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MrX Regular user Los Angeles 139 Posts |
I am in my second month of studying Corinda's 13 steps and consider myself a real beginner in mentalism, so I hesitate to give advice to the many more experienced pros on this site... However, in research a new screenplay I'm writing for my "day job", I came across a recently published book that I found to be a terrific overview of psychic phenomena - and I'm already quoting some of the "data" the writer presents as very useful background material for a couple of my effects.
Anyhow, for anyone who hasn't seen it - please check this title out: "BEST EVIDENCE: An Investigative Reporter's Three-Year Quest to Uncover the Best Scientific Evidence for ESP, Psychokinesis, Mental Healing, Ghosts and Poltergeists, Dowsing, Mediums, Near Death Experiences, Reincarnation, and Other Impossible Phenomena That Refuse to Disappear (2nd Edition)" by Michael L. Schmicker You can get it on amazon.com. This is NOT A BOOK ON MENTALISM - just something I am finding extremely useful to surround my performance with pseudo-scientific "evidence". Hope this helps - and my apologies if this is old news to some of you. Best, Ernie B. An addendum to the above - I didn't find any thread in this forum on other non-effects oriented books that people found useful... so perhaps this could be one? And Happy Thanksgiving to those of you in the US! |
mansomago New user spain 57 Posts |
you should read Real mental magic by ormond Mc gill
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David Numen Inner circle 2070 Posts |
I purchased a book over 10 years ago, which had excellent material on all psychic phenomena. I don't have access t o it just now but am fairly certain it was called "Intangible Evidence".
Quite a thick, paperback book which looks at all the psychic phenomena such as astral projection and psychometry. At the end of the book are methods for reading I Ching, Tarot and so forth. An excellent resource. I live in Spain and the book is in Scotland just now if I recall correctly so I’m sorry I don't have more info. I will be home at Xmas so will dig it out then (for my own benefit to be honest as I'd forgotten all about it until seeing this thread). Regards, David. |
Gardinski New user UK 66 Posts |
In terms of background reading on the paranormal and psychic phenomena, Colin Wilson's books are useful as sources for ideas and general patter.
And everyone really ought to go and avail themselves of a subscription to The Fortean Times if you haven't already done so. Infinitely more inspiring than any 'regular' newspaper, and probably more truthful... Tony G. |
teejay Inner circle Liverpool, UK 1831 Posts |
Hi All,
There is plenty of good stuff on this thread. I love Colin Wilson's stuff. His first books contained a character based on Alasteir Crowley. His massive The Occult is is magnificent. Don't buy any smaller versions. They are just a few chapters out of the original with a few updates. BUT does anybody know of any web sites that are useful for mentalists (For research) |
CardFan Elite user Found the Socks ! 430 Posts |
I don't fell the need to explain how it's working and give pseudo scientific background to my effects. I think it kills the magic and place the show as a pseudo scientific experience and no more a magical experience.
As a performer you don't have to justify your doings...
Aiming to become the only magician in the world that has ever produced the lost socks back from the dryer...
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RileyG Special user Las Vegas 840 Posts |
Intangible Evidence...
EXCELLENT book... Lots of yellow highlights in mine... |
brianp New user canada 25 Posts |
The Illusive Quarry by Ray Hyman. This has an excellent discussion on cold-reading plus I find both the Skeptical Inquirer and the Skeptic to be useful for current bizarre and mental news.
brian |
DaveS Veteran user New York 329 Posts |
Quote:
On 2003-07-23 21:35, brianp wrote: I agree. Although not their intended purpose, both magazines are a good source of material for devising story lines and patter for mentalism, bizarre and other magic genres. The Skeptical Inquirer is published by the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP. Skeptic Magazine is published by the Skeptics Society. Selected articles are available free online and back issues can also be purchased. These magazines publish news and articles on a wide range of controversial ideas and extraordinary claims and offer much food for thought. A lot of magicians subscribe to these magazines and some have even served on committees and boards of the organizations that publish them. http://www.csicop.org/si/online.html http://www.skeptic.com/index.html DaveS
We shall not cease from exploration/And the end of all our exploring/Will be to arrive where we started/And know the place for the first time. (TS Elliot)
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Jim Reynolds Elite user Special Guest 431 Posts |
Quote:
On 2003-07-24 11:08, DaveS wrote: These publications are more for magicians interested in 'debunking'. More into challenging psychic phenomena than actually learning about it. Better to read actual New Age material. You'll learn more-even if you think it is bunk-than you would from sources that are excessive with their disbeliefs. JR |
DaveS Veteran user New York 329 Posts |
On 2003-07-23 12:30pm, Jim Reynolds wrote:
"These publications are more for magicians interested in 'debunking'. More into challenging psychic phenomena than actually learning about it. Better to read actual New Age material. You'll learn more-even if you think it is bunk-than you would from sources that are excessive with their disbeliefs." ____________________________________ Jim, Without getting into the science vs. faith debate, I believe that the creative process benefits from being exposed to a wide range of ideas and perspectives which includes reading BOTH new age AND skeptical materials. IMO, understanding the techniques, tools and arguments that paranormal investigators use to debunk such phenomena can be useful in constructing routines that will appeal to, pass muster with and entertain a wide range of audiences. DaveS
We shall not cease from exploration/And the end of all our exploring/Will be to arrive where we started/And know the place for the first time. (TS Elliot)
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Allen Gittelson Regular user San Francisco 145 Posts |
Ah, yes..."Intangible Evidence" by Bernard Gittelson is definitely sitting on my shelf, though I think I have an additional reason for curiosity about it that none of you have. ;>) No, I don't think we are related.
Mental Wires, Allen |
Dr Omni Regular user UK 199 Posts |
An excellent historical overview of altered states of awareness is "Trance" by Brian Inglis (1989). Inglis demonstrates that trance experiences have for centuries been associated with reports of extra-sensory and paranormal phenomena on the part of the person in a trance. Although I have long been skeptical about the reality of paranormal phenomena (remote viewing, telepathy, "ghosts", etc), and I'm still not really convinced of their existence, Inglis's book has made me just slightly more open-minded about the possibilities. The book contains a lot of historical information and quotations which would be useful for the mentalist's patter and construction of effects.
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Allen Gittelson Regular user San Francisco 145 Posts |
I did a bit of research, and must alter my statement. It seems that it is quite likely that I am related to Bernard Gittelson. Now I have to find out.
Mental Wires, Allen |
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