Unveiling the Legend of Robert-Houdin

Step into the mesmerizing world of Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin with 'The Magic of Robert Houdin: An Artist’s Life' by the esteemed Christian Fechner. Published in 2003, this monumental two-volume set is not merely a book; it's an unparalleled journey into the life, genius, and enduring legacy of the man often hailed as the father of modern magic. Fechner, a legendary figure in magic scholarship, dedicated himself to meticulously uncovering the untold stories, behind-the-scenes secrets, and profound insights into Robert-Houdin's illustrious career, his groundbreaking inventions, and personal life. With over 863 pages of rich narrative, this work presents a fresh, unique perspective, moving beyond established narratives to reveal the true artist and innovator.

A Masterpiece of Production and Illustration

This extraordinary publication is a collector's dream, reflecting the elegance and sophistication of Robert-Houdin himself. Bound in luxurious Dutch cloth with intricate gilded stamping and glossy covers, each volume is a tactile delight. The set is housed within a sturdy, archival slipcase, ensuring its preservation for generations. Readers will appreciate the thoughtful inclusion of a ribbon bookmark in each copy, along with a large, tipped-in reproduction print of Robert-Houdin and an intricate fold-out family tree that traces his remarkable lineage. Visually, the book is a treasure trove, featuring over 1200 illustrations, including 60 captivating color pages, showcasing rare photographs, playbills, automata diagrams, and personal artifacts that bring the 19th-century magic scene vividly to life.

Comprehensive Historical Account

'The Magic of Robert Houdin' offers an exhaustive chronological exploration, from Robert-Houdin's humble beginnings to his grand theatrical triumphs and his final days. Divided into five acts, the narrative meticulously details his early life, his apprenticeship as a watchmaker, his pivotal move to Paris, and the opening of his iconic Soirées Fantastiques. It delves into his groundbreaking illusions like 'Second Sight' and 'The Ethereal Suspension,' his contributions to automata, and his significant diplomatic mission to Algeria. Through Fechner's diligent research, readers gain an intimate understanding of the cultural, technological, and personal forces that shaped this visionary artist, making it an indispensable resource for historians, magicians, and enthusiasts alike.

Original Specs

Published 2003

Two volumes with slipcase

863 pages

Over 1200 illustrations

60 color pages

Cover by Jean-Guy Fechner

Preface by Jacques Voignier

In one of the most elegant magic books ever produced, Christian Fechner explores the incredible world of Robert-Houdin, the legendary master of magic. Fechner has uncovered the story behind the scenes of Robert-Houdin's life, magic, and writings and illustrated his discoveries with hundreds of rare photos, playbills, and other treasures.

This extraordinary work is bound in rich Dutch cloth with gilded stamping, glossy covers, archival slipcase, and a ribbon bookmark bound into each copy, and includes a large tipped-in reproduction Robert-Houdin print and fold-out family tree.

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION Jacques Voignier

ACT I

1700-1805: From Louis Robert to Jean Eugène Robert

1805-1823: A Confiscated Childhood and Adolescence

1823-1825: From Dr. Carlosbach to Maître Pardessus

1825-1828: From Maître Roger to Jean-Martin Robert

1826-1828: The Apprenticeship of the Artisan Watchmaker and the Aspiring Magician

The Mysterious M. David of Bordeaux

1828: The Count de Grisy, French Conjurer, known as Torrini

1828-1829: Return to Blois, Mademoiselle Houdin

Notes to Act I

ACT II

1830: Paris, Here I Come

1830: Father Roujol

1809-1833: M. Comte, The King’s Conjurer

1800-1832: Olivier, Conjuring Professor of Paris

1830: A Marriage of Love During the July Revolution

1831: The First Son

1831: 1832 – The Componium

1832-1835: A Long Depression

1833: Giovani Bartolomeo Bosco

1835-1836: The Fall of the House of Houdin

1837-1844: The Mechanician and the Watchmaker

1837-1844: The Salon Conjurer

1842: The Little Parisian Curiosity Shows

1843: Philippe Talon, known as Philippe

1840-1846: Vaucanson’s Duck, Von Kempelen’s Chess Player, and Robert-Houdin’s Writing and Drawing Automaton

1843-1844: A Cascade of Mourning and A New Marriage

1844: The Exposition and Phineas Taylor Barnum

Notes to Act II

ACT III

1844-1845: The Big Leap

1845: The Secret Machinery of the Theater

1845: Robert-Houdin’s Soirées Fantastiques

1845-1846: Second Sight and The Inexhaustible Bottle

1846: First Foreign Tour and the Conjurer Louis Courtois

1845-1852: Promotion and Advertising

1847: The Fortune-Teller Alexis Didier

1847-1848: The Ethereal Suspension

1848: Moreau-Sainti – André Voisin

1848-1849: Revolution in France and Triumphs in England

1849-1851: Return to Paris; Pierre Etienne August Chocat, known as Hamilton

1850: The English Connection or the Legrand Trial

1851: Letter on Education; Shows and Children

1851: Roberti de Brescia, De Linsky, Deveaux, Berneuil, and The Electric Light

1852: Farewell, My Dear Parisians

1852-1853: The Final Flames

Notes to Act III

ACT IV

1852-1854: Hamilton: From Palais-Royal to Boulevard des Italiens

1854: The Photographer André Adolphe Disdéri

1854-1855: Emile and Eugène Robert-Houdin – The Exposition of 1855

1856: The Electric Clock of Blois — Robert-Houdin Becomes a Patronym

1856: Robert-Houdin’s Algerian Saga

1856: Goodbye to the Stage in Marseilles

1857-1858: The Writing of Confidences d’un Prestidigitateur

1858-1859: Raphaël Macaluso, Alfred de Caston, Klosloge, and De Lille

1854-1871: The Myth of “Rest at The Priory”

1859-1871: Les Tablettes journalières of Robert-Houdin

1859-1861: Small and Large Magic Activities in Saint-Gervais

1859-1861: The “Geraud affair” and The “Lassaigne affair”

1860: Mlle. Benita Anguinet

1859-1860: Robert-Houdin and Amateurs Magicians

1860: Alexander Heimbürger

1861: Card-Sharping Exposed and Les Figures du temps

1862: Hamilton and Pierre Edouard Brunnet

1862-1863: The Shop and Wedding of Emile Robert-Houdin

1862: An Unexpected Comeback

1863-1864: François Eugène Lahire, known as Cleverman

1864: Return to The Priory and Robin’s Mythomania

1865: The Davenport Brothers and The Stacey Brothers

Notes to Act IV

ACT V

1864-1866: The Common Clock, The Electric Light Bulb with a Vegetal Filament, The Musical Telegraph, and Ophthalmology

1864-1866: The Harpsichord or Tympanum Player

1866: A Peaceful Year – The Sphinx and The Talking Head

1866: Hamilton, Cleverman, and Plantet – Tufferau, Littson, Varner, Lynn, and Alfred Stodare

1867-1868: The Chess Player or La Czarine, and Les Secrets de la Prestidigitation

1869: The Grand Affair, The Odometer, and Dr. Epstein

1870: The Year of All Sorrows

1870-1871: The Occupation of Saint-Gervais and Blois during the War of 1870 Described Daily by Robert-Houdin

1871: The Master’s Last Days

1871: Last Farewell Performance

Epilogue

Notes to Act V

#Robert-Houdin biography

The Magic of Robert Houdin: an Artist’s life: Christian Fechner. (Instant Download)