The Fantastic Soirées of Robert-Houdin - February 3, 2012

Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin is often called the father of modern magic.  He introduced the practice of performing in evening wear.  He trained as a watchmaker and developed an interest in conjuring.  He built many famous automata and created many famous mechanical illusions, like the orange tree.

This program, from Robert-Houdin's 03-July-1845, the first show at his Théâtre Robert-Houdin in Paris, was reproduced in The Old and the New Magic by Henry Ridgely Evans, 1906.  According to Robert-Houdin's memoir, this show was a flop. Georges Méliès later managed the Théâtre Robert-Houdin.  Harry Houdini derived his stage name from Robert-Houdin.