[HOUDINI, Harry (his copy)]. The Lover's Dictionary: A Poetical Treasury. New York: Harper & Brothers, Publishers, 1867. Publisher's maroon cloth gilt, rebacked with full maroon leather, spine in six compartments ruled and lettered gilt, with matching corner tabs. Engraved frontispiece behind tissue. 789pp. Thick 8vo. Bookplates of Harry Houdini and his wife Beatrice (the latter SIGNED by her), and with the ownership signature of Houdini in pencil to the upper left corner of the preferatory page ("Houdini / his book").

Along with the copy of Houdini's Paper Magic also offered in this sale, this volume shows the deep, lasting, and loving bond between Harry and Beatrice Houdini, who were married not long after their first meeting. The pair remained nearly inseparable throughout their lives, working together on stage for many years as co-stars in many of Houdini's famous escapes, and especially in the fabled Metamorphosis trunk trick in which they changed places in the blink of an eye. Many relics and anecdotes show the affection between the couple, including this work which bills itself on the title page as a "guide to the study of the tender science" and a "dictionary of compliments."