Signed book: The Unmasking of Robert Houdin and Handcuff Secrets. First edition. London: George Rutledge & Sons Ltd., 1909. Hardcover, 5.5 x 8, 443 pages. Signed and inscribed on the first free-end page, to his friend inventor and magician, ‘Alexander the Great,’ “To my friend A. F. Victor, Best wishes from the author, Harry Houdini Oct. 31–1920. Don’t forget to at least read the introduction.” Uniform toning and edge chipping to signed page, partially separated front hinge and split, but attached rear hinge, wear and soiling to covers and spine, as well as fraying to edges of spine, otherwise very good condition.
Houdini first published his copiously illustrated book in New York in 1908. The following year, he added “Handcuff Secrets,” a 110 page treatise on his famed handcuff tricks, to a combined manuscript published in England. Houdini angered many in the magic profession with the book’s publication: Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin (1805-1871) was the preeminent magician of the nineteenth century and is considered the father of the modern style of magic. As a youth, Houdini idolized Houdin, and indeed styled his stage name to reference the magician. However, as his expertise in illusion grew, Houdini became disillusioned with the former idol and wrote this scathing critique of Houdin’s routines, calling the legendary illusionist “a mere pretender, a man who waxed great on the brainwork of others.” In the book, he details the origins of most of Houdin’s famous performances and assails the renowned conjurer for his “supreme egotism” and habit of exaggerating his exploits—criticisms often made against Houdini himself.
Houdini inscribed the book to Alexander F. Victor (1878-1961), the “Boy Wonder of Magic and Illusion” who began his career in legerdemain at 16. He performed as Alexander the Great in the U.S. until a fire destroyed all of his magic props in 1908. Victor went on to a successful career as an inventor, developing 300 devices including the first electric washing machine and the 16-mm sound movie projector. A remarkable inscription to a fellow magician in one of his best known books. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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