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Principles of Mentalism by Richard Osterlind - Book


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What is it about mentalism that makes it so appealing to audiences and why do so many mentalists fail to understand this attraction?

Do audiences really want to see experts and how do pseudo-demonstrations of NLP and psychology destroy the charm of mentalism?

How does technology affect mystery and why is the biggest mistake in mentalism the use of hidden computers and electronic gadgets?

Richard Osterlind is indisputably one of the top figures in mentalism today. He has performed internationally for the business and social elite for over 40 years and is recognized as one of the most sought-after entertainers in his field. Professionals worldwide use his material and his top-selling books and videos rate among the most acclaimed and successful in the industry.

Inside the pages of this remarkable book, Richard shares his secrets on all aspects of performing. Learn how to make your mentalism more commercial and powerful than you would have believed! Learn the secrets of effectively developing your performing style and how to deliver what people pay to see! Richard will even teach you what to think during your performance and why this is so vital!

Meant as a companion to Richard's monumental work, The Principles of Magic, this book may be his most provocative and insightful work to date.

Some of the chapters inside this remarkable book include:

  • What the audience sees first.
  • What are the different levels of mystery?
  • How to properly use uncertainty, tension, surprise, elation, exhaustion, humor and release.
  • The secret of the remarkable Power Silent Script.
  • Why procedures are not problematic and how they are actually beneficial to your mentalism.
  • The practical selection of effects.
  • Why levels of ability are so important.
  • ...and much, much more.
If you are serious about your mentalism, this book will lead you in new directions you never thought possible. Whether you are a magician wishing to move into mentalism or are an advanced mentalist, you will find concepts and ideas within these pages that will startle you and force you into new dimensions.

Pages: 86 - 5.5" x 8.5" - Softcover - Perfect Bound

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Definitely Read This! Report this review
Verified buyer Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on November 15th, 2023
You should read this book! The first section of the book is essential reading for all mentalists or aspiring mentalists and there are important gems throughout. At its best, it lays out a philosophy of mentalism, including why mentalism is appealing to people, the posture of the performer, and the importance of uncertainty, tension, surprise, and elation. Osterlind is a master and a genius and it shows in this brief book. I have three points of disagreement, but nothing that detracts from the overall impact of the book. My first disagreement is he is very dismissive and negative about "electronic devices." This feels dated and unhelpful. I doubt he had seen Mental Dice or the PITATA White Board or a bunch of other devices where the electronic nature is impossibly disguised. (The book was written twelve years ago.) Second, he does something I find frustrating, which is the "kids these days" criticisms. The young mentalists are taken with fads, they rely on self-working tricks, they don't move around enough, etc. I've been working at magic and mentalism for over thirty years and there are many young performers who are much more talented than me, both in raw talent and the time they put into crafting their routines. Criticizing young talent is grating. Finally, the book is exceedingly brief, coming in at 86 pages. The final sections don't have the heft of the openers either. Still, consider this a great review (a 4.5 star review), even with these objections. Anyone who wants to think well about mentalism should read this important work.
2 of 2 magicians found this helpful.
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A very good read Report this review
Verified buyer Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on October 22nd, 2023
I finished the book last night. There's lots of good advice in it. I read it once and need to read again to highlight the gems in it. Really enjoyed it.
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Important! Report this review
Verified buyer Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on July 4th, 2023
This book is the second of Richard Osterlind's books I have read (the first being "Words"). The first chapter of this book is so incredibly important for any performer of magic (mentalism or otherwise) to read! Consider this: Why do you do what you do, and, why should your audience feel any particular way about it? Want to know the right answers to those questions? Read this book.
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Richard's views... Report this review
Pro Privacy ON (login to see reviewer names) on September 18th, 2015
If you're not looking for routines and are interested in theory, then this is an absolute must-read.
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