
Secrets of Conjuring and Magic
Or How to Become a Wizard
Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin(Author)
Cambridge University Press
Published on 3. November 2011
Book
Paperback/Softback
400 pages
978-1-108-03240-7 (ISBN)
Description
Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin (1805-71) is often called the father of modern conjuring. His name was later adopted by magician and escape artist Harry Houdini, whose highly sceptical expose of Victorian spiritualism is also published in this series. The best-known magician of his time, Robert-Houdin toured France, England and Germany, performed for Queen Victoria, and was sent to French Algeria by Napoleon III to demonstrate the perceived superiority of French magic to the local shamans. 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. In 1877 the book appeared in this English translation by Louis Hoffmann (1839-1919). Hoffmann (real name Angelo John Lewis, a barrister) had published his own guide to magic in 1876, and both books caused controversy for revealing the secrets of stage magicians in such unprecedented detail.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
68 Line drawings, unspecified
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 23 mm
Weight
562 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-108-03240-7 (9781108032407)
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Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Content
Editor's preface; Author's preface and dedication; The home of Robert-Houdin; Introduction; Conjuring and its professors; The art of conjuring; General principles; The hand; Escamotage, prestidigitation; 1. Coin tricks; 2. Card tricks; 3. Sundry expedients used in conjuring, and tricks of various descriptions; 4. The cups and balls; 5. The birth of flowers, or magical vegetation; Conclusion.