talkmagic.co.uk

Synopsis
Derren Brown's amazing television and stage performances have entranced and amazed millions. His baffling tricks and stunning illusions have set new standards of what's possible, as well as causing controversy. Now, for the first time, he reveals the secrets behind his craft. He delves into the structure and psychology of magic. He tells you how to read clues in people's behaviour and spot liars. He discusses the whys and wherefores of hypnosis (which he says doesn't exist) and shows how to use the powers of suggestion and massively improve the power of your memory. He also investigates the paranormal industry, exposes a few charlatans and looks at why some of us feel the need to believe in it in the first place...Woven into this are autobiographical stories about Derren's own experiences and beliefs, told with characteristic humour and engaging honesty. This extraordinary book lifts the lid on the deepest darkest secrets of magic and explores the limits of what can be achieved by the human mind. A must for Derren's legions of fans, it will amaze you, entertain you and expand your mind at the same time...


Cost
£9.49 from Amazon


Difficulty
N/A



Review
I have only just picked up the book but I must say I am very impressed, I wasnt expecting this.. I kind of expected a blue peter annual type thing, lots of pictures etc and not much 'real' info.

Anyway I think this book is going to help me LOADS. It goes into lots I have only read the few tricks in the Magic Chapter and the bit on muscle reading (yes muscle reading how too!) but the thinking behind them all is great!

Overall
10/10
Well impressed will be reading this for the next few weeks im sure, sorry its not much of a review but I just thought people should know that its not just a glossy "I use suggestion" book it has alot of content and is alot more suited to my level than pure effect.

Yeah, I bought it a few hours ago and the only times I have put it down since I cracked the cover was to step off the bus and open the door to my flat.

It is an amazing book so far. What is best is not the few tricks described. It is all the amazing information packed between the lines and hidden in plain view. More insight can be derrived from his simple coin vanish than I get out most books on my shelf.

On second thought.

The book is rubbish. Don't read it. Ever.

I tried to buy this at my local Waterstones on Saturday and although the stores computer said there were ten copies in stock it was not under biography, entertainment, new releases, games & hobbies or spiritual section.
The chap working there couldn't find them in the store room.
He told me: "He must be a good magician, he's made all his books vanish!"

I've heard nothing but good things about this book, so I think I'm probably going to have to get it sometime soon

I just ordered Ormond McGill's New Encyclopedia of Stage Hypnotism though, so I'll probably wait a while before getting anything else.

Bought this today at Waterstones.
Was rather pleased to find it tucked away with the other magic books.
Was going to get Encyclopedia of Card Tricks but decided against that. Although now I come to think of it I don't know why...

First up, I read the bt on Cold Reading. Which was VERY good.
Then... I went back to the start, laughed over blind people taking a list of fish back from the aquarium and then got into it.

Thankfully the tricks covered in there are very simple and one's that I imagine that we as magicians don't often do. Although... they're suitably simple and sexy enough to work.

Will continue reading this book and stealing much of Derren Browns hard earnt knowledge by being old fashioned enough to still read for pleasure.

Thank you Derren for releasing it

I have to add my praise for this book too. The memory section has been the most useful to me. I was one of those people who stayed away from memorized deck effects, as I cant memorize my own phone number, never mind a deck of cards.
After ready taking a couple of hours to get the mnemonics in my head, the actual deck took between 30-60 mins to memorise. I amazed myself. I memorised the tamariz stack as his book is on my xmas list!
I have been practicing cutting to any named card. Only tried it once so far, and he named the top card. He just can't explain how i could have 'planted the suggestion' in his head so easily!
A lot of the book is about topics he is interested in, though as magicians it is likely that we too will be interested in (I know I am).
Very recommended.

I'm gonna see if I can get it soon in Birmingham.

For anyone who's interested Derren's doing a new tour next year. No details on his site as yet but if you go to the page for shows coming up on the venue's site (e.g. Birmingham Hippodrome), then it might have him listed. I'm going to the Hipp. on the 1st of May next year!
Very excited and looking forward to it. I got my tickets last weekend but I was convinced they would be sold out already, clearly not as I'm on the second row! yay!

EckoZero wrote:I went back to the start, laughed over blind people taking a list of fish back from the aquarium and then got into it.

I thought that was a wonderful metaphore and set the tone of the book quite wonderfully. I am sure there will be a good deal of people who only walk away from the book with a list of fish.

as posted elsewhere - a hghly entertaining and recommended read.

lol? a metaphor? is that what it is? i thought it was serious brown humour lol!

Well, it is! Both!

How annoying!

After my longest stint of not buying anything to do with magic (3 weeks) this forum made me leave work, go to the local bookshop and purchase this. C.U.P.S Has returned.
Now all I have to do are the following:

1) Read and Enjoy...hopefully
2) Put any hints, tips or advice into practice
3) Explain to my girlfriend why I have bought more magic stuff when I agreed not in order to save money.

The book better be worth it.

Just in case does anyone know of any rental properties in South London for the newly single man?

lol - son't worry - explain to her that this isn't anything magic related - this is psychological tricks

when she sees the book try the "the walls of my garden arent 3 foot high" bit on her:) that'll make sense once you've read the book

a) Go to nearest second hand bookshop.
b) Locate and buy similar sized book with loose dust jacket - try to find one on something boring such as 'A short history of the Albanian telephone pole industry'
c) Remove said dust jacket.
d) Clad your DB tome in the dust jacket.
e) Smirk contentedly knowing your secret is safe.