Amongst other things, robert houdin is commonly regarded today as the originator of the modern style of conjuring the performance of magical tricks, and has even been dubbed by some as the father of modern magic. 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 history of conjuring. All the classic works of the great master of magic, roberthoudin, under one cover, lavishly illustrated with hundreds of beautiful prints, engravings, and photos. 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. 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. It was founded by the famed book dealer bernard quaritch in 1878. Jeaneugene roberthoudins most popular book is memoirs of roberthoudin, written.
Robert houdin s autobiography is the memoirs of robert houdin. My interest in conjuring and magic and my enthusiasm for roberthoudin came into existence simultaneously. By reading classic books, old newspapers, and magazine articles, ive tracked down stories about their lives and work that continue to inspire me. Gervais, near blois, french magician who is considered to be the father of modern conjuring. The book features 60 fullcolor beautiful pages a scan of which you will see below.
Roberthoudin, jeaneugene, 18051871, magicians, magic tricks publisher new york. Unmasking of roberthoudin, the by harry houdini quality. Amongst other things, roberthoudin is commonly regarded today as the originator of the modern style of conjuring the performance of magical tricks, and has even been dubbed by some as the father of modern magic. I was brought to life 150 years ago through alchemy. The books are bound in dutch cloth with gilded stamping. Ii in 1894, harry met the love of his life, bess rahner, and married her two weeks later. French born magician robert houdin is widely considered to be the father of modern magic. Jeaneugene roberthoudin, original name jeaneugene robert, born dec. He began to perform his magic tricks for audiences. Oct 12, 2012 roberthoudin declared that he possessed a talisman that made him invulnerable and challenged the audiences best marksman to come forth and take his best shot. In 1584 reginald scot publishes the discoverie of witchcraft, a book.
He tries to show that most tricks roberthoudin claimed as his invention were in fact not his invention and that roberthoudin was not this great magician he usually is thought he was. Here is a replication of houdinis personal copy of his book with. Christian fechner has researched this fascinating magician and in doing so provides us with behind the scenes peek. Unmasking of robert houdin harry houdini vanishing inc. Houdini and the unmasking of roberthoudin library of. A man emerged from the audience shouting i will kill you. The book is fine otherwise and is a good read, but cant something be done about this. One of the most elegant magic books ever produced, christian fechner explores the incredible world of robert houdin, the legendary master of magic. The unmasking of robert houdin deluxe by harry houdini. Books by jeaneugene roberthoudin author of memoirs of. Published by david haversat the unmasking of roberthoudin was published 110 years ago. Fittingly, jean eugene robert houdin, a 19thcentury french magician and clockmaker, is widely hailed as the inventor of the mystery clock, but even his name is something of an enigma.
I accepted his writings as my textbook and my gospel. Also included is a large tippedin reproduction houdin family tree foldout. The magic of robert houdin by christian fechner martins magic. During this period the french army commanders maintained order in the newly occupied region. What blackstone is to the struggling lawyer, hardees first, i will let houdini speak from beyond this book is the natural result of the moulding, dominating influence which the spirit and writings of roberthoudin have. Jean eugene roberthoudin 18051871 is considered the father of modern. T his book is the natural result of the moulding, dominating influence which the spirit and writings of roberthoudin have exerted over my professional career.
Jeaneugene roberthoudin french magician britannica. Yet, the unmasking of roberthoudin, of which houdini was proud to be the author if not in all senses the writer, was also a compelling history of magic. 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. Here is a replication of houdinis personal copy of his book with annotated pages written in his hand. Houdini was upset that the widow of roberthoudin did not want to meet him. The unmasking of robert houdin deluxe by harry houdini unmaskingofrober book. Robert houdin 1805 1871 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. One of the most elegant magic books ever produced, christian fechner explores the incredible world of roberthoudin, the legendary master of magic. It is located in the loiretcher departement in the loire valley, in france, in the center of the city of blois.
Yelp is a fun and easy way to find, recommend and talk about whats great and not so great in north hollywood and beyond. From the moment that i began to study the art, he became my guide and hero. Jeaneugene roberthoudin has 37 books on goodreads with 359 ratings. The unmasking of roberthoudin by harry houdini free ebook. Fechner has uncovered the story behind the scenes of roberthoudin s life, magic, and writings and illustrated his discoveries with hundreds of rare photos, playbills, and other treasures.
From a photograph taken by the author, especially for this work, and now in the harry houdini collection. My interest in conjuring and magic and my enthusiasm for robert houdin came into existence simultaneously. History american museum of magic festivals, history, performing. Secrets conjuring magic wizard by robert houdin abebooks. The incredible robert houdin blooming orange tree by paul lembo.
