The book has been rebound, three quarters leatherette. It has new boards, new end papers and paste downs and a new spine strip, underneath which one can see the original raised bands. The back board is lightly discoloured at the head. There are also three blank sheets at beginning and the end of the book, added I assume with the rebinding. There are two page references opposite the title page, both written in pencil.The copy is in immaculate condition, apart from minor staining on the half title page which occured either when printed or when rebound. Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin (December 6, 1805 - June 13, 1871) was a French magician and is widely considered the father of the modern style of conjuring