Translated and edited with notes by Professor Hoffman--This is the most difficult to obtain of the books written by Robert Houdin, the father of modern magic and author of Secrets of Conjuring and Magic. This volume, on which he was working at the time of his death in 1871, was intended as a sequel to that great work . It concerns itself primarily with stage magic and illusions, where his first textbook concentrated on sleight of hand. This edition was translated by Professor Hoffman. Highlights include a description of Robert-Houdin's Paris Magic Theatre, an in-depth discussion of the Pepper's Ghost Illusion and a very detailed explanation of the pseudo-spiritualistic feats of the Davenport Brothers and other bogus mediums. Robert Houdin specialties including The Enchanted Portfolio and The Light and Heavy Chest are also fully explained. It is a book fascinating both for its historic detail and for the secrets it contains. Now, after more than 100 years it can be part of every serious magician's library. Quality hard cover with attractive dust jacket.