Let’s sort through the magic literature. What are the best books on mentalism and mindreading?
Absolute Magic by Derren Brown
Now out of print and going for $450+ on the secondhand market, Derren Brown’s second book is legendary. Despite publication more than twenty years ago, Absolute Magic is as relevant now as it was in 2002. Brown says: "The aim of this book is to set out, quite unapologetically, a model for performing magic in such a way that it feels real to the spectator—even though he may intellectually rationalize it later." The point–while the books below offer great tricks, Absolute Magic gives you the why and the emotion behind strong mentalism. Anyone can turn around a piece of poster board with a prediction on it. Very few can sell it as rich, vibrant magic. Reading this book will at least give you a shot. Good luck finding it.
13 Steps to Mentalism by Corinda
It’s hard not to include this admittedly obvious choice. However, 13 Steps truly is the foundation for mentalism. Pretty much all essential mentalism techniques are covered here (minus more modern techniques like anagrams). However, if you can get past the older language, you’re left with an unending source of strong techniques. You might and should have to modify the effects. But by reading 13 Steps, you’ll at least be able to do them.
Practical Mental Magic by Theo Anneman
Written by the man behind The Jinx, this is as much a compendium of solid mentalism methods as 13 Steps. You’ll find, for example, one of the earliest psychometry routines ever published. It’s also $20 at Tannen’s, and that is truly insane value.
