This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/8/2023
HOUDINI, Harry (Erik Weisz, 1874 – 1926). The Master Mystery Press Book. [Houdini’s Own Copy]. New York: Printwell, [1918]. Profusely illustrated press book for the first film to feature a robot, starring Houdini, including color plates reproducing lithographed posters used to promote the film (one, three, six, and twenty-four sheets). 12pp. with plus color wrappers. Small folio. Spine reattached with archival tape. Edgewear, old folds, and pinholes; good. INSCRIBED AND SIGNED on the front wrapper in blue ink by Houdini: “Please / let me / have this / Back, / Thanks / Houdini.” Rare, being the only example of this pressbook we have encountered. Written by Arthur Reeve (creator of Craig Kennedy, the “American Sherlock Holmes”), Houdini starred in the 15-part silent serial which was the first film to feature a robot. Here, the mechanical man was billed as “Q,” an automaton, and is silhouetted in a menacing manner on the front wrapper of this colorful and rare pressbook.