Magnificent Magician - Robert-Houdin
29189
Travel & Leisure
Jun 19, 2007
chateau_du_guerinet
Magnificent Magician - Robert-Houdin
Robert-Houdin who was born in Blois is often credited as being "the father of modern magic". Before him, magicians performed in marketplaces and at fairs, but Robert-Houdin performed magic in theatres and private parties. He wore formal clothes, like those of his audiences. Many magicians today mimic this by wearing tail-coats, though some magicians consider this as old-fashioned and prefer contemporary clothes. The stage name of Harry Houdini was taken in tribute to him, though Houdini later denounced Robert-Houdin. He is widely considered the pioneer in the modern performance art of illusion. Robert-Houdin was a watchmaker, and he made mechanical toys and machines. From an early age he had been interested in sleight of hand and juggling, and in 1845 he began to exhibit his skill, soon becoming famous for his tricks. The Arabs of Algeria were said to be excited to rebel against French colonialists by false miracles performed by their religious leaders. In 1856, led by Napoleon 3rd the French government sent Robert-Houdin there, hoping that he might perform tricks that were far more impressive, thereby dissolving the excitement of the rebels. It is said that Robert-Houdin's tricks, succeeded in breaking up the influence of the priests. Moreover, the Arabs became afraid of Robert-Houdin. For a trick, he asked an Arab to shoot him with a marked bullet, but instead of killing him, the bullet was found between his teeth. After that, they believed Robert-Houdin could do anything. Robert-Houdin was not the first illusionist to perform the bullet catch and many since him have adapted their own version of the effect. He used another famous trick to prove that French magic was stronger then local shamanism techniques: he presented an empty box with an iron bottom that anyone could lift up. By turning on an electro-magnet hidden under the floor, he made it immovable, "proving" that through will power, he could make it impossible to lift for the strongest Algerian warriors. He then claimed he could make the strong man too weak to lift a trunk that could be lifted by a small child. He openly admitted his tricks were 'deceptions' to authorities, in order to avoid prosecution for witchcraft. It is obvious he lived for magic, performing even on vacation and constantly conjuring new ideas. His wife was often involved in his extremely clever and innovative tricks. Robert-Houdin's home in Blois is open to the public as a theatre and museum called Maison de la Magie, opposite Chateau Blois.
Corina Clemence runs a luxury french chateau in the Loire Valley near Blois, for up to fifteen people perfect for touring vineyards and chateaux and relaxing french holidays. It is also ideal for a french wedding, party or event. Rent the whole castle or rent a suite. Rent a castle in France. Hire castle - hire chateau Rent castle http://www.loirechateau.com Rent chateau France
send email to chateau_du_guerinet
Write a Review
Add to My Favorite
Refer it to Friend
Report Article
Other links owned by this user
Description of some of the garden gems to discover on a Loire Valley holiday - Chateau Villandry, Chateau Chaumont, and the botanic gardens at the Priory at Orchaise
Category:
Description of 5 AOC in the Loire Valley in Chateaux Country - the prettiest wine region of the world
Category:
What your french history teacher never told you - more interesting facts on the Loire Valley
Category:
Take a hot air balloon trip on your next holiday - your friends will be envious.
Category:
Description of some of the marvellous loire valley golf courses and why it is such a great holiday destination
Category:
The description of the life of Robert Houdin, famous magician from Blois, France
Category:
One of the Loire Valley's popular attractions - local resident Mick Jagger and why he loves it so much
Category:
A description of what you can expect at the Chateau Villandry in the Loire Valley - A garden lover's absolute delight.
Category:
Other links at Travel & Leisure
Old Sacramento is a very popular tourist destination and is better known for its cultural heritage. This place has a very interesting history that stands testimony to the splendor of Sacramento.
Category:
As you can expect, there are various types of accommodation hotels, villas, private accommodation, hostels, campsites, even lighthouses.
Category:
Landlocked in the centre of the continent and hemmed in by much bigger, more exotic locales, Paraguay is primarily rural and largely unspoilt.
Category:
Haitis terrain consists mainly of rugged mountains with small coastal plains and river valleys.
Category:
Lake Tahoe is a great place to visit almost any time of year. The best thing about it is that there are many choices for your vacation stay.
Category:
Site Sponsor
Directory Statistics
Articles: 68285
Categories: 501
Yahoo Entertainment
