the concept of its being manipulated. Also, they did want to believe. “Real life” was World War I, and it was horrible. That’s why Arthur Conan Doyle wanted to believe.
I’m surprised the Doyle connection didn’t drive the price higher. Where were the Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts?
“I’m surprised the Doyle connection didn’t drive the price higher. Where were the Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts?”
Yes, “Sherlock Holmes and the Fairy Photographer” would be ripe for a reboot movie.