
audiobook
The narrator presents himself as a former “sorcerer” whose modest home near Blois has earned a reputation for uncanny feats. He attributes the marvels to clever applications of science rather than supernatural power, and he invites listeners to discover the modest yet astonishing tricks that have surrounded his everyday life. With a tone that blends modesty and playful confidence, he promises to reveal the hidden mechanisms behind the rumors that have followed him for years.
A guided tour of his residence unfolds, beginning at the gate where a copper‑gold plaque bears his name, followed by a golden hammer that summons a distant chime with a mere tap. The ringing signals the automatic unlocking of the door, while a button in the vestibule releases the latch and replaces the plaque with an invitation to enter. These ingeniously designed devices turn a simple visit into a captivating experience, allowing the audience to explore his world of “magic” without ever leaving their seat.
Language
fr
Duration
~14 hours (852K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Chuck Greif and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images available at the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF/Gallica) at http://gallica.bnf.fr)
Release date
2012-09-24
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1805–1871
A watchmaker turned illusionist, he helped transform magic from street performance into elegant theater. His inventive automata, mechanical wonders, and carefully staged illusions made him one of the most influential magicians of the 19th century.
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