Signed book: The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin. Later printing. NY: Publishers Printing Co., 1908. Hardcover, 5.75 x 8.25, 319 pages. Signed and inscribed on the first free end page, “To Miss Katharine H. Norton, with compliments of the author, Harry Houdini August 1910.” Book condition: G+/None. Ex-church library copy with inkstamps on ffep and title page; “810” and “Houdini” lightly written on spine. Brown cloth-covered boards; edges worn with small tears in cloth at corners/spine-ends and spine-edges; burn through cloth on rear cover, board darkened and exposed; bump to rear upper edge with small tear and crease in board; soiled; feps yellowed; one hinge near end cracked; piece of non-archival tape on 2nd to last page; final page partially glued to rfep.
This volume was Houdini’s unflattering account of his legendary predecessor, Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin, a French magician considered to be the father of the modern style of conjuring. Published in 1908 after Robert-Houdin’s widow would not agree to meet with Houdini, the magician called his predecessor ‘a mere pretender, a man who waxed great on the brainwork of others,’ by showing that most of the tricks that Robert-Houdin claimed as his invention were in fact not. Ironically, Houdini himself built his own reputation by improving upon the tricks of his predecessors. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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