The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin

NEW YORK THE PUBLISHERS PRINTING CO. 1908

Copyright, 1906 Copyright, 1907 Copyright, 1908 By HARRY HOUDINI ——— Entered at Stationer’s Hall, London, England All rights reserved Composition, Electrotyping and Printing by The Publishers Printing Company New York, N.Y., U.S.A.

Dedication
This Book is affectionately dedicated to the memory of my father, Rev. M. S. Weiss, Ph.D., LL.D., who instilled in me love of study and patience in research




THIS book is the natural result of the moulding, dominating influence which the spirit and writings of Robert-Houdin have exerted over my professional career. My interest in conjuring and magic and my enthusiasm for Robert-Houdin came into existence simultaneously. From the moment that I began to study the art, he became my guide and hero. I accepted his writings as my text-book and my gospel. What Blackstone is to the struggling lawyer, Hardee’s “Tactics” to the would-be officer, or Bismarck’s life and writings to the coming statesman, Robert-Houdin’s books were to me.