Harry Lorayne (born Harry Ratzer) was an American mnemonist, magician, and author who became widely recognized as a leading authority on memory training. Dubbed "The Yoda of Memory Training" and "The World's Foremost Memory-Training Specialist" by Time magazine, Lorayne dedicated his career to demonstrating and teaching memory techniques. He was a frequent guest on television, making twenty-four appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, where he astounded audiences with his ability to recall names and details of large studio audiences.
Beyond his work in mnemonics, Lorayne was a highly influential figure in the world of magic, particularly close-up card magic. His innovations in card sleights and techniques became foundational resources, widely studied and emulated by both amateur and professional magicians globally. Through his books and instructional materials, he bridged the gap between entertainment and practical cognitive development.
As an author, Lorayne wrote extensively on memory improvement and magic. His most famous publication, The Memory Book, became a New York Times bestseller, cementing his legacy as a pioneer who made memory-training techniques accessible to the general public.
