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The Complete The Mentalist - Review

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Price : $45 + Shipping.

Difficulty : Various. Some of the effects are almost self working. Others need practise and patter, but are not beyond the abilities of me, so anyone can do them. They will be as good as your presentation.

They say :

A NEW PUBLICATION for Mentalists! The Complete The Mentalist
Over 40 years ago, with a small mailing list of loyal followers and some of Mentalism’s top contributors, a small publication made its way into circulation. And after it had ceased publication after several years only a few sets we sold and it seemed to have disappeared into the darkness. That is until NOW!!!!
AB StageCraft is proud to announce the release of The complete THE MENTALIST to be available for shipping February 14th 2006. With over 140 pages and contributors that included U. F. Grant, T.a. Waters, Nick Trost, Eddie Clever, Jack Dean, Dai Vernon, and many more, these pages are packed full of good workable mentalism that is now ready for a brand new audience.
This is one publication that should be on everyone’s bookshelf and not to be missed. Order your copy today.$45.00

I Say :

What you get is an A4 size, beautifully presented approximately 135 page, soft cover, ring bound book
Inside are issues 1 to 33 of the original The Mentalist. Each issue was originally 4 pages, and the reproduction appears to be verbatim. Every issue appears to contain either 2 or 3 effects, plus a Mental Memos feature that discussed the events and thoughts of the day – the day being around 1962 onward. With 33 issues, that’s a lot of effects. Many effects are real and original, and could easily be used today, or at worst be used to inspire a current presentation of an existing or new effect. This really is superb reading. The text was originally typed I would guess, and there are simple, but effective illustrations too.

As important is the care and attention Paul Alberstat has taken, to track down these issues, and compile them into one complete volume.

Reviewing every effect would be impossible here. Yes, some are a little dated now, but others are as new today, as they were then, and excellent Mentalism effects they are. There is very little padding, just good solid material.

Overall :

I salute Paul for producing this volume. So many effects, for so little money. This is an excellent historical record, a superb and enjoyable read, as well as a real addition to the mentalist’s arsenal.

Rating : 9/10. Well, nothings perfect, is it ?