Essential Robert-Houdin Hardcover – January 1, 2011

It's difficult to review a classic without sounding like a bit of an impostor. Who am I to rate the works of someone like Jean-Eugene Robert-Houdin, considered by many to be the father of modern conjuring? The fact of the matter is, Robert-Houdin's works largely speak for themselves, but I do have some thoughts about this compilation.The first observation I'd like to make is that any historian of magic will find a treasure trove in this book. Are all of Robert-Houdin's memoirs historically accurate? Certainly not. But therein lies much of the interest in a work such as this. This book provides the reader a window not only into the past but into the mind of a man who very deliberately contributed to the construction of his own legendary status, which makes for fascinating reading.In terms of the magical methods described, some readers would likely object that the tricks are far out of date (though perhaps the people who would make such an objection wouldn't purchase this particular book in the first place), and on some occasions this is true. The art of card magic, for instance, has progressed a great deal since Robert-Houdin's day, and his techniques, while serviceable, have been surpassed by newer techniques in some cases. However, for the most part, the techniques are just as valid today as they were when they were invented. Obviously, the scripts require updating (but any magician should write his or her own script anyway), but the effects and techniques remain solid even after all these years. Furthermore, the use of these older techniques could set a performer apart as there are a relative few magicians searching for material in older literature.That having been said, one doesn't read this book to learn new magic tricks or methods. One reads this book to gain a familiarity with the work of one of our founding fathers. In that respect, it's impossible to give this anything but perfect marks.Similarly, this particular edition has been carefully edited for clarity and masterfully presented. Any collector would be proud to house this book in a place of honor in his or her magic library.