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.
This item is Pre-Certified by Beckett
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$100.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
We use cookies on this site to improve your experience. By using this site, you accept our use of cookies. To learn more, please see our Privacy Policy.