Ormond McGill's book was the first thing I read when I got accidentally booked to do a hypnosis show a number of years ago. There was enough there to get me through the night. But as my experience grew I could see clearly that the book is not the best place to start out.
He has far too many inductions in the book. For a beginner it is a complete information overload. Some of his inductions are bizarre, including one where you massage the person into trance without saying a word. I ended up doing a progressive relaxation induction for my first show, which is far too long-winded for stage work. You don't need thirty inductions to become a hypnotist, but I suppose you do need thirty inductions if you are trying to pad out 650 pages.
McGill makes no effort to classify the inductions and steer you towards those best for stage hypnosis.
There is a lot of irrelevant junk included about hypnotising animals, etc. And he includes some (thankfully not much) of his ESP mumbo-jumbo.
I found far too many suggestibility tests. Back in the fifties that might have worked on an audience but today the show must move faster. I have eliminated suggestibility tests from my show, and that works well for me.
I did find his information on structuring an act and planning routines useful. And he has a very comprehensive section on the Dr Q show, which is essential reading for anyone enterested in an electric chair routine. The Dr Q show really works - I have used it occasionally, and probably should do it more. It is hypnosis without hypnosis - I can't say more without tipping the method.
All in all I would give this seven out of ten for experienced pros, and four out of ten for beginners. It is not a beginners book, any more than Ian Rowland's book is the right place for beginners to learn cold reading. (Having said that I would give Ian's book a ten out of ten).
For a beginner I would recommend Eddie Burke's
Secrets of Professional Stage and Cabaret Hypnosis, available through his website
www.mreenterprises.co.uk. Also David Knight had a great e-book out on hypnosis, though I can't remember the name.