Andrew Pinard: The Sleeper

A poetic and elegant presentation of a classic illusion—and this one, built right before the audiences’ eyes!

Will Houstoun
Andrew Pinard: The Sleeper
Photo by John Hession, courtesy of Andrew Pinard

You may think you know Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin’s illusion, The Ethereal Suspension, but do you? Over time, as the illusion has become more “practical,” something has certainly been lost. 

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about the author
Will Houstoun
Will Houstoun is Genii’s executive editor. He holds a literary fellowship from The Magic Castle, has a PhD in Victorian conjuring, and consults for film and television.
London
PerspectivesViewpointsOctober 2026