Part 1: Detective stories from real life
Part 2: True stories of modern magic

Release date is 2000-01-01

P. H. Woodward
Adventures in the Secret Service of the Post-Office Department
An Erring Shepherd
An Aspirant for Congress
The Fortune of Seth Savage
A Wish Unexpectedly Gratified
An Old Game Revived
A Formidable Weapon
Andrew Lang
Saint-Germain the Deathless
The Man in the Iron Mask
The Legend
The Valet's History
The Valet's Master
Original Papers in the Case of Roux De Marsilly
M. Robert-Houdin [After whom Harry Houdini named himself]
A Conjurer's Confessions
Self-Training
"Second Sight"
The Magician Who Became an Ambassador
Facing the Arab's Pistol
David P. Abbott
Fraudulent Spiritualism Unveiled
A Doctor of the Occult
How the Tricks Succeeded
The Name of the Dead
Mind Reading in Public
Some Famous Exposures
Hereward Carrington
More Tricks of "Spiritualism"
"Matter through Matter"
Deception Explained by the Science of Psychology
Anonymous
How Spirits Materialize

"The Lock and Key Library: The Most Interesting Stories of All Nations: Real..." edited by Julian Hawthorne is a collection of true stories and anecdotes drawn from various countries, likely compiled during the late 19th century. The anthology encompasses various captivating tales across different genres, with a focus on detective stories and modern magic, providing an engaging look into human nature, crime, and the intricacies of legal battles faced by both investigators and wrongdoers. The opening portion introduces the reader to the riveting account of "A Flight into Texas," where the focus is on an intricate criminal case involving Charles F. Dodge, who is wanted for perjury at the behest of a corrupt lawyer, Abraham Hummel. The narrative begins with a detailed description of the tense political and legal atmosphere surrounding Dodge’s potential testimony against Hummel, leading to a dramatic chase across states to apprehend Dodge. Jesse Blocher, an astute detective, is assigned the task, showcasing clever surveillance and subterfuge as he navigates through misleading information and shifting allegiances, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of crime and justice. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

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