CHAPTER ONE

DEVELOPING COMPELLING DEMONSTRATIONS

This chapter outlines my own personal beliefs on presenting contemporary mentalism. From the structure of an effect to building a routine and a show. Each point is complete with working examples from my own repertoire.

CHAPTER TWO

A WORKING EXAMPLE OF MY GUIDELINES

In this chapter we handle a working example of all the guidelines outlined in chapter one by creating and applying these rules to an effect.

CHAPTER THREE

AN APPROACH TO “PROP FREE” MENTALISM

A brief look at performing modern mentalism without the aid of apparatus and props of any kind. This chapters features a breakdown of what I think are the most useful methods for a performer to have in his or her tool box when it comes to performing mentalism with no psychical props at all.

CHAPTER FOUR

THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS

This chapter outlines the attention to detail that I feel is needed to make a truly compelling performance. It also features a working example of how applying the small touches to an effect can make all the difference.

CHAPTER FIVE

PRESENTATIONAL TOUCHES

A collection of presentational additions that can be added into many effects that you already perform as well as all the effects featured within this book. These range from the use of a slinky as a pendulum right the way up to saying the alphabet backwards and writing inside out verse. These touches are used throughout the book to build compelling demonstrations and will be referenced throughout from this chapter.

CHAPTER SIX

TOUCHING ON HOY – THE REAL WORK

This chapter features possibly the strongest, prop free, anywhere, anytime demonstration of mind reading available to the mentalist. Featuring brand new work on my original effect as well as three different effects that are achieved with the same basic conceptual methodology. This chapter also includes new work on the effect eliminating the need for a psychological force, a new and bold out for the brave performer, a new idea from which a miracle could spring “the Stranger’s Name Concept” and also features a guest contribution from Chicago’s Chris Carter.

CHAPTER SEVEN

HAIL DUNNINGER – A PRINICPLE AND AN EFFECT

In this chapter I take a closer look at the “Dunninger Ploy” and describe its use in relation to a card effect using a prop you almost certainly already own.

CHAPTER EIGHT

A LOOK AT TV MAGIC/MENTALISM FROM EDITING TO BROADCAST

Here I share my personal thoughts on the world of TV magic. From selective editing to pre-show work and dirty “camera tricks”.

CHAPTER NINE

STANDING ON THE SHOUDLERS OF GIANTS

This chapter is a work inspired by my influences. As performers I truly think we are building everything we perform on the work of greats from the past. Here I share three routines that I feel are directly inspired by Canasta, Dr. Jak’s and Koran.

CHAPTER TEN

MENTALISM WITH PLAYING CARDS

This chapter features mentalism with playing cards. All neatly piled together so those who would rather poke themselves in the eyes with anthrax covered magic wand than mix mentalism and playing cards can simply skip.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

SUGGESTION

A chapter featuring effects that mix the classic methods of magic and mentalism with suggestive techniques to create bold and new effects never before possible.

CHAPTER TWELEVE

A BRIEF JOURNEY INTO THE BIZARRE

No skulls, altars or sacrificed goats rather Mentalism with a surreal twist. From making time stand still, traveling backwards in time, scars healing themselves, incredible coincidences, a game of life and death, demonstrating your "grift sense" while charmingly stealing from your spectators, revealing innermost fears and stealing watches with your psychic power Its all very odd. Featuring guest contributions from Morgan Strebler, Craig Browing and Liam Montier.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

ZEROING IN

Methods to zero in on the correct spectators for your effects. This features a cold approach to working with suggestive methods as well as a honing method design for the stage performer and a method designed for the close up worker.

Manufacturer Says

First edition: Copyright 2007, Penguin Magic. Hardcover. 177 Pages.