The Sharper Detected and Exposed

by Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin

"The Sharper Detected and Exposed" by Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin is a treatise on the art of sleight-of-hand and the detection of gambling cheats, written in the mid-19th century. The book delves into the world of fraudsters referred to as "Greeks," exploring their various schemes and tricks used to dupe unsuspecting players and gamblers. Robert-Houdin aims to educate the public on the deceptions prevalent in gambling, drawing from his own experiences and knowledge gained through years of study and mastery of magical performances. At the start of the book, the author introduces readers to his motivations for writing about the deceptive practices of sharpers. He reflects on his requests from magistrates to investigate cheating cases, revealing the complexities faced by judges who need to understand the intricacies of sleight-of-hand to bring justice. Robert-Houdin expresses his desire to illuminate the tricks of these con artists to protect the public, and he shares anecdotes like his encounter with the cunning sharper Elias Hausheer to illustrate the dangers involved in understanding and confronting such deceitful practices. The narrative goes on to lay the groundwork for further exploration of the different types of sharpers and their methods, setting the stage for a detailed look at the world of gambling deception.