Encyclopedia of Mentalism and Mentalists (Corinda & Rauscher) : This 600-page "special edition" was republished in and is essentially a collector's version of the classic 13 Steps to Mentalism
The you want to learn (billets, book tests, psychological forces, or cold reading?)
To help you decide which resource best fits your needs, here is a comparative look at the two major encyclopedias.
An updated reference manual breaks down the performance art into actionable steps. 1. The Psychology of Deception encyclopedia mentalism and mentalists pdf updated
: Often released in a three-volume series, these provide the modern "psychological" framework for mentalism.
A word of caution: Be wary of websites offering "free pdf 13 steps to mentalism." While the information might be the same, the source is almost certainly pirated and unofficial.
The (2011 edition) is a comprehensive nearly 600-page volume that combines two seminal works: Tony Corinda’s classic "13 Steps to Mentalism" and William Rauscher’s biographical work, "The Mind Readers: Masters of Deception" . Core Content & Features The Psychology of Deception : Often released in
Compiled for students of psychological illusion, cognitive science, and performance art.
Note: This encyclopedia is intended for educational and historical purposes. It does not teach how to defraud or claim literal supernatural powers.
The book is structured as a "tool chest" for building custom routines rather than a mere list of tricks, focusing on presentation and the "whys" of mental magic. Where to Find More Core Content & Features Compiled for students of
| Feature | Nelson's "Encyclopedia of Mentalism and Allied Arts" | Corinda's "Encyclopedia of Mentalism & Mentalists" | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Robert A. Nelson | Tony Corinda & William Rauscher | | Original Release | 1944 | 2011 (based on 1950s-60s booklets) | | Focus | A broad historical and practical overview of mentalism as a commercial enterprise. Includes advice on booking, advertising, and selling merchandise. | A structured, step-by-step course on the fundamental techniques of mentalism. | | Strengths | Expert advice on the business side of performing, radio mentalism, and historical methods of fraud. | The most comprehensive and well-organized instructional manual ever written on mentalism techniques. | | Target Audience | Intermediate to advanced performers looking to professionalize their act and understand the history of the field. | Beginners who need a solid foundation, as well as experienced performers seeking to master a wide range of effects. | | Updated PDF Edition | Yes, digital edition updated and corrected in 2016. | Yes, text-based PDF with bookmarks and the bonus biographical section. |
The "Encyclopedia of Mentalism and Mentalists" (PDF updated) is a thorough and engaging resource that offers a deep dive into the world of mentalism. With its expanded content, improved illustrations, and search functionality, this PDF version is an essential guide for anyone interested in mentalism, magic, and performance arts. Whether you are a performer, researcher, or enthusiast, this encyclopedia is sure to fascinate and inform.