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gmeister Inner circle 1588 Posts |
First, the mandatory disclosures: Damon Reinbold, the author of “Bob Nelson’s Sins & Secrets,” is a good friend. I knew about some of its contents from discussions with him over the past few months. And, finally, although I wanted to buy a copy, I received one free, but was not asked to review it. The review was my own decision, one reached only after considering the issues listed in my disclosures. I found none compelling enough to deter me from offering my take on what I consider a wonderful and much-needed addition to the literature of mentalism and magic. Those who disagree based on my surface admissions can stop after the next sentence. Still, I would them to get ahold of a copy of “Bob Nelson’s Sins & Secrets” (available at http://www.magictreasurechest.com/) or risk depriving themselves of a remarkable, multi-faceted resource and a thoroughly enjoyable read. (Now you can stop!)
Self-published an spiral bound (a plus in my opinion), the book is, at once: a revealing look at one of the most seminal—and controversial—figures in mentalism; a fascinating anecdotal recounting of a golden period in mentalism’s history; a hornbook on classical mentalism, specifically on the four aspects Reinbold considers essential—cold reading, memory, Hellstromism and hypnotism; a personal memoire (Reinbold, himself, was a well-respected fixture in the mentalism firmament, who in years past regularly showed up on Johnny Carson and other popular TV shows); a primer on performance; and a compendium of routines that can be immediately utilized. All of this within the confines of 74 double-spaced pages! And should you want icing on your cake, the book is dirt-cheap—$20. Be honest: In this age of over-hyped, under-thought and exorbitantly priced mentalism and magic offerings, when’s the last time you got all that for $20 (including postage) along with a special pdf, which I’ll mention below? Surprising as it may seem at first, there has been little substantial work done on Nelson’s life and influence. There’s “The Last Book Of Nelson," an attempt at autobiography, of questionable reliability; research conducted and compiled by Diego Domingo in anticipation of a major biography; and Loren Tindall’s very nice Nelson Tribute Site—“The Secret Domain of Dr. Ramayne.” (Nelson often performed as Dr. Korda Ramayne. The doctorate was purchased through mail order, while Korda came from Alexander Korda, the film director responsible for, among other classics, “The Private Lives of Henry VIII,” “The Four Feathers” and “The Thief of Bagdad.” I’ll leave it to Reinbold to tell you where Ramayne came from.”) Now in comes Reinbold. And what credentials does he bring? Well, during Nelson’s later life Reinbold was probably closer to him than any other person save his wife Betty. (Reinbold was Nelson’s best man, and one of the only people in attendance, when he and Betty were married before a Justice of the Peace.) He helped Nelson build many of his best-selling catalogue items, including the famous clipboards, performed with him and took part in on-going one-on-one bourbon-flavored discussions. Nelson often referred to Reinbold as his “brain trust,” while Reinbold saw himself both as Nelson’s apprentice and as “the son he never had.” Little wonder that he states his book is written, in Reinbold’s words, “with great respect, loyalty, and admiration.” Yet this is no hagiography. True, Reinbold was Nelson’s friend, not an easy task since, off-stage, Nelson was reticent to let people get close to him. Despite this friendship, on several occasions Reinbold allows his subject to come across as petty, conniving, manipulative and vengeful—in other words, as human. What also comes across is Nelson’s creative genius, not merely in mentalism, but in business. There may have been better performers, but few bested him at promotion. The book is filled with delightful, often gossipy recountings of some of mentalism’s greatest names, including the Midwestern pig farmer who would become Alexander and, of course, Alex Hellstrom. In fact, one can come away from Reinbold’s book with a pretty good working knowledge of how to do contact reading and that, alone, is worth the price of admissions. But he also includes a nice introduction to pendulums and their handling, complete with effects. And the same is true, to varying degrees, with billet reading, predictions and Q&A, among other techniques. In short, the book is a Baedeker for mentalism, guiding you expertly around and through its many secret spots. And these are merely the “obvious.” If you read the book closely, certain things “concealed” will also be revealed. For example, without being explicitly stated, it becomes clear that positive-thinking theology, such as that promulgated by Norman Vincent Peale, found its way into modern mentalism, inevitable, perhaps, given their simultaneous development. The Dante System Life Span Reading, for example, is imbued with it. That influence continues today, even in works of the most cutting edge thinkers such as Neal Scryer. (As a