Note: This is an encore post from 2006.

The Detroit News has published an article (Note: The link is broken) on book dealer John K. King, who is offering “Man Ray: Photographs 1920-1934 Paris” inscribed by Man Ray to Dr. George Hodel. The book sold Sept. 14, 2006, for $4,600 (Update: The gallery page now say $4,800) in an auction by PBA Galleries. The listing at PBA Galleries notes that “The Minotaur,” which Steve Hodel claims inspired his father to pose the body of Elizabeth Short, does not appear in the book.

King is offering it for $8,500. Not a bad profit. Of course it would be worth even more if Man Ray had said something incriminating like, “In fond memory of our murderous little rampage across Los Angeles, you evil genius, you.”

2018 update: 12 years later, King still has the book, now marked up to $9,775 plus $4 shipping. No free shipping on a $9,775 book? Seriously?