by Iceman » May 25th, '09, 19:25
What they say:
Mentalism, Incorporated: Volume Two continues and expands upon the philosophy and perspectives presented in the highly acclaimed Mentalism, Incorporated.
The purpose of this book is to help the reader become a better, more entertaining mentalist. Volume Two combines proven suggestions for performing mentalism along with easy to learn routines.
Volume Two begins with the first serious examinations of forces for mentalism in fifty years along with six strategies for effectively using forces in a mentalism act.
Volume Two continues with fourteen essays on mentalism that were previously available to only the world's top mentalists. Each essay contains practical ideas and thought-provoking questions for the serious mentalist.
Volume Two concludes with detailed instructions for performing three strong audience-tested mentalism routines... revealing the secrets that make each routine so powerful and entertaining.
Like Mentalism Incorporated, this is a book you will want to read more than once.
"Chuck shares the REAL secrets - how to be successful! In Mentalism, Incorporated: Volume Two he teaches you the positive attituted and practical approaches that have made him well known to audiences as well as fellow Mentalists world wide." - Bruce Bernstein
"Readers of Mentalism Incorporated will greatly enjoy this companion edition. It picks right up were the first volume left off. This is something Chuck Hickok fans will both benefit from and take delight in. The adventure continues." - Richard Busch
"When it comes to delivering Mentalism as solid corporate entertainment, no one does it better." - Lee Earle
"Like the first volume of Mentalism, Incorporated, this book gives you proven, crystal clear advice on what it takes to be a successful mentalist. This book has many practical suggestions not found in other mentalism books. If you use the ideas in this book, you will be a better, more entertaining performer." - Barrie Richardson
"If you are into mentalism, this is a book you MUST own. It's full of ready-to-use routines and thoughtful, practical commentary." - Ken Weber
Cost
I've bought mine for 54,50 euro's. Couldn't find the poundsprice.
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)
This is difficult to say. The biggest part of the book consists of thoughts for improving your performances. There are 3 routines described at the end of the book. These routines are simple in basic, but a good and solid performance is required though.
Review
The book starts with the Acknowledgements. Here, Chuck thanks some people for offering their feedback and suggestions. Looking back at the book I think I must thank Chuck for the same thing.
This book will make you think about your performance, routines and acts.
Like the text above states, there is a part on forces, there are 14 essays and 3 routines in this book. I see these routines as a bonus, because the main part of the book consists of the applying of the forces and the essays. The routines were not needed to make this a suberb book.
Chuck will let you think about applying your forces. Which force will fit your routine best? What I like is that (exactly like I wrote) he lets you think about those things. He gives you guidelines on how to improve your act and performances.
Chuck gives you examples of many forces for the mentalist. Though, he doesn't explain them in detail. He gives credits and points in the direction to look for the forces.
I think the essays are most valuable. They are, for example, about believeability, entertainment, creating suspense and becoming a better mentalist. After reading them I really thought about my act in a different way. I understood I had to change some things.
As for the 3 routines, they are strong pieces of mentalism. Nothing of it is particulary new, though there is a great force in it that I didn't used before. Thanks for the bonusses Chuck!
Overall
This is a great book for the serious mentalist. Chuck has really done a good job on this one. If you want to improve your act, read this book!
Allthough it's written for the mentalist, I think magicians can learn a lot from it as well, because it mainly is about presentation and construction of your act.
Great book!
9.5 of 10