13 Steps to Mentalism

13 Steps to Mentalism by Corinda stands as a foundational text for mentalism and psychological illusion. The book presents thirteen core principles and techniques used by professional mentalists to create the appearance of psychic abilities and mind reading. Each chapter focuses on one specific aspect of mentalism, from cold reading to muscle reading to predictions. The text includes detailed instructions, illustrations, and practical exercises that build upon one another in sequence. The book maintains a balance between theoretical framework and hands-on application throughout its sections. Historical examples and real-world performance scenarios help readers understand the context and execution of each technique. This work explores themes of human psychology, perception, and the nature of belief through the lens of theatrical deception. The text raises questions about the relationship between performer and audience while examining how people process and interpret seemingly inexplicable phenomena.

Readers describe this as a thorough introduction to mentalism fundamentals, though the 1968 writing style can feel dated. The book's detailed explanations of techniques like muscle reading, mnemonics, and cold reading provide a strong foundation. Likes: - Step-by-step instructions with clear illustrations - Practical performance tips and real-world applications - Comprehensive coverage of major mentalism methods Dislikes: - Dense, technical writing that can be hard to follow - Outdated references and examples - Some effects require props that are no longer available - Basic concepts take many pages to explain A common critique is that newer books present the same material more concisely. Several readers note the book works better as a reference than a cover-to-cover read. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (289 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (428 ratings) "The information is valuable but getting through the verbose text requires patience," notes one Amazon reviewer.

Practical Mental Magic by Theodore Annemann A collection of mentalism methods and techniques focused on theatrical performance drawn from professional mentalists' repertoires.

Psychological Subtleties by Banachek A compilation of psychological principles and methods used in mentalism performances, with emphasis on subtle techniques.

Mind Reader: Unlocking the Power of Your Mind to Get What You Want by Lior Suchard A guide to the methods of mentalism combining psychology, misdirection, and performance techniques used by professional performers.

The Full Facts Book of Cold Reading by Ian Rowland A systematic examination of cold reading techniques used by mentalists and psychics to create the illusion of mind reading.

The Art of Mentalism by Robert Cassidy A collection of mentalism routines and techniques focusing on the performance aspects and methodology of mental effects.

🎭 Tony Corinda wrote this influential mentalism guide in 1968 after spending years collecting and organizing techniques from professional performers worldwide. 🔮 Each of the 13 steps was originally released as a separate manuscript, sold individually to magicians and mentalists before being compiled into the complete book. 💫 David Copperfield has cited "13 Steps to Mentalism" as one of the foundational texts that helped shape his early career in magic and illusion. 🎪 The book's section on "billets" (folded papers used in mind-reading acts) is considered so comprehensive that it remains the definitive resource on the subject over 50 years later. 📚 While writing the book, Corinda operated a magic shop in London where he would test and refine the techniques with customers before including them in his manuscripts.