(And let’s face it, Derren Brown must have started somewhere!) But he’s nothing if not keen, and believes that if you apply yourself diligently, you can make great strides in this area. Corinda himself acknowledges that - to take pencil reading as an example - the average mentalist steers clear of such things because ‘it is hard work’ and the results are ‘known to be uncertain’. They are not, of course, easy skills to master. Corinda analyses each technique, then offers a broad range of advice: when to attempt the method, how to position yourself, favourable and unfavourable conditions - concluding the chapter with a good selection of effects that can be performed once these abilities have been acquired. All in all, a very ‘handy’ introduction.Īs you might have guessed, this section is divided into five separate areas. He also suggests some 24 effects that make use of the gimmick. The author offers guidance on the varieties of Swami available, how to handle the gimmick, what type of card to write on etc. Obviously, there have been some advances/changes in the use of this gimmick since Corinda’s day, but the principles remain the same. This section is split into three self-explanatory subsections, namely ‘Types’, ‘Technique’ and ‘Tricks’. Each section of the book does, of course, have its own series of subject headings, but unless you know which page ‘Two Person Telepathy’ begins on, for example, you need to go to the Index, or else thumb through until you hit lucky.Ĭorinda’s work is divided (not surprisingly) into thirteen sections, or ‘Steps’, namely:Ģ Pencil, Lip, Sound, Touch and Muscle Reading (Well, them and Leapy Lee.) The book has a useful index, but could, I feel, benefit from a complete contents list. And I speak as someone who was rattling along to the Rolling Stones back then. Price/availability: Depends where you are in the world!įirst published in 1968, this work, not surprisingly, has an old-fashioned feel to it. Title: Thirteen Steps to Mentalism by Tony Corinda You may want to go and grab a cup of coffee. (If this review needs to be moved elsewhere, whoever is responsible, please go ahead.) If I’ve misunderstood something, I apologise. I’ve also read through several posts here and, though it’s suggested that this is a review area for books, most of the posts I’ve read don’t seem to fall into that category.

I’ve done a search, and can’t find a review of this book.

13 steps to mentalism book