Just wondering if it's a good book to get started on mentalism. Seems quite a nice book with so many effects. Any comments?

Hi,

This is indeed a hefty tome that is a wealth of materials for ideas and inspirations. You will have to plough through hundreds of pages to see which effects and ideas will suit you. It should definitely be in every mentalists library and you will find something of use to you, whether it is an effect, technique, handling or concept.

Having said that, it might not be the best book to start of with if you are looking to explore the field of mentalism.

I 'dabble' in mental magic and over the last 4 years have had the chance to develop a full mental magic show that I get to perform professionally with a degree of frequency. So, I do have experience in the area and have a decent library as well. My techniques range from 'pure' techniques with the occasional combination fo gimmicked products and utilities.

So, if you are looking to understand the different fields of mentalism, I would go with Corinda's Thirteen Steps to Mentalism as it is considered the bible of mentalism. While it is dated, the fundamental techniques and psychology has not change and will remain the cornerstone fo the mentalist's arsenal.

For a good variety of mental effects that use a wide range of concepts, methods (both pure and unorthodox), Max Maven's videos are a great investment. There are many effects that can be used for casual and formal setttings. Prism, which is Maven's collection of Colour Series would be considered in the same vein as his video series. Richard Osterlind, Banachek's and Derren Brown's material are essential next-level resources. I woud place Mind, Myth and Magic under this next-level category.

Obviously, there are other books but these would be enough to get you started on the right track.

Best,

J C

Quite nicely said, i think. Though i believe you could add Annemann's Practical Mental Magic after Corinda. I haven't really seen Richard Osterlind's material, but i agree that Prism, VideoMind and Mind, Myth Magic would benefit more after u have a strong foundation.

:lol: hope this helps,

Icy

I think JC covered it all. It's not a book for beginners definitely, and I made a point to stress that when I was selling my copy.

But it is definitely a great resource. For beginning mentalism, I think Osterlind's "Easy to Master Mind Magic" series is a good place to start, simply because it's actually taking Annemann's effects and updating it for current audiences and performing expectations. From Annemann and Corinda, you'll learn a lot of the fundamental principles of mentalism, and after you have grasped that, you can then move on to "next-level" material.

Yes, all excellent follow-up posts!

How could I forget Annemann? You can get Practical Mental Magic at Kino's on a lucky day.

I was aware fo the Easy to Master Mind Magic series but have no personal experience with it. But from the sound of it and by the general quality fo the Easy to Master series, it looks like a winner to begin with.

Great responses. Knowledgable and useful!

Best,

J C

Karl Fulves' "Self Working Mental Magic" is cheap and a good book to start with. And I think its easily available from any good bookshop.