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RandomNewGuy New user 2 Posts |
So, I'm returning to magic after a long hiatus, and one of the things I'd like to learn more about (in addition to magic) is mentalism. I really don't know much about mentalism beyond some of the very basic basic concepts (m****** o***s, p***s, that french word, impr***** de***ces and so on). What I'm looking for are suggestions for good books / DVD's to get into mentalism for someone who has some knowledge of magic (card magic in particular). I was going to get Max Maven's Multiplicity, but what else might be a good buy, either in terms of books or DVD's? (I'd rather not get too many gimmicks quite yet).
I don't picture myself doing mentalism / mental magic 100% of the time all the time, and at least at the moment, I don't have any interest in parlour / stage mentalism. Close up stuff only. |
TonyBrand Special user Chicago, IL 507 Posts |
Hi RandomNewGuy,
You're probably going to get quite a few recommendations to purchase ‘13 Steps to Mentalism’ and ‘Practical Mental Magic’ (and rightfully so). These are both great books and deserve to be on any mentalist’s bookshelf. I would also recommend ‘Prism’ by Max Maven as it contains many great effects. -Tony |
DominotheGreat New user 50 Posts |
Are there any good mentalist tricks out there?
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Garrette Special user 926 Posts |
Quote: No.
On 2011-04-01 17:16, DominotheGreat wrote: |
ROBERT BLAKE Inner circle 1472 Posts |
BEST BOOK: fundamentals - bob cassidy / lybrary.com
magicians do tricks mentalists do have a gift |
TonyBrand Special user Chicago, IL 507 Posts |
Forgot all about Fundamentals - another great read.
Domino, I would highly recommend purchasing/reading the books mentioned above before purchasing individual effects. Focus on presentation and developing a character before buying "tricks". |
Dr. Eamon Inner circle ------------John Dream------------If you can Dream it, you can Do it! 1313 Posts |
Start with 13 Steps to Mentalism
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Mindpro Eternal Order 10586 Posts |
Try asking again once you try to understand mentalism, the differences from standard magic, and that mentalism isn't just tricks.
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Yesmereyezed New user 35 Posts |
Mentalism is very fascinating.
They say numbers have certain meanings and that people prone to choose certain numbers more easy than others. So it looks like there is a lot of unconsious psycholgy involved. Is it something like that ? |
Dick Christian Inner circle Northern Virginia (Metro DC) 2619 Posts |
RandomNewGuy,
It should come as no surprise that yours is one of the most frequently asked questions on this forum. Had you used the search button you would no doubt have found the following: Here, for the umpteenth time, is the same advice I give anyone who is contemplating undertaking the transition from magic to mentalism (or adding mentalism to their repertoire) and that I wish someone had given to me when I was at the same point in my development. The great thing is that both my advice and the source material that I recommend are free. I know that regular readers are already saying to themselves "here he goes again," nevertheless it apparently bears repeating. Although others will be quick to refer you to the books by Annemann and Corinda, I strongly suggest that before you invest in any other books, DVDs, CDs or effects, you would be better advised to read Bob Cassidy's "The Thirty-Nine Steps: A Mentalist's Library of Essential Works." I believe you can still download it for free from http://www.mastermindreader.com/The39Steps.html or http://www.Lybrary.com. You will also find it in Cassidy’s “Fundamentals of Professional Mentalism” which is a downloadable manuscript available at http://www.Lybary.com. While “Fundamentals” is not free, at only $29 it is one of best bargains in mentalism and IMO there is no better preparation for further study of the genre. IMO there is more valuable "real world" information packed into the 88 pages of "Fundamentals" than any other single source I've found in my 60+ year association with the magical arts. For someone who is really a "beginner" in the truest sense of the word, I would recommend 2 books. Like Bob, "The Amateur Magician's Handbook" by Henry Hay is at the top of my list. The second, although not on Bob's list, is "The Handbook of Mental Magic" by Marvin Kaye. Another book, just released in February 2011, which I highly recommend and have added to my list is Richard Osterlind’s “The Principles of Mentalism.” Hay's book is step 1. It provides the broad based practical foundation in the psychology and techniques of magic that is essential for anyone before they even consider tackling mentalism. Kaye's is step 2 and covers many of the essential basics of mental magic -- the precursor to mentalism -- from the layman's perspective, presupposes zero prior knowledge or experience, and introduces the beginner to the important fundamentals in a more contemporary context. Osterlind's is step 3. IMO those who will be quick to bypass those and direct you first to the works of Annemann, Larsen, Nelson, Newman, Corinda, etc. -- all of which BTW are more than worthy of study and, in fact, are among the sources recommended by Cassidy -- are putting the cart before the horse because most beginners lack the foundation needed to really "get into" those pioneers of mentalism whose writing and presentations will seem dated to anyone lacking the knowledge base to recognize and fully appreciate the timelessness of the principles underlying their work. I am a firm believer in the idea that one should first learn to crawl, then to walk and that only after lots of experience running is one ready to tackle a marathon. I know that seems like a long, slow and arduous process. It is, but if you really want to learn, you should read the books. Mastering the basics will give you the foundation on which to build. Once you have laid a proper foundation, you will be ready to graduate to the works of the contemporary luminaries of mentalism like Maven, Waters, Cassidy, Becker, Banachek, Osterlind, Bernstein, Brook, Nyman, Looch, Quinn and others. But before you even order "Fundamentals" you should understand and bear in mind that although many consider mentalism a subset of magic, it also has roots in spiritualism and mediumship and IMO it is one of the most demanding type of performing and requires a totally different mindset and skill set than magic as it responds to the totally different mindset of the audience. So be forewarned that it is NOT an easy transition for most magicians to make and can be even more difficult for those lacking a solid background in magic. Just my $0.02
Dick Christian
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