test, go back and reread his Black Book with this in mind.) Capping off Reinbold’s book is a complete explanation of Nelson’s “Horoscope Chart No. 4.” Nelson had various horoscope reading charts—they were a big part of his stock and trade. This particular one, while brief at only four pages, is loaded. There’s been a lot of discussion lately about the use of tick sheets for readings. Well, here’s a chance to experiment with one. Nelson gave Damon the rights to use the Zodiac Chart and he, in turn, gives the rights to buyers of the book. The book includes a black copy of the Chart, which can be duplicated. Reinbold will also send purchasers a pdf of the Chart so they can easily customize and print it. Regrets? Perhaps a few, but then Damon did it his way (sorry, I couldn’t resist). Let me list them anyway. There are some digressions and repetitions, although these seem to be part and parcel of reminiscences. A little more attention to backing up recollections with fact would have been nice. Reinhold describes very nicely Nelson’s loaf of bread prediction, which he performed at the annual I.B.M. convention, but admits to not remembering whether it was in 1946 or 1947. It was 1947, something not hard to track done. Some things would benefit from fleshing out, especially the tantalizing hints Reinbold gives about Nelson’s thoughts on ESP and real psychic abilities. There are also omissions, understandable, but lamentable in at least one instance. Precious little is said about the supposedly stormy relationship between Dunninger and Nelson. Given Dunninger’s “paranoia” when it came to famous mentalists/magicians, the inside scoop on how he regarded Nelson—and vice-versa—would have been welcome. In contrast, Reinbold details Nelson’s relationship—nay, blood feud—with Burling Hull or, as Nelson referred to him, “Hurling Bull.” To Nelson, Hull was little more than a thief, stealing his effects and never crediting his creations. In a delicious irony, not included in the book, Nelson’s obituary in “Genii” was written by none other than Hull. “Written” is actually a stretch since, except for a few brief words at the start and at the end, Hull simply reprinted the obituary, which Bascom Jones earlier wrote for “Magick” magazine. This time he was forced to credit his source! But these “criticisms” are quibbles and should in no way detract from the incalculable worth of this amazing little volume. The amount of information of all types that Reinbold was able to squeeze into the book, while maintaining a breezy tone, is the real miraculous feat. One hopes that Reinbold himself will follow up with other books containing more about Nelson and about his own career. This history must be captured and retained! Which brings to mind Santayana. His famous (and actual) remake that “those who cannot remember the past are condemned to fulfill it”—doesn’t apply to Nelson, who is a part of mentalism’s past and who was instrumental in setting it firmly on its current course. Those who don’t remember him and his contributions can’t hope to fulfill its promise. Reinbold’s book is a corrective. It’s certainly not the last word on Nelson by any means, nor, I suspect, did Reinbold intend it to be. But it’s the first word, a very powerful and compelling word, and it’s about time someone uttered it. Thank you, Damon, for your loud, clear and impassioned voice. |
seadog93 Inner circle 3200 Posts |
That sounds amazing! I'm a big fan of Robert Nelson's.
For some reason the parentheses was included in the link, but it works fine if that is erased.
"Love is the magician who pulls man out of his own hat" - Ben Hecht
"Love says 'I am everything.' Wisdom says 'I am nothing'. Between the two, my life flows." -Nisargadatta Maharaj Seadog=C-Dawg=C.ou.rtn.ey Kol.b |
Jerskin Inner circle 2497 Posts |
That link doesn't work.
GrEg oTtO
MUNDUS VULT DECIPI |
gmeister Inner circle 1588 Posts |
My Bad!
Sorry. As seadog93 pointed out, the end parens got attached to the link. This should work: http://www.magictreasurechest.com |
JohnWells Inner circle The Southern Wild 1791 Posts |
Let me give a hearty "ditto" to the good Gmeister. Highly recommended.
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mastermindreader 1949 - 2017 Seattle, WA 12586 Posts |
Excellent review, gmeister. I will definitely be picking this up.
Best- Bob |
Damon Reinbold Regular user 147 Posts |
Thanks guys for all the kind words.
be well, Damon
Damon Reinbold
<BR>2011 President, S.A.M. Assembly 71 <BR>2011 President, IBM Ring 90 |
robwar0100 Inner circle Buy me some newspapers.Purchase for me 1 Gazette and 1747 Posts |
Gmeister,
That was probably the best review I have read on this site. Incredible detail and insights. I wish all of us would follow this model in reviewing effects, books and DVDs. Thanks, Bobby
"My definition of chance is my hands on the wheel," Greg Long.
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Tom Jorgenson Inner circle LOOSE ANGLES, CALIFORNIA 4451 Posts |
How do you actually order from him? I didn't see addresses, email or etc. Any clues? Thanks.
We dance an invisible dance to music they cannot hear.
