UNMASKING ROBERT-HOUDIN, Harry Houdini
This book is the natural result of the moulding, dominating
influence which the spirti and writings of Robert-Houdin
have exerted over my professional career. My interest in
conjuring and magic and my enthusiasm for Robert-Houdin
came into existence simultaneously. From the moment
that I began to study the art, he became my guide and
hero. I accepted his writings as my text-book and my
gospel. What Blackstone is to the struggling lawyer,
Hardee's "Tactics" to the would-be officer, or Bismarck's
life and writings to the coming statesman, Robert-Huudin's
books were to me.
To my unsophisticated mind, his "Memoirs" gave to the pro-
fession a dignity worth attaining at the cost of earnest, life-
long effort. When it became necessary for me to take a
stage name, and a fellow player, possessing a veneer of
culture, told me that if I would add the letter "i" to Houdin's
name, it would mean, in the French language, "like Houdin",
I adopted the suggestion with enthusiasm. I asked nothing
more of life than to become in my profession, "like Robert-
Houdin".
By this time I had re-read his works until I could re-
cite passage after passage from memory. Then, when
Fate turned kind and the golden pathway of success
led me into broader avenues of work, I determined that
my first tour abroad should be dedicated to adding new
laurels to the fame of Robert-Houdin. By research and
study I would unearth history yet unwritten, and record
unsung triumphs of this great inventor and artiste. The
pen of his most devoted student and follower would
awaken new interest in his history.
This Ebook is in Spanish languaje, you can find:
Inventos Significantes en la vida de Robaert Houdin, El Naranjo, El Automata de la Escritura y el Dibujo, Las cartas Obedientes, El Reloj Cabalístico, El Trapecista, La Botella Inagotable, La Doble Vista, La suspensión, Los pañuelos que Desaparecen, Ignorancia de Robert Houdin sobre la Historia de la Magia, Las Narraciones de Robert Houdin en sus memorias.
