Robert-Houdin’s works on magic are genuine classics, and are so regarded by all conjurers. No more fascinating biography was ever written than Houdin’s Memoirs. It contains interesting sketches of old-time magicians, such as Philippe, Bosco, Comte, Torrini, and Pinetti, also a great deal of scientific and historical information relating to early inventions, etc. “The Secrets of Conjuring and Magic” (Les secrets de la prestidigitation et de la magie), published in 1868, is an admirable treatise on sleight of hand. The French edition is out of print. “The possession of a copy of this book,” says Angelo Lewis, “was regarded among professors of magic as a boon of the highest possible value. It is unquestionably the most scientific work ever written on the art of conjuring.” The English translation has been received with the greatest favor by amateur and professional sleight-of-hand performers. Students of psychology will find much to interest them in this clever book.
Rochas, Albert de. Trials by Fire, and Fire Jugglers. Popular Science Monthly, vol. xxi. pp. 645-650.
Roterberg, A. The Modern Wizard. Containing an essay on “The Art of Magic,” by W. E. Robinson. Chicago, —. 8vo. 120 pp.
—— Latter Day Tricks. A sequel to The Modern Wizard. Chicago, 1896. 8vo. 104 pp.
Capital little manuals of the latest marvels in the magical line.
Sachs, Edwin O. Modern Theater Stages. Engineering, January 17, 1896, to June 11, 1897.
—— Sleight of hand; a Practical Manual of Legerdemain for Amateurs and Others. London, 1885. 12mo. 408 pp.
An excellent work for students. Palmistry carefully explained.
Salverte, E. The Occult Sciences; Philosophy of Magic, Prodigies, and Apparent Miracles. From the French, with notes by A. T. Thomson. 2 vols. London, 1846. 12mo.
Shaw, W. H. J. Magic and its Mysteries. Chicago, 1893. 8vo. 61 pp.