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gmeister Inner circle 1588 Posts |
Bob and Bobby, thank you for your very kind remarks.
John it's always an honor when you concur. Seadog93, as a fan of Nelson's (and good for you) I don't think you'll be disappointed. Tom (and others), Damon's site isn't an on-line store. Call him at 505 470-2373 or email him st damon@magictreasurechest.com to order. BTW, if you go to his site check out his books and effects. You'll find some real treasures there. Oh, and speaking (above) of "remarks," in the review it's obviously "Santayan's remark" not "Santayan's remake" (the spell checker has a mind of its own!). |
Damon Reinbold Regular user 147 Posts |
Hi Tom -
My phone number and email address are in rather small print on the home page. Sorry. Email address is damon@magictreasurechest.com and paypal address is damonreinbold@aol.com. Hope that clears everything up. the ebst, Damon
Damon Reinbold
<BR>2011 President, S.A.M. Assembly 71 <BR>2011 President, IBM Ring 90 |
Tom Jorgenson Inner circle LOOSE ANGLES, CALIFORNIA 4451 Posts |
Thanks, I missed the info on the first page. The order is in, and I can't wait to start reading. I used his Prediction Pen in my teens and got some nice press with it.
Thanks for writing this one!
We dance an invisible dance to music they cannot hear.
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deaton New user Winter Park Florida 60 Posts |
I happy to report Grace Reinbold, widow of the late Damon Reinbold, has released the second printing of Damon's biographical book, "Bob Nelson's Sins and Secrets". A copy may be purchased at this address, damonandgrace.com. The books are $24.00 plus $4.00 postage. I just ordered mine via PayPal.
Original Old Town Magic Shop owner near Walt Disney World. Former Bozo the Clown in S.W. Ohio TV market. Was the founder and artistic director of Pinocchio's Maroionette Theater in Central Florida. Actor, writer, director, magic and spook show enthusiast.
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Last Laugh Inner circle Grass Valley, California 3498 Posts |
Thanks! I didn't know about the book at all, thanks for resurrecting the thread and providing the info on the reprint!
Also, wow she apparently has a bunch of old books and manuscripts from his collection. That could prove very interesting.
My Mentalism Podcast:
The Mystery Arts Podcast Check out my products! Direct from me (PW: cassidy) On Penguin Magic |
deaton New user Winter Park Florida 60 Posts |
You're right, Matthew! She has many other Nelson items on her site for Bob Nelson Fans. Thanks for mentioning that.
Original Old Town Magic Shop owner near Walt Disney World. Former Bozo the Clown in S.W. Ohio TV market. Was the founder and artistic director of Pinocchio's Maroionette Theater in Central Florida. Actor, writer, director, magic and spook show enthusiast.
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Last Laugh Inner circle Grass Valley, California 3498 Posts |
I just ordered. I emailed grace and she responded quickly with a PayPal invoice. Looking forward to reading! I'll update when I have it in hand.
My Mentalism Podcast:
The Mystery Arts Podcast Check out my products! Direct from me (PW: cassidy) On Penguin Magic |
Last Laugh Inner circle Grass Valley, California 3498 Posts |
Came today and I read the whole thing.
Easy read, nice stories, cool to get a window into the golden age of mentalism. Would have liked more, but hey.... definitely enjoyable. Matt
My Mentalism Podcast:
The Mystery Arts Podcast Check out my products! Direct from me (PW: cassidy) On Penguin Magic |
deaton New user Winter Park Florida 60 Posts |
My copy arrive yesterday and I promptly read it cover to cover. There are many fine mentalism effects revealed in the spiral bound seventy page manuscript, but I must admit I do wish there were more backstage and onstage stories about Robert Nelson.
For example, I learned the book's author, Damon Reinbold, and Bob Nelson handmade a walloping number of Ultra Perfect Clipboards. And Nelson handpainted each Masonite look-alike surface. I just assumed he used printed paper. It's these small details that really bring the book to life from time to time. One can hope the rapidly dwindling number of people who personally knew or worked with Robert Nelson will take the time to write their in-depth memories of the man, good bad or indifferent. In the meantime, Damon Reinbold's "Bob Nelson's Sins and Secrets" is a great read for Nelson fans. PS: If you haven't read gmeister's review of the book at the head of this topic, please do so. It is right-on!!
Original Old Town Magic Shop owner near Walt Disney World. Former Bozo the Clown in S.W. Ohio TV market. Was the founder and artistic director of Pinocchio's Maroionette Theater in Central Florida. Actor, writer, director, magic and spook show enthusiast.
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