HARRY HOUDINI INSCRIBES HIS MAGIC

BOOK TO THOMAS EDISON AND HIS WIFE

HARRY HOUDINI (1874-1926).  Houdini was the greatest escape artist and magician.  Born in Budapest, Hungary as Ehrich Weiss, Houdini took his stage name from Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin, the great French magician.  Known for his sensational and dangerous feats, Houdini was able to free himself from virtually any device constructed to hold him, a challenge he often met. Houdini was a world-renown performer, showing in the largest theatres.  Appearing in several movies beginning in 1918, Houdini eventually established his own film company, the Houdini Picture Corporation.  He died on Halloween of peritonitis, induced by a blow received from a fan who was attempting to test Houdini's purported ability to withstand such punches. 

THOMAS A. EDISON (1847-1931).  Edison was perhaps the most important inventor in history.  By age twenty-two, he sold his first patent, a stock-ticker.  He invented over 1,000 items, among the best known being the light bulb, the phonograph, the storage battery and the film projector. 

Signed book. 294pg. November 21, 1925. No place.  A first edition of Houdini’s book, A Magician Among The Spirits, inscribed “To Mr. & Mrs. T. Edison Best wishes Houdini Nov 21^st, 1925”.  This book was Houdini’s attempt to expose séance frauds.  Slight wear to the dark blue boards and it is in fine condition.  A terrific association copy between two American legends.