Robert Harbin (1909–1978)

This wonderful little book (186 pages) was my introduction to paperfolding in the late 1960s. Written by Robert Harbin, it includes simple to intermediate traditional models, as well as some models from several mid-t0-late 20th-century folders. I can still recall the joy of learning Harbin's multiform (that produces a picture frame, a wallet, a basket, and a boat as the folding sequence progresses). I have folded these models many hundreds of times over the years.
In addition to the basic models, this book (an American reprint of Harbin's 'Teach Yourself Origami') is an interesting look back on how origami was perceived and the subtle ways it has changed since 1969. I also think that this little paperback has my favorite cover of any origami book, although I don't think the model depicted is shown in the book itself. If someone knows its origin I would appreciate learning it.… (meer)