1878 First Edition - THE SECRETS OF CONJURING AND MAGIC, Or How to Become a Wizard

 

(description)

Author : Robert-Houdin, Jean Eugene (translated by Professor Hoffmann).
Title :  THE SECRETS OF CONJURING AND MAGIC, Or How to Become a Wizard.
Publisher : London and New York: George Routledge & Sons, 1878. First Edition.
Language : Text in English.
Size : 8 " X 5.5 ".
Pages : xix-373 pages.
Binding : Attractive and very good original illustrated full cloth binding (hinges fine, overall slightly worn and scuffed) under a protective removable mylar cover.
Content : Good content (tight, foxing and staining throughout - as shown, inner hinges worn but tight).
Illustrations : Profusely illustrated.

Estimate : (USD 400 - USD 900)

The book : Scarce and attractive First English edition of "Comment on devient sorcier : les secrets de la prestidigitation et de la magie" by Robert-Houdin.

The author: Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin (December 7, 1805 – June 13, 1871) was a French watchmaker, magician and illusionist, widely recognized as the father of the modern style of conjuring. He transformed magic from a pastime for the lower classes, seen at fairs, to an entertainment for the wealthy, which he offered in a theatre opened in Paris, a legacy preserved by the tradition of modern magicians to perform in tails.