Ebook - The Unmasking of Robert Houdin by Harry Houdini
Description & Effect
A Magician's Vendetta Unveiled
Harry Houdini, the legendary escape artist, penned 'The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin' out of a deeply personal and professional slight. Following Robert-Houdin's widow's refusal to meet him, Houdini embarked on a mission to dismantle the reputation of the renowned French magician he once revered. This controversial work challenges the very foundations of Robert-Houdin's legacy, alleging that many of the tricks and inventions he claimed as his own were, in fact, borrowed or plagiarized. Houdini meticulously attempts to expose what he perceived as inaccuracies and overstatements in Robert-Houdin's self-proclaimed status as a magic innovator.
A Groundbreaking Historical Document
Beyond its scandalous origins, 'The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin' stands as a remarkably significant, albeit contentious, historical document within the world of magic. Published in 1906, it was pioneering for its time, presenting the first reliable historical account of European conjuring prior to 1850. The book is an invaluable archive, filled with rare images, clippings, and programs of celebrated magicians, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the early evolution of stage illusion. Despite the historical debate surrounding Houdini's arguments—which were later countered by Jean Hugard's 'Houdini's Unmasking'—this volume remains an essential resource for understanding the historical narrative and the intertwined personalities that shaped modern magic. Its unprecedented depth and scholarly scope made it a benchmark work that influenced generations of magic historians.
Explore the Secrets of Early Conjuring
Dive into a detailed exploration of specific illusions and performances that defined the golden age of magic. Houdini dedicates chapters to famous feats like 'The Orange-Tree Trick,' 'The Writing and Drawing Figure,' 'The Inexhaustible Bottle,' and 'Second Sight.' Each chapter provides a fascinating, albeit biased, analysis of how these illusions were executed and who truly originated them, according to Houdini's research. This digital download offers instant access to a pivotal text that continues to fuel discussions and inspire magicians and historians alike. Experience this legendary work from the comfort of your device, a testament to magic's enduring power and its complex history.
Original Specs
Harry Houdini – The Unmasking of Robert Houdin
Houdini was upset that the widow of Robert-Houdin did not want to meet him. As a revenge Harry Houdini wrote The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin， in which Houdini tries to push Robert-Houdin from his pedestal. He tries to show that most tricks Robert-Houdin claimed as his invention were infact not his invention and that Robert-Houdin was not this great magician he usually is thought he was. But most of Houdini's alegations are fabricated and do not stand close inspection.Jean Hugard wrote as response to Houdini's nasty book Houdini's Unmasking， where Hugard point for point refutes Houdini's argumentation. I personally favor Hugard's opinion， but you can now find out for yourself and get both books for a few bucks.
In any case The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin is insofar very interesting as it shows a lot of images， clippings， and programs of well known magicians. It documents an interesting part of magic history. In fact， at the time of publication in 1906 it was the first such history of European conjuring pre-1850 which was reliable. It was quite unprecedented in its day in it's depth， and scope of scholarship. In fact， it remained the most distinguished book on the subject until quite recently beginning with the contributions of Milbourne Christopher and continuing to the present. It was of course completely overshadowed by the marvelous "The Annals Of Conjuring" twenty years later， but that was not a book， it was a serial appearing in The Magic Wand in the late 1920's.
1st edition， 1906， George Routledge & Sons， London; later reprinted by Magico Magazine， New York; 319 pages.
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PLEASE NOTE: This item is a digital download ,Gimmick not included
