One of Those Magic Books Almost Every Collector Knows by Name
Robert Harbin's The Magic of Robert Harbin is one of those books that many magicians know by reputation long before they ever have a chance to handle a copy. Originally issued in 1970 in a limited edition of just 500 copies, it remains one of the tougher books to find in magic collecting.
In 2019, Britannic Auctions sold this signed first edition for $930. Signed copies, strong provenance, and examples in excellent condition continue to draw interest whenever they surface at auction.
Collectors have long repeated the story that Harbin ordered the printing plates destroyed following publication. Whatever the reason, the book has never received a modern reprint, and original copies continue to circulate largely through private collections and the auction market.
Robert Harbin and the Zig-Zag Girl
Even people with only a passing familiarity with magic have likely seen some version of Harbin's most famous creation: the Zig-Zag Girl illusion. Introduced in the 1960s, the effect quickly became one of the most recognizable illusions in stage magic.
But Harbin was far more than the inventor of a single trick. He was an illustrator, author, inventor, and prolific creator whose thinking influenced generations of magicians. Like many great creators, Harbin had a knack for approaching problems from unusual angles and finding deceptively simple solutions.
What's Inside The Magic of Robert Harbin?
The book covers a wide range of material, including stage illusions, escapes, mental effects, cabaret routines, and close-up magic. Many magicians sought out the book not simply because it was scarce, but because it contained material that was difficult to learn elsewhere.
As with many collectible magic books, the appeal lies partly in the secrets and partly in the object itself.
Collectors generally look for:
- First editions and limited printings
- Signed or inscribed copies
- Original dust jackets or slipcases
- Strong provenance and ownership history
- Clean, complete examples
When several of those boxes are checked, prices can rise quickly.
Auction Records: What’s It Worth?
Given the rarity and significance of The Magic of Robert Harbin, copies that surface at auction generate strong interest. Some notable recent sales include:
- Signed Copy No. 451, First Edition (1970) – Sold for $767 in 2022 at McLaren Auction Services. Condition noted: stain on the top of the book and top inner corner of pages.
- Unsigned Copy – Sold by Britannic for $930 in 2019.
As with many rare magic books, condition matters. A clean, signed copy with strong provenance will often outperform an average one.
Alternative Harbin Books: More Accessible Editions
Collectors who can't track down an original copy sometimes turn to The Genius of Robert Harbin by Eric Lewis. Published in 1997, the book examines many of Harbin's best-known creations and includes detailed illustrations and historical notes.
- Limited to 50 deluxe slipcased copies, this book is a well-researched resource that delves into 66 of Harbin’s effects, including the evolution of the Zig-Zag Girl.
- It also includes 180 detailed line drawings, providing valuable insight into Harbin’s design process and the mechanics behind his tricks.
- This book is more commonly found at auction, with prices ranging from $20 to $250, depending on the edition and condition.
Selling Rare Magic Books & Magic Collectibles
Britannic Auctions regularly handles rare magic books, gambling literature, manuscripts, posters, ephemera, vintage apparatus, and other magic collectibles. Libraries assembled over decades by magicians often contain overlooked titles that today's collectors actively seek.
Whether you have a single book or an entire collection, we invite you to request a free evaluation of magic collectibles to determine whether your material may be suitable for auction.