Does anyone really want to buy dented and dinged books. A day in the life of dorian roberthoudin by gigi pandian. Yet, the unmasking of robert houdin, of which houdini was proud to be the author if not in all senses the writer, was also a compelling history of magic. As a revenge harry houdini wrote the unmasking of robert houdin, in which houdini tries to push robert houdin from his pedestal. The project gutenberg ebook of memoirs of roberthoudin, ambassador, author and conjurer, by jean henri roberthoudin this ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with. Robert houdin 1805 1871 revolutionized the art of magic with his incredible stage mysteries and lifelike automata, and he thankfully left a number of books. For the firsttime since houdini himself made these unseen additions and changes, this book has been published by david haversats 1878 press co. Discover book depositorys huge selection of robert houdin books online. The project gutenberg ebook of the unmasking of robert.
Fechner has uncovered the story behind the scenes of robert houdin s life, magic, and writings and illustrated his discoveries with hundreds of rare pho. Two volumes, the first describing the secrets of robert houdin s tricks, the second a faux book containing faithfully recreated souvenirs of robert houdin, including fans, booklets, bank notes, and a dvd. Magic of robert houdin, the by christian fechner quality. But there was a time, when a magician and watchmaker named jeaneugene roberthoudin was called upon for a magical mission by n. Napoleon the third was worried about a religious tribe called the marabouts.
Now available to the world for the first time since houdini himself made these unseen additions and changes. The sette was a club of book collectors and eccentric personalities in london. Soon after, he changed his name to houdini, meaning like houdin and took the first name harry. Memoirs of roberthoudin by jean henri roberthoudin. Jan 09, 20 this simplified version of the robert houdin break makes it easy to start using expert level tactics to ensure you never get suspected of trickery when performing the double lift or turnover. Jean eugene roberthoudin, the father of modern magic who. This unique artist also displayed his talents abroad and made groundbreaking scientific discoveries in optics and electricity. Robert houdin 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.
Now available to the world for the first time since houdini himself made these unseen additions. The magic of robert houdin an artists life fechner, christian on. 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 simplified robert houdin break magic tricks youtube. The project gutenberg ebook of the unmasking of roberthoudin. Houdini was upset that the widow of robert houdin did not want to meet him. He tries to show that most tricks roberthoudin claimed as his invention were infact not his. His life and works are also cited in robertson davies s deptford trilogy, notably in the trilogys third novel, world of wonders, which takes place on the set of a movie about robert houdin.
Essential roberthoudin book essential roberthoudin finally back in print. Roberthoudins grave, in the cemetery at blois, france. 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. Unmasking of roberthoudin book stevens magic emporium. 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. Robert houdin 1805 1871 revolutionized the art of magic with his incredible stage mysteries and lifelike automata, and he thankfully left a number of books recording his.
Mar 29, 2016 jean eugene roberthoudin was a french magician who lived during the 19th century. As a revenge harry houdini wrote the unmasking of roberthoudin, in which houdini tries to push roberthoudin from his pedestal. He is often credited as the father of modern stage magic. Memoirs of roberthoudin robert houdin vanishing inc. Houdini and the unmasking of roberthoudin p library. Considered one of the finest magic books ever, featuring coin sleights and effects. Perhaps you have heard of my father, jean eugene roberthoudin. In 1856 he was asked by louisnapoleon to pacify the tribes in frenchalgeria. The magic of robert houdin by christian fechner martins. Houdini is shown here with a book best known as an attack upon his former hero jeaneugene robert houdin. 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. Known today as the father of modern magic, roberthoudin transformed magic from. Houdini is shown here with a book best known as an attack upon his former hero jeaneugene roberthoudin.
Christian fechner has researched this fascinating magician and in doing so provides us with behind the scenes peeks into his life, and his magic. Roberthoudin 18051871 revolutionized the art of magic with his incredible stage mysteries and. This book, originally published in 1868, is devoted primarily to coin and card tricks, but robert houdin also describes many other magical tricks and includes a history of conjuring. He was a clockmaker, a creator of automata, the conjuror who founded the famous soirees fantastiques in paris the magic show that revolutionized magic.
Fittingly, jean eugene roberthoudin, a 19thcentury french magician and clockmaker, is widely hailed as the inventor of the mystery clock, but even his name is something of an enigma. Two volumes, the first describing the secrets of roberthoudins tricks, the second a faux book containing faithfully recreated souvenirs of roberthoudin, including fans, booklets, bank notes, and a dvd. Free downloadable magicautomata books from robert houdin. This book has been published by david haversats 1878 press co. Later roberthoudin toured the english provinces under his own management and made return trips to london, but his tour under mitchell was the most notable engagement of his career. Jeaneugene roberthoudin december 7, 1805 june, 1871 was a french watchmaker, magician and illusionist, widely recognized as the father of the modern style of conjuring. New episode of cultural brackets, to change air during the health crisis. In 1877 the book appeared in this english translation by louis hoffmann 18391919. Jean eugene robert houdin was a french magician who lived during the 19th century. 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. The incredible robert houdin blooming orange tree by paul. Houdin s last name at his birth in 1806 was robert.
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