Mentalism is a field that deals with mind reading, influencing, and prediction. It is often mistaken for psychic phenomena or telepathy. And mentalism bases its tricks on mental, optical illusion, and sleight of hand.
The term “mentalism” has been around for years. And the earliest recorded art dates back to Ancient Greece.
So, if you’re interested in learning mentalism, you’ve come to the right place. This article will recommend the best books on mentalism for beginners. These books will teach you the basics of mentalism and what you need to start.
Key Takeaways
- Learn the basics of mentalism from these 8 best books
- Get started in this mysterious and fascinating art form
- Discover how to read minds, control thoughts, and more!
The 8 Best Books on Mentalism
If you seek to learn more about mentalism, many great books are available. And these books will teach you the history and the science of it. So to help you get started, here are 8 of the best books on mentalism:
1. 13 Steps to Mentalism
Tony Corinda wrote the book “13 Steps to Mentalism.” And mentalists call this book the Bible of mentalism, which is a must-read for anyone. The book covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of mentalism to more advanced concepts.
It is ideal for beginners as it provides clear and concise explanations. But, it is also a viable source for skilled mentalists who want to expand their range of tricks. If you seek the field of Mentalism, then this book is a must-read!
2. Practical Mental Magic
“Practical Mental Magic” by Theodore Annemann is one of the best mentalism books in the mentalism space. This book covers topics and provides detailed hints on performing many mentalism effects. This makes it an ideal source for starters looking to get started in the world of mentalism.
3. Psychological Subtleties
Banachek’s Psychological Subtleties is one of the most well-respected books on mentalism. The book is a collection of Banachek’s essays on various mentalism topics. Also, it provides a detailed look at the diverse mental tricks Banachek uses in his routines.
This book is for beginners who want to know and use mentalism concepts. And it is viable for magicians and requires reading for anyone interested in the field. So grab this book now and learn what you need to get started on the journey of mentalism.
4. PRISM: The Color Series of Mentalism
Prism is the color series of Mentalism by Max Maven. The book is a compilation of published articles in the now-defunct Genii magazine. The book is divided into four sections: blue, green, red, and yellow.
Each section contains articles on different aspects of mentalism. This includes topics like the history of mentalism, method, and theory. The book is a brief description of ways to achieve needed skills. And it can help a beginner to understand the basics of mentalism.
5. Encyclopedia of Mentalism & Mentalists
The Encyclopedia of Mentalism and Mentalists is a book by Corinda and William Rauscher. The book is a detailed guide to the art of mentalism. It covers the history, the different types, and the method used by mentalists.
The book is a crucial resource for anyone interested in mentalism. It is conducive for beginners, providing a detailed overview of the subject. If you want to learn more about mentalism, this book is for you!
6. What Every Body Is Saying
What Every Body Is Saying is a book by Joe Navarro and Marvin Karlins. The book is about knowing body language and using it to your benefit. It is based on the premise that we can learn much about what somebody is thinking or feeling by observing their body language.
What Every Body Is Saying is a great resource for those who want to learn more about body language. Also, it is helpful for those who are new to the topic. This book houses viable information and is easy to read and understand.
7. Mind, Myth & Magick
This book briefly describes mind, myth, and magic by T. A. Waters. It can help a beginner in the field of developing their psychic abilities. The book starts with an intro to the three topics.
It then describes the different approaches anyone can use to develop psychic abilities. After that, it tells the different types of psychic abilities and how to use them.
8. The Principles of Mentalism
The Principles of Mentalism by Richard Osterlind is the one-stop best book on mentalism. In this book, Osterlind walks readers through the basics of mentalism. This includes memory tricks, sleight of hand, and mentalism effects.
He also provides tips on how to present tricks skillfully. So, this is a must-read book for every beginner in the field of mentalism. It will help them take their mentalism skills to the next level and amaze others with their abilities.
Conclusion
If you want to learn mentalism, there are some great books to get you started. This article listed 8 of the best books on mentalism for beginners. Each book covers a different aspect of mentalism, from basic principles to more advanced methods.
So, these books are a great place to start, whether you want to learn how to become a mentalist or learn more about the topic. These books will also introduce you to some of the most famous mentalists in history.
FAQ
Here are a few FAQs on mentalism.
Can We Learn Mentalism From Books?
Mentalism is the art of using one’s mind to influence the thoughts, emotions, and behavior of others. So, can we learn mentalism from books? But there isn’t a direct response to this question. Some people may be able to learn mentalism from books, while others may not.
How Do Mentalists Read Minds?
Mentalists are performers who can read minds. So how do mentalists do it? There is no one answer, as mentalists use various methods to perform their tricks. For example, some mentalists might use cold reading to observe their subject. Others might use hot lessons, where they research their topic beforehand.
Can Anyone Be a Mentalist?
Mentalism is partly based on psychology and human behavior so that anyone can learn the basics. But to be a successful mentalist, you need to have natural charisma and the ability to read people. So while anyone can learn the basics of mentalism, only some have what it takes to be a top-notch mentalist.
Does the Mentalist Have Powers?
Is it true that mentalists do have power? While there is no evidence to support these claims, mentalists say that their powers come from years of practice and study.
Some believe that mentalists have unique abilities to tap into the subconscious mind. Others believe mentalists are very good at reading people by their body language.
Who Invented Mentalism?
The history of mentalism is shrouded in mystery. There is no clear origin story or source for the practice. Mentalism, as we know it today, began to emerge in the late 19th century, but its roots may date back much further. Some say it dates back to the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle.
What Are Mentalist Skills?
Mentalism skills include memory devices, cold reading, and sleight of hand. They also use tricks and human behavior to create the illusion of psychic abilities. By knowing how people think and behave, mentalists can appear to have powers.
What Is the Difference Between Hypnosis and Mentalism?
The two genres are often confused because they both deal with the mind. But, there are some critical differences between the two. Mentalism is based on deception and trickery. Hypnosis is based on suggestion and influence.