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RedDevil Inner circle Deep South 1315 Posts |
I was thinking today about the type of mentalism book I would most like to read right now on my journey in the art.
Being honest, I am a sucker for new stuff as much as anyone else, but what I would most like to read is a book not of new effects, but about the creative process of designing an effect, the use of fundamental principles and tools, the psychology of astonishment, the art of the revelation to maximize the moment, comparison and contrasts of the same effect and why one presentation works and another doesn't, how to write and teach and communicate an effect so that it is understandable and scalable to different contexts for the reader, discussion/debate on differences and advantages of different types of mentalism (Propless vs. Peeks for instance), other interesting philosophy of mentalism essays. Now, first, I realize that we have examples of this type of thinking all over the place in different texts: Cassidy, Weber, and many more. But would it be a good thing to put such a book together where people have a one-stop book to read the philosophy of mentalism from the best minds in mentalism? I am not proposing that we have a dearth of such "food" for us, but I am proposing that if I were going to purchase a new book on mentalism, I would love to read a book of of essays from different authors that tackle these issues and also tackle them in such a way so that it builds on the foundations of our predecessors, but also throws in some contemporary debate or thought-provoking discussions (like we have on Café sometimes). There is nothing new under the sun, in other words, but sometimes generations of people deconstruct the literature in totally unique ways that add something to the evolution of our art. Can mentalism actually evolve in a macro way? Should it evolve? That's a great essay question in itself, I believe. So my question is, would anyone be interested in working with me on such a project? Maybe a book like this already exists and no more is needed. But if a book like this does already indeed exist, is it time to collect contributions of new thinking and discourse? I have in mind editing a book of contributions by multiple mentalists. This could be a physical book, an e-book, or a set of volumes to be published every two years (just brainstorming). The structure in my mind would be no structure: you guys would write an article, a chapter, or essay (or submit one you have already published elsewhere) that tackles creativity (like Michael's essay he gave us recently), astonishment, pacing, psychology of mentalism, good propless vs. convoluted propless, what makes an effect boring, handling spectators...the topics are endless and unlimited--What topic would you like to write about? What topic would you most like to read about? I thought if people were interested in this project, I could set up a submission process and have a panel of qualified mentalists as a committee to decide what articles make it into the book. I would edit and put the book together (with some help hopefully), and we would effectively crowd-source a tome we would be proud of to sit in the mind-reader's canon. Imagine a book of essays with contributions by the big names we all know and love, but also from those who are respected writers, creators, and contributors from among us on Café or other boards (many of you would make some wonderful contributions to this project!). All in one book. Is there a place for such a book, and would any of you be willing to serve on such a panel and/or be willing to submit articles for this project? Is such a book one you would want on your shelf?
www.reddevilmentalism.com
F-F-U-L-Ri-F-F-Li-R-U-F-F |
Chaz93 Inner circle Texas 1754 Posts |
I'd happily make shelf space for a book like that, as well as offer a couple essays on my thoughts.
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Robb Inner circle 1291 Posts |
I think this idea has merit but it does seem like there's already a boat load of information out there, but it is not well compiled I guess. There was also that series a few years back... What was it called? Conversations with Mentalists or something? I imagine that contained a lot of the type of content you're talking about, no? I never obtained it myself and not sure it's still available.
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mastermindreader 1949 - 2017 Seattle, WA 12586 Posts |
This was the main topic of my four-part "Principia Mentalia," which appeared in the first volume of "The Artful Mentalism."
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MatthewSims Special user 778 Posts |
Check out Dr. Landmans Magiculum. If you are searching for the things that you have listed you will undoubtably enjoy this book.
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Joe Atmore Elite user Joe Atmore 419 Posts |
Quote:
On Nov 19, 2014, mastermindreader wrote: And they are brilliant too. I was a subscriber to the originals.
Best Thoughts,
Joe Atmore International Artists Consultant Uri Geller's Phenomenon TV Series; PEA Bob Haines Memorial Award; Dunninger Show Recreation; Author of Dunninger Knows and Dunninger's Brain Busters JosephAtmore.com |
DocBenWiz Special user Meridian, Idaho 992 Posts |
Quote:
On Nov 19, 2014, MatthewSims wrote: Yes, Magiculum an excellent read and I would also suggest Osterlind's "The Professional Mentalist's Field Manual" for a concise, but varied SubJect and power-packed little treatise of the sort you mention above.
