A timeless masterpiece on the art of illusion, The Secrets of Conjuring and Magic is a defining work by Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin, the legendary 19th-century magician who revolutionized stage magic. Often hailed as the father of modern conjuring, Robert-Houdin was the most renowned magician of his era, captivating audiences across France, England, and Germany, and even performing for Queen Victoria.
Originally published in French in 1868, this seminal work details the techniques, sleights, and psychological principles that form the foundation of modern magic.
This remastered edition features the original English translation by Professor Hoffmann, first published in 1877, enriched with hundreds of footnotes and cross-references for deeper study.




SciFi Fan (verified owner) –
Essential reading for anyone interested in the roots of modern magic.
Robert-Houdin explains not just the tricks, but the thinking behind them, revealing how presentation, timing and misdirection create the illusion. Many of the effects are beautifully simple yet surprisingly powerful. This Hey Presto edition is clear and easy to read, making a classic work accessible to a new generation of magicians.