DICKENS, Charles (ed., 1812 - 1870). The Life of Charles James Matthews. London: Macmillan and Co., 1879. Two 8vo volumes. Marbled sides and matching endpapers over pebbled olive calf ruled gilt, with tooled spine in compartments, titled gilt. Matching marbled endpapers. Engraved frontispieces, plates. Volume One INSCRIBED AND SIGNED BY HOUDINI: "To my friend Quincy Kilby, Best wishes from Harry Houdini / August 18/16." 

A wonderful association item that intersects both Houdini's interest in magic history and his long friendship with Quincy Kilby. Charles Matthews, the subject of this work, was a noted British actor, mimic, and impressionist who integrated quick changes in his long-running production entitled, Mr. Matthews At Home. In fact, he is considered by some historians to be a proto-ventriloquist due to the many voices used throughout his show. Matthews also presented plays based on magic tricks, including The Great Gun Trick, based on the infamous Bullet Catching feat. 

Quincy Kilby, to whom the book is inscribed, was a poet, playwright, actor, and theatrical manager, who toured with a company presenting some of Dickens' works before settling down as the manager of the famous Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia. He also worked as the treasurer of a Boston playhouse for some fifteen years. His love of theatrical history led to the co-authorship of The History of the Boston Theatre in 1908. Kilby shared a love of theater history with Houdini and the two men developed a long-lasting friendship.

Rubbing to joints and extremities, especially corner tabs and edges of boards, but overall very good condition with tight bindings.