"Pay no attention to that strange man behind the curtain" (it's only "Doc Benjamin from the Amazing Wizardelia Wagon")
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Joe Atmore Elite user Joe Atmore 419 Posts |
And frankly, my own column in Vibes "Dunninger Knows" which was reprinted as a chapter in my book of the same name covers some of these topics.
Best Thoughts,
Joe Atmore International Artists Consultant Uri Geller's Phenomenon TV Series; PEA Bob Haines Memorial Award; Dunninger Show Recreation; Author of Dunninger Knows and Dunninger's Brain Busters JosephAtmore.com |
ELDEMONIO Regular user 159 Posts |
Quote:
On Nov 19, 2014, Robb wrote: I think Robb was referring to these recordings http://confessionsofrealmindreaders.com/welcome/?wlfrom=%2F And RedDevil I would very much enjoy such a book. I recently read the free ebook Magic in Mind by Vanishing Inc and it was one of the best reads for me. I suppose this ebook is similar to what you are proposing but strictly dealing with subjects in mentalism. https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/magic-......in-mind/ I hope I can read such a book in the future! Awesome idea! |
IAIN Eternal Order england 18807 Posts |
I only like them within the context of a book by a single author, so I not only read their thoughts on such things, but then I read the presentations too and it all links up in my mind...
Overall, if a collective was published, I think it would be counter-productive for me personally...plus, I want to focus on my own way of being creative and encouraging it in a way suits me, rather than maybe getting caught up in someone else's method(s)... I believe we need to create our own rabbit hole...
I've asked to be banned
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C.J. Inner circle There's a lotta rambling in my 2366 Posts |
Whilst not specific to mentalism, I think this concept is what is being attempted with the Journal of Performance Magic, of which Dr Todd is one of the editors.
I'm not certain that such a free form as was suggested in the original post is going to be a good choice. It either needs slightly more clarification, or it needs a darn good editor to structure the book so that essays flow in a logical order, or are arranged in logical groups/chapters. If you want to try it, why not start a thread to test run the idea? The rule of the thread is that each post must be a contribution (with no "interruptive posts", side comments or discussion along the way). Sure, you'd only be gathering contributions from Café users and not the slightly broader base of authors that could be brought to bear on a book, but it would at least allow you to test the concept and see what gets thrown out to such an open call for essays.
Connor Jacobs - The Thought Sculptor
Mundus vult decipi, ergo decipiatur Be fondly remembered. |
Craig Logan Special user Michigan 541 Posts |
Quote:
On Nov 19, 2014, IAIN wrote: This resonates with me as I hope it also does with others in the art. Creativity and a unique voice is lacking in mentalism as well as magic. I do think, however, that many can also benefit form seeing and understanding the psychology, technique and approach that others have toward mentalism. -CM
"A wizard is not to be made in a day." -Professor Hoffmann (Modern Magic)
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Mr. Woolery Inner circle Fairbanks, AK 2149 Posts |
For understanding the thinking behind a routine, Bob Cassidy's writing about the different methods in the development of his 4DT was wonderful. I especially love reading the "why" behind the methods used.
While I am limiting my new purchases to what I can justify buying, I think a project where a dozen authors go over the development of a single routine each would be worth owning. I would especially be looking for serendipity factor. Some of my favorite effects are things I personally dismissed until seeing a strong performance. I had never thought much of Anneman's Par Optic Vision just from reading about it. Then I saw Richard Osterlind do it on Mind Mysteries. And I "got" it. I would welcome more such insights. Patrick |
mrmysticmike Elite user Cleveland, Ohio 427 Posts |
RedDevil's post brought to mind Ben Cummings' "Conversations With Mind Readers".
A lot of the subjects mentioned are talked about on this set of CDs. |
RedDevil Inner circle Deep South 1315 Posts |
Thanks, guys. With that said, if such a book existed, I would buy it...
www.reddevilmentalism.com
F-F-U-L-Ri-F-F-Li-R-U-F-F |
russellajallen Regular user 108 Posts |
Sounds good, I'm sure it would be of great interest to many people here at the Café
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John C Eternal Order I THINK therefore I wrote 12945 Posts |
I'm sure there lots of books on the creative process. Not specific to mentalism but the creative process is the same I think.
Barry Mitchell has such a book. Check out his website. But amazon should have loads. |
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