U. F. Grant presents several clever ideas on billet reading or how to use a svengali deck for mentalism. He also has a completely different version of "Grey Elephants in Denmark".
10...
Bob is a professional mentalist with a unique humorous style. In this limited edition ebook he shares his approach to mentalism in his 'Principia Mentalia' - a work in four parts: fire, earth, air and water. You will also find a recording of a radio talk show where Bob is the celebrity guest, running 13.5 minutes. And the complete recording of his appearance on KOMO-TV's "Northwest Afternoon", 22 minutes long, is included as well. Particularly these two recordings will show you Bob Cassidy's unique style. Also included is his very interesting Art of Mentalism 2 ebook. On top of it you will find...
Another masterpiece from Arthur Buckley written together with John Brown Cook. Only 125 copies were printed, but now again available as a digital download. It comes with an introduction by the great John Mulholland.
This is a collection of 33 extremely practical and entertaining mental routines primarily for stage and parlor. They are all clearly described. There are not that many great books on mental magic. This one is definitely one of them.
1st edition, 1947, privately printed, Chicago; 132 pages.
In Miracle Mongers and their Methods, Harry Houdini turns a critical eye to wonders such as 'The Incombustible Spaniard' or 'Defiers of Poisonous Reptiles'. The timeless fascination with miracles and astonishing claims makes this classic as timely as when it was originally written.
1st edition, 1920, Dutton; reprinted, 1980, Cole; reprinted, 1981/1993, Prometheus; 240 pages.
Houdini writes about the famous mediums in his time. Names like Palladino and Ann O'Delia Diss Debar should ring a bell. He also elaborates on his exchanges with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle who was a firm believer in spirits and paranormal phenomena.
1st edition, 1924, Harper & Row, New York; reprint 1972, Arno Press, New York; 296 pages.
Harry Houdini spent a good part of his life exposing mediums and 'unexplainable' phenomena. In this booklet he describes the case of the Boston "Margery" and the prize the Scientific American put up for true paranormal effects. He not only clearly describes and demonstrates the tricks of this very clever medium but also tells the difficulties surrounding the actual exposure. Houdini was world class in the role of the detective. It is fascinating to read how he sensitised his leg to be able to feel the slightest movement the medium made.
Margery or Mina Stinson (1888–1941) was born in Canada...
"No Code" Telepathy. A complete routine, with explanations, of pseudo-telepathy between two people. It can be learned in one evening, its running time is 30 minutes, and everything necessary can be carried on the person.
1st edition 1940, PDF 13 pages.
A "No Card" Mystery Act. Completely routined and fully described, this 25 minute presentation has only a total carrying weight of 6 pounds, and does not make use of playing cards.
1st edition 1939, PDF 18 pages.
A completely routined and explained magical club program running thirty minutes. All may be carried in a suitcase.
1st edition 1939, PDF 22 pages.
A completely routined and fully described thirty-minute act for one person, the necessary material for which may be carried in a brief case.
1st edition 1938, PDF 17 pages.
This routined and fully explained program of magic runs approximately 25 minutes and can be carried in a brief case.
1st edition 1938, PDF 14 pages.
Annemann describes a wealth of forty pieces in this wonderful booklet. The first, "Call me up sometime" is a beautifully direct telephone miracle. This is a prime example of Annemann's mantra of 'effect before method'.
I found the following line from Annemann's introduction funny:
I like to do these things so well that someday I'm going to write a twenty page introduction and follow it with one trick! Trouble is, however, that after that harangue the trick will HAVE to be good.
1st edition 1934; 50 pages.
This was the first book Annemann wrote. It has a glowing introduction by Al Baker, although later in their lives Al and Ted were not always the best of friends. As Annemann himself writes in the foreword, you will find routines employing simple methods and direct to-the-point presentations. This is mentalism at its best without any clutter confusing the effect. A few rare photos of Annemann performing can be found as well.
first edition, 1931, Max Holden; 62 pages
A collection of twelve typically ingenious Annemann creations, from the pages of The Sphinx.
first edition, 1952, Sphinx Publishing Corporation; 16 pages.
