HOUDINI, HARRY (1874-1926): THE UNMASKING OF ROBERT-HOUDIN - SIGNED.
published The Publishers Printing Co, New York, 1908, hardcover, 8vo, 319 pp, brown fabric covers, boldly signed to the front free end page by the famed magician and escapologist "To Abe Abrahams, With compliments of the author, Harry Houdini, Best Wishes.", 14.5 by 21cm.
Notes: 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. Harry Houdini was a unique figure in the history of entertainment a hero of legend and folklore. Following the death of his mother in 1913, Houdini began to investigate spiritualism and â soon became an all-out crusader against it. Early in 1924 he began lecturing throughout the United States on fraudulent mediums. In city after city he attended seances in disguise, exposing frauds on the spot and sometimes securing their arrest, aided by his personal squad of detectives. The raids brought him huge publicity as well as a million dollars in lawsuits. At his death on Halloween 1926, he was buried in a brass replica of the iron casket, his head pillowed on a bundle of his mother's letters to him. The legendary magician and illusionist Harry Houdini turns a critical eye to the astonishing claims of those in his own profession in his work Miracle Mongers and Their Methods. Using personal research and observations, Houdini reveals the cunning techniques employed by fire-eaters, sword swallowers, and other masters of deception to mystify and amaze audiences around the world.Show more
Condition
Minor wear to black printing image on front cover. generally good condition. Last few pages with slight folding to edges, split / loose at spine after photo image of Houdini at front opposite title page.
Sale
November Curated & Collectable Sale
published The Publishers Printing Co, New York, 1908, hardcover, 8vo, 319 pp, brown fabric covers, boldly signed to the front free end page by the famed magician and escapologist "To Abe Abrahams, With compliments of the author, Harry Houdini, Best Wishes.", 14.5 by 21cm.
Notes: 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. Harry Houdini was a unique figure in the history of entertainment a hero of legend and folklore. Following the death of his mother in 1913, Houdini began to investigate spiritualism and â soon became an all-out crusader against it. Early in 1924 he began lecturing throughout the United States on fraudulent mediums. In city after city he attended seances in disguise, exposing frauds on the spot and sometimes securing their arrest, aided by his personal squad of detectives. The raids brought him huge publicity as well as a million dollars in lawsuits. At his death on Halloween 1926, he was buried in a brass replica of the iron casket, his head pillowed on a bundle of his mother's letters to him. The legendary magician and illusionist Harry Houdini turns a critical eye to the astonishing claims of those in his own profession in his work Miracle Mongers and Their Methods. Using personal research and observations, Houdini reveals the cunning techniques employed by fire-eaters, sword swallowers, and other masters of deception to mystify and amaze audiences around the world.Show more
Condition
Minor wear to black printing image on front cover. generally good condition. Last few pages with slight folding to edges, split / loose at spine after photo image of Houdini at front opposite title page.
Sale
November Curated & Collectable Sale
