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 blue ink, “To my good old friend Harry Raner, Best wishes from the author, Harry Houdini.” Houdini signs again below, “May you have interested moments out of my book on which I spent twenty years research, H. H.,” and again vertically in the right border, “Be sure & read the introduction, H. H.” Autographic condition: fine, with some slight soiling and tiny spot of dampstaining to the lower portion of the signed page. Book condition: G+/None. Brown cloth-covered boards; edges worn, with several small tears in cloth; spine and edges darkened; light waterstaining to lower edges and fore-edges (visible on interior of textblock as well); soiled, with one small black paint spot on front; shaken; few hinges cracked; last page glued to pastedown; and last several pages loosened, chipped, and stained.
Houdini billed this controversial book as ‘the first authentic history of magic ever published,’ and it 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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