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[quote="ElliottB"]13 Steps is a great book for an overview. However, I do not think a reader will be able to master a fair number of the “stepsâ€

You can't review a book that you just read the beginning of!!! bThis is ridiculous.

Review of the full book from a relatively new persons point of view.

The Effect

A book (also dubbed the mentalists bible).
Has thirteen different lessons, covering gimmicks and areas of mentalism.
Has sample effects and contexts in which each could be used. Clear diagrams of how to make certain gimmicks.


Cost

£18 (may vary)


Difficulty
(1=easy to do, 2=No sleights, but not so easy, 3=Some sleights used,
4=Advanced sleights used, 5=Suitable for experienced magicians only)

The principles of some are 1-2, so simple once explained.
Putting into practice 3-4 and some even a 5.

Review

I found the book heavy, (not literally ), as contains a lot of information and myself being one of the first books i read, difficult to understand some concepts.
However on my second reading, much easier and flows nicely.
I like the fact each chapter is in esscence it's own booklet, so you can avoid massive overload of brain power.
I can see why it is called the bible of mentalism, and how these lessons, form the basis of much that is around today, abeit adapted and personalized.


Overall

9/10

I give it a nine, purely for the fact i had to read it twice to fully understand some concepts (not saying its a bad thing)
A good book for starting out and seeing where you might want to go.



(Mod's this is my first review - hope its right in terms of content etc. If not please edit or advise Ta x)

Remember my dear... these are the bare bone basics. Wait until you dive into that reading list I gave you

Well this is how I started back in the day. I tell you, all I had was this book and a couple more on specific subjects and methods. I do not have the previledge of money and "online shopping" back then so I relied mostly on improvization. I even created my own props for steps one and five. Relied most of my craft on step three...and for some unknown force of nature, everything worked out just fine. I was already getting gigs after high school.

As they say "to each his own." Although I do not have that original copy now, it has a great sentimental value to me (sadly).

13 steps to mentalism was one of the first books i could comprehend (im dyslexic and have problems translating words and pictures into the real world if that makes sense).
The book is not for everyone of course as it does deal with only a small part of magic however a non mentalist can still use techniques to enhance or improve tricks (such as finding cards, or making selections of objects unknown by the magician disappear and re apear etc).
Earlier on someone made a comment against 'skimming' the book and while i read through twelve of the chapters, twice, i did skip 'two person telepathy' entirely as i am not interested in working with a partner right now.
finally i will say that when reading this book remember that it was written in the sixtys and a lot has changed in how people view magic and mentalism and what they know on the subject. A lot of what would be amazing or scary then might seem mundane today unless it is altered accordingly.
still no mater who you are buy this book it is a practical, easy to read and in depth tutorial for the principals of one of the strongest sections of magic .

Pretty pleased with and wanted to share my Ebay sniper tactic of bidding at the very last minute to get a second hand copy of 13 Steps for £14 including postage! I thought it's about time I read this; even if I don't incorporate mentalism into my magic, I'm pretty excited about just reading this book for sheer reading pleasure.

I have to agree most fully with Mr. Browning. When I first began my career in mentalism, I asked one of my psychic mates, "What is the best book for "Readings Minds" My friend looked at me with a knowing eye and pointed to Corindas' and said, "See that book, it was written by Brit, so its the best darn book on the subject of mentalism, as for reading minds, you'll learn the methods, but only you hold the key, Corinda has the door."

I was, disappointed when I opened my Magical "Tome" and discovered what I thought were silly methods, to be honest I was so blooming mad, that I was going to shove that book back in the dealers face and demand a refund...But, I was sensible, I threw it in my closet. Three years of studying mentalism...I opened Corinda back up and I came to a frightful conclusion... Everything I had learned...(Beside, psychology, occult, and all the extraneous topics that mentalism consists of)...Could be found in this mentalism text book. So here is my call to arms. If you seriously want to study mentalism pick up Corinda.

Unlike other magic and mentalism books, Corinda focuses on training a student, not teaching magic. He presents methods and theory...Not presentations... He lays a foundation, so you can build you house...Look not for instant gratification, otherwise you will fall into the trap that so many other young magicians fall into...The practice and perform rut. Mentalism is not that at all. It is so much more, It is a lifestyle of sorts, so look for a totally different expierence from magic. Corinda is giving you a taste of whats to come. Be prepared.