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. 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 within it 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.
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