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Signed book: Miracle Mongers and Their Methods: A Complete Expose. NY: E. P. Dutton & Company, 1920. Hardcover, 5.5 x 8.25, 240 pages. Signed and inscribed on the first free end page, “To Maximilian Toch, Best wishes from the author, Houdini, Feb 5/1921, 8:10 pm, New York City.” In very good to fine condition, with scattered soiling to signed page and pastedowns, uniform mild toning to inside pages, and scattered wear and soiling to covers and spine (soiling heavier to spine).
When the United Stated declared war against Germany on his birthday in 1917, Houdini asked the Society of American Magicians to find a way to contribute to the war effort. Toch, a chemist who was also one of the society’s members, worked with his entertainment brethren on camouflage experiments for the government, where they created a way to hid secret messages in paintings. They also developed the battleship gray formula used by the US Navy. After the war and out of respect for Toch’s work, Houdini presented him with this book—part of the famed magician’s own fight to reveal the less-than-honorable methods employed by some showmen and magicians. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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