Edited by todd karr introduction by jim steinmeyer 664 pages. Roberthoudin 18051871 revolutionized the art of magic with his incredible stage mysteries and lifelike automata, and he thankfully left a number of books recording his philosophy and techniques. Book description originally published in french in 1868, this conjuring manual by roberthoudin 180571, the bestknown stage magician of his time, revealed the secret techniques behind the coin and card tricks popular with victorian audiences. Memoirs of roberthoudin robert houdin vanishing inc. The earliest books, like the magician stories written by sir john mandeville in 56, read. Even houdini, who is the most famous magician in the world, changed his name in honor of houdin because of the impact his books had on him. Roberthoudin truly ushered in a new era for magic and conjuring by creating a special dignity for the performer as well as doing effects that were fresh and original and seemed to his audiences as though he was really doing magic. All the classic works of the great master of magic, robert houdin, under one cover, lavishly illustrated with hundreds of beautiful prints, engravings, and photos.
The unmasking of roberthoudin by harry houdini free ebook. This english translation by louis hoffmann, a barrister and writer on magic tricks, appeared in 1877. The name harry houdini pays homage to jean eugene robert houdin, the french performer widely considered the father of modern magic. Quite by accident, roberthoudin walked into a shop on the rue richelieu and discovered it sold magic lots of happy accidents in his biography. This book, originally published in 1868, is devoted primarily to coin and card tricks, but roberthoudin also describes many other magical tricks and includes a. Or how to become a wizard paperback by jeaneugene roberthoudin and a great selection of related books. Fechner has uncovered the story behind the scenes of roberthoudins life, magic, and writings and illustrated his discoveries with hundreds of rare photos, playbills, and other treasures.
He transformed magic from a pastime for the lower classes, seen at fairs, to an entertainment for the wealthy, which he offered in a theatre opened in paris, a legacy preserved by the tradition of modern magicians. In this book houdini strips roberthoudin of his veil of romance and reveals him in the uncompromising light of cold historical facts and gives credit to the magicians who history had forgotten. Considered one of the finest magic books ever, featuring coin sleights and effects. Jeaneugene roberthoudin, otherwise known as the father of modern magic, was a french magician who performed in europe in the 1840s and 50s. The magic of roberthoudin an artists life hardcover 2002 by christian fechner author see all 2 formats and editions hide other formats and editions. All the classic works of the great master of magic, roberthoudin, under one cover, lavishly illustrated with hundreds of beautiful prints, engravings, and photos. This book, the same one that created houdini from erich weiss, is a real must read and will not only entertain and inform but can be used as a guide book for the current professional magician wanting to up his or her game.
When he got home and opened the wrapping, instead of the berthoud books, what appeared. Robert houdin 1805 1871 is considered the father of modern magic. Jean eugene robert houdin 180571 is often called the fat. Houdini wrote the article on conjuring for the th edition of the encyclop.
Free kindle book and epub digitized and proofread by project gutenberg. With the release of essential roberthoudin, the miracle. The secrets of conjuring and magic or how to become a. As authorities, books on magic and kindred arts are practically worthless. Free downloadable magicautomata books from robert houdin. Roberthoudin, jeaneugene 18051871 worldcat identities. But houdini s relationship with his famous predecessor was.