Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin was a French watchmaker, magician, and illusionist, who transformed magic from a pastime for the lower classes, seen at fairs, to entertainment for the wealthy, which he offered in a theatre opened in Paris. The author of this book, an American magician Harry Houdini (born Ehrich Weiss), was so impressed by Robert-Houdin that he adopted the stage name of "Houdini" in his honor. Yet later, Houdini lost his youthful respect for Robert-Houdin, believing that he took undue credit for other magicians' innovations. This book is his attempt to unearth the truth behind the fame of the French magician.