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Offered here is an antique 1859 copy of Life of Robert Houdin, The King of the Conjurers, written by Robert Houdin himself, translated from the French by Dr. R. Shelton Mackenzie, and published in Philadelphia by Porter & Coates. The copyright page shown is dated 1859.
This is an attractive 19th century decorative cloth hardcover in the desirable Alta Edition, with an ornate green embossed binding, black stamped panels, and decorative spine titling. The front board is boldly titled “King of the Conjurers” with “Alta Edition” prominently displayed in the center panel. The spine reads “King of the Conjurers” and “Illustrated.” It is a very appealing Victorian-era magic and entertainment title with strong shelf presence.
Robert-Houdin is one of the most important names in the history of magic, illusion, and stage performance, making this a collectible antiquarian title for buyers interested in magicians, conjuring, performance history, Victorian books, and unusual 19th century biographies/autobiographies.
Book details:
• Title: Life of Robert Houdin, The King of the Conjurers
• Written by Robert Houdin
• Translated from the French by Dr. R. Shelton Mackenzie
• Publisher: Porter & Coates
• Place of publication: Philadelphia
• Copyright date shown: 1859
• Format: Antique decorative cloth hardcover
• Edition: Alta Edition
• Illustrated: Spine states illustrated
Condition:
This book is in antique used condition with expected age and handling wear. The decorative green cloth binding remains attractive overall, with clear embossed and black-stamped decoration to the front cover and spine. There is rubbing and general shelf wear, along with bumping/wear at the corners and spine ends. The spine shows age wear and some fading/rubbing to the decorative titling panel. The rear board is plainer and shows surface wear/indentations visible in the photos.
The interior pages appear generally readable and intact, with age toning and scattered light foxing/spotting from age. The title page is present, and the copyright date page shown reads 1859. Text pages shown in the photos appear clean overall for age, though naturally there may be additional scattered age-related imperfections throughout. I did not page-count every leaf or verify every illustration individually, so it is being sold as found and as pictured.
Overall, this is a very displayable and collectible antique copy with strong decorative appeal and a highly desirable subject.
Highlights:
• Early Robert-Houdin title
• 1859 copyright date shown
• Alta Edition binding
• Decorative Victorian cloth cover
• Magic / conjuring / illusion interest
• Antique illustrated volume
• Strong shelf and display appeal
• Nice collectible for magician, magic, and entertainment history collectors
This would make an excellent addition to a collection of antique books, magician memorabilia, Victorian entertainment history, conjuring references, or decorative 19th century bindings. It is also a very nice gift item for anyone interested in the roots of stage magic and illusion performance.
Please review all photos carefully for exact condition, as they are part of the description. Sold as found, as shown, and with normal antique wear consistent with age.
