Signed book: The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin. Later printing. NY: The Publishers Printing Company, 1908. Hardcover, 5.75 x 8.25, 333 pages. Signed and inscribed on the first free end page in black ink, “To Miss Ida M. Tarbell, with compliments of the author, Harry Handcuff Houdini, I hope you will at least find time to read the introduction, H. H.” A photo of an artist’s rendition of a Houdini stunt is affixed to the front pastedown. Autographic condition: a light block of toning over a portion of the inscription and signature, otherwise fine condition. Book condition: VG-/None. Brown cloth-covered boards; mild wear to edges, with small tears in cloth at corners and spine-ends; light rubbing and soiling, heavier along spine; scattered light foxing throughout, with some darker stains to tissue over frontispiece; rear hinge cracked; final gathering has some small tears along fore-edge, and appears to have been reattached, with last page glued to board. Tarbell was a notable ‘muckraking’ journalist best known for her exposé of the Standard Oil Company. Houdini billed this controversial book as ‘the first authentic history of magic ever published,’ and contained an unflattering account of Houdini's legendary predecessor and namesake Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin, alleging that he had taken undue credit for other magicians’ innovations. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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