This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/9/2023
HARBIN, Robert (Ned Williams, 1908 – 78). Harbin’s “The Great Book Test” Props. Circa 1975. Props created and used by Harbin for one of his signature feats – the ability to apparently instantly recall the first words or lines from each of the three lengthy books. Audience members call out numbers between one and 1000 to designate pages in each of the volumes. The magician then does what he says by giving the words, sentences, and phone numbers at the head of each column in the various books. Included are the Whitaker Almanack, Woolworth Dictionary, and covered-over London telephone directory, as well as the gimmicked slate with handwritten crib, a blue pencil, and Harbin’s handmade cardboard prompting sheet, and a rainbow-colored cloth carrying case, all as described in detail on pages 126 – 133 of The Magic of Robert Harbin. Well-worn from considerable professional use by Harbin.
Harbin considered this effect “…one of the best tricks I have originated.” He went on to write, “I can assure you with all honesty that here you have a routine that not only earned me a great reputation during the thousands of times that is has been performed, but also [a] great deal of money. If you accomplish the initial work, and, when the routine is learned, give it a good presentation and it will do the same for you.” Every element of the routine and the story of its development is chronicled in Harbin’s classic book, self-published in 1970.