Annemann teaches thirteen commercial mentalism pieces with slates, cards, dollar bills, telephone books and cigarettes. The majority of routines involves cards. Annemann's unique direct style is felt in each one of these effects.
Paul Fleming wrote:
This little collection of Annemann material, which was published in 1939, measures up to the high standard of excellence that has made Annemann's name synonymous with magical feats of great ingenuity. The thirteen items presented here may be described briefly as follows:
This booklet is indeed a bargain, with effects by Hewitt, J. G. Thompson and Annemann. Among the effects you will find the famous Mental Masterpiece from Annemann.
1st edition 1935, PDF 16 pages.
If you have ever wondered what is the best way to force a card or number or item in a certain situation, then you can stop wondering. This booklet is nothing but forcing methods. It is ideal if you design your own routines and would like to find the most suitable force. It is also great for people who have problems with one or another force, since here they will find other methods to reach the same outcome. Very simply said, get this ebook and stop worrying about your forces.
You could also get the version which includes Victor Farelli's notes: 202 Methods of Forcing - with Victor Farelli Notes.
first edition, 1933, Max Holden, New York;...
Another great booklet from Annemann. It describes in detail his one man routine. Annemann wove together some of the greatest mental tricks. He discusses the question Magic vs. Mindreading and shares other invaluable advice with the reader. If you do mental magic you already know that anything from Annemann is a must read. If you just start with mental magic, read as much from Annemann as you can get your hands on.
Paul Fleming wrote:
No one who knows about the work of Joseph Dunninger and the size of the fees he receives for his performances is likely to doubt that the public is interested in "mental...
This book packs almost 200 mental miracles, many of which are creations of one of the masters of mental magic - Ted Annemann. You will find the best book tests, psychic codes, tricks with slates, blindfold reading, publicity effects, and much more. This book together with Annemann's Card Magic covers a good part of the famous Jinx magazine, of which Annemann was editor.
Paul Fleming wrote:
Annemann's Full Deck of Impromptu Card Tricks, which made its appearance about a year ago, has been enjoying a well deserved popularity ever since. There is no reason to suppose that Annemann's Practical Mental Effects, compiled in the main...
Max Maven writes in the introduction to Spirited Pasteboards:
There is an ancient Chinese curse which goes, "May you live in interesting times." Bearing this in mind, it is not without some playful malice that I inform you that you are now holding a tome which is extremely interesting.
As with the author's previous book, Psimatrika, the work in this text is primarily based upon stacking arrangements which generate information via binary codes. The principle is by no means new, but in its seventy-year history as a conjuring method it has remained little-known and woefully under-explored.
Mr. Boudreau...
After reading this ebook you will be able to divine the words selected at random from any borrowed dictionary or book; deal four straight winning hands of Blackjack without sleight of hand; teach anyone how to read minds convincingly in just 30 seconds; sense colors merely thought of; transform a borrowed pack of cards into a bizarre impression device.
Several effects in this ebook require what Leo calls The Nothing Book. It is a hard cover book with empty pages. You can also use an empty notebook.
first edition, 1989, The Rustic Press, Arlington; 128 pages.
Leo Boudreau's books have been out of print for a long time. Now that they are available again electronically, a new generation of magicians can learn and study the subtle methods Leo developed to produce true miracles. Some have said that his effects are the next best thing to real mind reading. I fully agree with this statement. The way he finds out which item the spectator selected is so subtle that it appears as if he is not doing anything. Here is a quote from Leo which Al Mann included in his introduction to Psimatrika:
"I can give a deck of cards to a person and tell him to secretly...
The nail writer is an extremely powerful tool for the mentalist. It's origin is unclear. One of the earliest references can be found in the book Spirit Slate Writing and Kindred Phenomena, written by William. E. Robinson and published in 1898. Therein it was called "The Thumb Pencil Carrier". This booklet will give you an easy start using this gimmick.
Paul Fleming wrote:
We have had a high opinion of the "nail-writer" ever since, a good many years ago, Paul Rosini gave us a demonstration in which he used this tiny piece of apparatus. Of course, it does not follow that, just because Mr. Rosini produces a near-miracle with the aid of this "fake," all magicians...