Handcuff Houdini” boldly signs first authentic history of magic ever published’

578. Harry Houdini

Signed Book.

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 in bold fountain pen, “To C. D. Irwin, Best wishes from the author, Harry Handcuff Houdini, September 8—1917.” Autographic condition: fine. Book condition: VG/None, with light rubbing to boards and a few edge dings; the spine is tight and square. 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. Starting Bid $500