Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin, The Father of Modern Magic Who Stopped a Revolt with His Abilities

Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin was a French magician who lived during the 19th century. Amongst other things, Robert-Houdin is commonly regarded today as the originator of the modern style of conjuring (the performance of magical tricks), and has even been dubbed by some as the ‘father of modern magic’. Robert-Houdin was a very successful magician during his lifetime, and some of his acts have even become classics.

His reputation was so great that he was requested during the 1850s by the French government to help put down a tribal rebellion in Algeria using his skills. This is surely a feat that not many magicians can boast about.

Early Life

Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin was born on December 6th / 7th, 1805 in the central French city of Blois. His father was a clockmaker, and the young Robert-Houdin was expected to follow in his father’s footsteps and join the family business when he grew up. After receiving his education at the University of Orleans, however, Robert-Houdin became fascinated by magic. Nevertheless, at this point of time, magic was treated by Robert-Houdin as just a hobby.

Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin, pioneer of modern magical entertainment. (Public Domain)