Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin
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Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin 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
HQ photo of Robert Houdin
This is the public "dragons" display at Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin's house in Blois, which has been turned into a museum. The "dragons" move in and out of the windows in a theatrical display. A statue of Robert-Houdin is at lower right.
Statue in front of Robert-Houdin's home in Blois
Commemorative plaque, 11 rue de Valois in Paris, where one could experience the Soirées fantastiques of Robert-Houdin
Harry Houdini
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Erik Weisz, known professionally as Harry Houdini, was an American escapologist, illusionist, and stunt performer noted for his escape acts.
Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin
…the 20th century was "haunted" by Robert-Houdin, "... who cast an enormous shadow over their generation". Hungarian-American magician and escape artist Harry Houdini (born Ehrich Weiss) was so impressed by Robert-Houdin that, after reading his autobiography in 1890, Weiss adopted the stage name of "Houdini" in honour…
Houdini, c. 1913
1895 poster for The Houdinis
Houdini, c. 1900
Hardeen with his brother, Houdini (seated left) c. 1901