Uncommon book: Memoirs of Robert-Houdin. First American edition. Philadelphia: Geo. G. Evans, 1859. Hardcover bound in the original brown pebbled cloth with gilt title on spine and embossed publisher's device on boards, 5.5 x 7.5, 445 pages. Book condition: VG-/None, with sunning to spine, some staining to boards, wear to bumped corners, and slight fraying to spine tail.
Widely considered to be the 'father of modern magic,' Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin invented numerous famous illusions and developed the conjuring craft as a theater attraction for wealthy patrons. After reading Robert-Houdin's autobiography in 1890, the legendary magician and escape artist Ehrich Weiss adopted his iconic stage name—Harry Houdini—to honor his forerunner.
