^Lot 1032 Harry Houdini

Signed book: The Unmasking of Robert–Houdin. First edition. NY: The Publishers Printing Co., 1908. Hardcover, 5.75 x 8.25, 319 pages. Signed and inscribed on the first free end page, “To Abe Jacobs, with compliments of the author, Harry Houdini, July 19—1908.” In very good condition, with scattered light soiling to signed page, weak, but intact hinges, wear to spine, and scattered soiling and spotting to covers and spine. Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin (1805-1871) was the preeminent magician of the nineteenth century and is considered the father of the modern style of magic. As a youth, Houdini idolized Houdin, and indeed styled his stage name to reference the magician. However, as his expertise in illusion grew, Houdini became disillusioned with the former idol and wrote this scathing critique of Houdin’s routines.