Grand Illusions: The Story of Magic

Chronicling the history of magic from the 1800s to the present day, Grand Illusions: The Story of Magic's opening episode, "The Father of Modern Magic,” examines the life of Jean-Eugene Robert-Houdin, a celebrated French conjurer of the 19th century. Robert-Houdin, namesake of Harry Houdini, earned his unofficial title as father of modern magic by transforming a then-disreputable street profession into a respectable practice, replacing wizard robes and conical caps with evening wear and moving the act from the street corner to center stage. A master clock and watch maker, Robert-Houdin is credited with creating mechanical automaton marvels such as “The Fantastic Orange Tree,” a device which appeared to grow real oranges before the eyes of the audience. Perhaps his most famous feat of magic was accomplished in the service of his country. Concerned about fighting in Northern Africa, the French government asked Robert-Houdin to visit the region and engage in a battle of magic with warring Marabout priests--a showdown he won, putting an end to the violence. The other episodes in the series are: "Houdini," "The Hermanns," "The Greats of Modern Magic," "Weird Magic," and "Death by Magic." More comprehensive than the similarly-themed The Art of Magic (VL Online-1/99), this combination history/contemporary survey of the art and science of illusion is recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Fisher)