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celebrity Inner circle 1961 Posts |
A short while ago I recieved a parcel through the post from a friend of mine Steven Palmer. Upon opening this packaged I was very pleased to find a preview copy of his first ever publication.
This book contains a total of ten mentalism effects designed for the close up performer. Even though I'd spoken to Steven many times in the past, this was my first real insight into his material. I am very pleased to say that I was more than happy with what I read. The effects contained within this book have been built upon the strong foundations of tried and tested methodology however, it is both the subtleties and the way that these ideas have been combined that really makes for an enjoyable read. All of the routines are simple to follow and are within the capabilities of even the most novice preformer. The instruction on the effects is both clear and concise. As the title of the book implies this is a book of methods the patter and presentation for these effects has been left for the performer to create. This I hasten to add is not a bad thing. Naturally everyones tastes will be different but I will highlight my top three effects from this book followed with a brief description of the remaning contents. There is a Time for Lying: This is something I can really see myself using. You plant a time inside the spectators head and are able to proove it. You then follow up by extracting a time from their mind. This makes an ideal opening routine and will quickly establish your credentials. Glitch: This is a Kollosal Killer style effect where by the spectator correctly intuits the name of a playing card which is inside your wallet. I will add that in this routine Steve details a beautiful addition that will bring a smile to the face of anyone who is familiar with plot. Kenton would be proud. The Becoming: This is another favourite of mine from the book, whilst not a routine in and of itself it does present the reader with a great suggestion/display of how the mindreading process is evoked. This also provides a perfect lead in for any mind reading demonstration. Into the Void: A very fair looking "think a card" effect where the spectator gets a genuine choice of card from a genuinley shuffled deck. Sensory Intelligence: This is a very clever variation of Larry Beckers sneak thief routine with a pleasant theme to boot. This also includes a nice variant for those who employ Tarot cards within their work. The Empathatic Touch: This is a simple yet highly effective handling of the blister effect. In this version your spectator is asked to think of a figer, holing your finger tips against theirs you ask your helper to imagine their thought of finger is getting hotter. Pulling your hand away, your matching finger is seen to have a blister upon it. Crooked: Starting out as a think a card effect, the mentalist ends up revealing the exact poker hand that a spectator has selected. This is all achieved from a shuffled deck. Jigsaw: After teaching a spectator how to piece a card together in their mind you reveal that this card was predicted ahead of time in an envelope. This has several elements which can be employed in a variety of different ways. Future Prophecies: A simple prediction effect which requires no more than a post-it pad and a pay envelope. Dead Cut Redux: This is a multi staged effect which has a gambling style premise. Anyone who uses cards in their set will be sure to find something of value in this routine. Closing thoughts... Sure Steve is my friend but what matters most is that I personally took something from this book and I will personally be adopting some of the routines and methods from it. For this reason alone I am more than happy to reccomend it as an addition to your library. Best Wishes Michael This book is available direct from Steve at www.thought-reader.com or www.magicbox.uk.com
As a mentalist you must always ask yourself what if! And throughout your life you should seek to ask and answer this question over and over again, only then will your wildest dreams become a reality!
Visit - www.mindfx.co.uk to learn more! |
dylan magic Elite user 424 Posts |
This flew under my radar, thanks for the great review Michael.
Glad you enjoyed the book! |
DavidKenney Inner circle 2178 Posts |
Steven told me he is releasing a new addition with a new opener from Peter Turner
Title: Method Memorabilia Creator: Steven Palmer Publisher: self published MSRP: $65 Skill Level: Intermediate Book length: 115 pages Type of effect: Collection of mentalist routines Manufacturer's Write Up: Method Memorabilia is a collection of ten close-up professional performance pieces of mentalism. All the routines are direct, logical and used extensively in the real world. The routines are simple to perform leaving the performer to focus on his presentations. No expensive gaffs or gimmicks are required to perform the material contained in the book and only basic sleight of hand is needed. Many of these items could have been sold as stand-alone items, but are collected here in this single of volume of modern mentalism. How accurate is the ad copy? Very accurate, I don't see anything misleading here. Key points: 10 very solid routines that could easily be worked into a few different mentalist routines. My thoughts: This is a great collection and works well for beginners who need some focus and for advanced mentalists who are looking for a new spin on an old classic. How many effects/ideas are here: 10 Is it well taught: This is a well taught book and the illustrations are helpful, but there were just a handful of moments where Mr. Palmer expected his readers to be familiar with outside works and or creators (which he references) but doesn't explain. Is it a well made book: This is a self-published soft back book with black and white photographs. There are some typographical errors (in grammar not spelling) but over all this is a "nice" volume. Overall score: 8/10 If you want to hear about the individual effects taught click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elwGb8y1q44 |
ElliottB Inner circle 3250 Posts |
I haven't purchased it yet, but this book received a very favorable review in the new February 2015 issue of Magic Magazine.
Congratulations to Mr. Palmer! Elliott |
DavidKenney Inner circle 2178 Posts |
Wait until the new edition comes out...
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dylan magic Elite user 424 Posts |
Just to clarify this is now revised with a foreword by Peter turner and and introduction by Luke jermay and called simply "Method".
"Method Memorabilia" is now discontinued. The new version is available at ellusionist. And also myself at www.thought-reader.com Many thanks for your time and interest. |
bloodkin Special user 646 Posts |
Thanks for the review, Dylan. I'm not familiar with his work, but definitely getting this.
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dylan magic Elite user 424 Posts |
No problem Doug, thanks for your interest!
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IAIN Eternal Order england 18807 Posts |
Sounds interesting...
I've asked to be banned
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