Les Secrets de la prestidigitation et de la magie

Name: Les Secrets de la prestidigitation et de la magie
SKU: 27765
Author: Jean‑Eugène Robert‑Houdin

Paris, Michel Lévy Frères, 1868.

1 vol. (130 x 205 mm) of [2] f., II p., [1] f., 412 p. and X p. of table of contents. Half brown basane, spine with false raised bands decorated with double gilt fillets, gilt title (contemporary binding).

First edition.

A very rare first edition of the masterwork by Robert-Houdin, illustrated with numerous engravings, and known as the “father of modern magic”: Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin is regarded as one of the greatest magicians of all time, the originator of almost all the “great tricks” of modern conjuring. A clockmaker like his father and a prolific inventor, he was also a great builder of automata and passionate about mechanisms; in this capacity, he revolutionized the art of magic performance, putting his passion for mechanics and his imagination at the service of prestidigitation, which he entirely renewed. He inspired generations of illusionists down to the present day, among them the famous Harry Houdini (born Ehrich Weiss), a Hungarian immigrant to the United States, who took his name in homage to his illustrious predecessor.

Scattered foxing and small marks to the leaves, but a complete volume in good condition.

#27765

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