THE BLURB:
This book represents a fundamental method that should belong
in the arsenal of any mentalist.
The method is described in full detail with powerful
psychological subtleties included.
A number of effects demonstrating this wonderful method are
fully described. These include:
* Changing Minds: Appear to bestow a volunteer with the
ability to read your mind with extraordinary detail and
accuracy.
* More than Freud: Simulate being able to predict human
behaviour and movements, clearly demonstrating an astounding
knowledge of psychology.
* Hand of Glory: Predict the number of fingers a person is
holding up on their hand while it is hidden from view. They
then strangely have the ability to predict whatever number
of fingers that you hold up without being able to see your
fingers.
* Reading Minds: Parallel the ability to know intimate
details and personal information from any audience member.
This information is so personal that no amount of pre-show
snooping into the background of the individual could
possibly be the answer.
There are other effects included within this book and also
focused strategies to create other equally or even
increasingly powerful effects using this technique.
The effects presented in the book have a presentation best
suited to stage/group work. However, that is just the
presentation; it it possible to use this method with a
smaller numbers of people.
110 page, perfect bound soft cover book.
All first printing books will be signed by the author.
MY COMMENTS:
Without a doubt, this is the best book on the subject of
pre-show work I've ever seen. As one who has a background
in psychology and mentalism, Paul Brook knows just what to
say and do in order to create a successful and memorable
performance using this technique. Included in this book are
effects in which the participant reads the performer's mind,
the performer repeatedly knows how many fingers a
participant is holding behind his/her back, and reveals a
participant's new PIN number.
There are three sections to this 108-page, perfect-bound
book. The first section features five effects: Changing
Minds, Reading Minds, More Than Freud, Hand of Glory, and
Pilfered PIN. Though these five effects deftly illustrate
the principles that Paul Brook discusses, it is the final
two sections that are the most important. They are "The
Psychology of Creating Your own Pre-Show Effects" and
"Subtleties." I think the titles of these sections should
speak for themselves.
I must note that the use of pre-show work has generated some
heated debates. In the first few pages of the book, Paul
addresses the controversial nature of using this technique.
"Many famous mentalists are using it these days. These
people are the ones the general public will remember; not
the guy who predicted that you would choose the right key to
open the lock...
You are not using stooges; you are orchestrating a good
control of people and psychology. This is an art form, not
merely using an actor. Any fool can hire a guy to act for
them; not everyone has the high dedication to perfect high
levels of mental control. For this reason alone, I abhor
the categorisation of pre-show work as being akin to
stooging."
Personally, I still am uncomfortable doing hidden pre-show
work for reasons I won't go into here. That's my own
personal taste and style. However, I cannot deny that it is
a very valid technique that many mentalists use successfully
and there is no question that this book is invaluable to one
who uses it, or wishes to.
