Memoirs of Robert-Houdin: Ambassador, Author, and Conjurer

by Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin, Robert Shelton Mackenzie (Editor)

This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book.

Genres: Magic, Nonfiction, Biography, Classics

382 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1859

About the author

Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin (December 6, 1805 – June 13, 1871) was a French magician. He is widely considered the father of the modern style of conjuring.

Reviews

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

The life and times of an expert clockwork automata maker, amateur electrical engineer, and world-travelling pioneer of stage magic turn out to be an entertaining adventure. Who could have guessed? Only odd in that he barely mentions his wife and children outside the context of performing magic or travelling with him.

[Douglas Summers-Stay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin was a wonderful storyteller, and gives a marvelous account of his life. (He was the magician from whom Houdini got his name.) He invented the greatest automata that were ever built. I get the sense that he is an unreliable narrator, and that he may have exaggerated some events to enhance his story, but it's always entertaining. As he writes, "It is certainly a singular occupation for a man to whom frankness is natural, to be continually engaged in concealing his thoughts, and seeking the best way of making dupes.
But may it not also be urged that dissimulation and falsehood become qualities or defects according to the purpose they are employed for?
Does not the merchant, for instance, regard them as precious qualities to heighten the value of his wares?
Does the science of diplomacy consist in stating everything with frankness and simplicity?
Lastly, is not fashion or the usages of decent society, an admirable mixture of dissimulation and deceptions?"
Volume II is less interesting, though it does have some very clever tricks described. My favorite is where he made handkerchiefs disappear and reappear locked in a chest buried under a tree sixty years previously.

[D. Deckmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although he often describes superfluous details making the narrative uneasy, you're in for a fantastical journey of a man who stands as one of the key figures of professional stage magic.
What shocked me the most was his grit and (apparent) ease in which he grabbed patience to accomplish his goals and also to remain calm and steady.

This is one of my first reads of a text that was written by someone who is not a writer. It was a bit dull sometimes, but my curiosity (as a magician) kept me going to the end.

If you want fantastic magic and tiny bit of the world in the XIX century, then go for it.

If you're a magician, you must read this.

[Vishwas Mundale]

Riveting descriptions of his magical endeavors in Algeria.