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House of Mystery:The Magic Science of David P. Abbott
Volumes 1 and 2
Edited by Teller and Todd Karr

House of Mystery includes fifty essays by Teller on technique, magic psychology, and presentation, plus his own top-secret billet-switch method. The two volumes also feature over 100 diabolically clever close-up, stage, and mental effects, as well as the complete writings of David P. Abbott, including the legendary Book of Mysteries, Behind the Scenes with the Mediums, and previously unpublished material. To top off the book, Abbott's essays on the life and mysteries of illusion genius Joseffy have been supplemented with biographies by Jim Steinmeyer and poet Carl Sandburg.

I want it so badly!!!!!!!!!!




EDIT: I just noticed your profile picture is awfully familiar, and then I checked you're currently reading list! Just tell me one thing... is it as good as it sounds!?

It's excellent, but it doesn't have that much from Teller.

His notes are helpful in understanding some of the ideas that Abbott uses (multilayered misdirection, multiple little tricks to make a deceptive big trick, etc.) but for the most part, you're going to get Abbott's writing. That said, it's absolutely worth it. Teller does give some thought provoking advice and thoughts, so since you seem to enjoy those, you won't be disappointed.

Volume two, the Book of Mysteries, is my favorite of the two. Reading about Han Ping Chien and Ching Ling Foo from a guy who met/saw them and then learning their techniques is thrilling. Teller's notes are more frequent in volume two, and many of them are the kind you seem to enjoy (he prefaces almost every chapter).

If you get to the Ching Ling Foo paper tear, and want to try it out, PM me and I'll let you know what modern materials are good to use.


Volume one is more about seances and mediumistic tricks. Interesting for a read and for Teller's notes on the psychology, but I didn't find things that I would personally use. That said, studying the billet sections is very useful. PM me (when you get to Teller's switch in the book) if you're interested in the billet routine I put together based on what I read.

The second section of Volume one reads almost like a detective story. I don't know how Teller read it, but I found it fun to read it as such.

I was interested to see Max Maven have a little dig at Banachek and some material in this book on his Nothing DVD, a gripe about no credit being given etc.

Just got this e-mail. They start shipping tomorrow:

Psychological Subtleties 3 (Banachek)
http://www.stevensmagic.com/shopping/sh ... p?id=11462

PSYCHOLOGICAL SUBTLETIES 3 is the third book in the Psychological Subtleties Series that continues with additional fresh and creative ideas along with full routines from both Banachek and his friends from around the globe. Included within are routines from Paul Alberstat, Sean Waters, Robert Domenech, Leonardo Silverio, Colin McLeod, Andrew Gerard, Marc Spelmann, Peter Nardi, Don Marco, Craig Leonard, Peter Arcane, Brad Henderson, Mark Roberts, Leo Boudreau, Jonathan Grant, Tony Binarelli, Docc Hilford, Kenton Knepper, Michael Murray, Richard Busch, Bryan Quinn, Francis J. Menotti, Ravi, Raj Madhok, Greg Arce, David Penn, and Joseph Atmore. The book is hardbound and comes with Dust Jacket, as did previous releases. The book features 226 pages.
$68.00

Does anyone have any news on a re-release of PS1? I read a while back that it was going to be put out again with loads of new stuff (or rather, formatted like 2 & 3)....

PS1 keeps getting referenced a lot in my reading, so I'd love to get my hands on a copy soon!

Last thing I heard, was that they were going to have it ready for Blackpool, but I don't know if they will succeed that aim.

We intend to reformat and reprint Psychological Subtleties during 2010 with a release date of February 19, 2010 at the Blackpool convention. The intent is for this book to look more like Psychological Subtleties 2 and 3 in terms of format, layout, dust jacket, illustrations and size. This will take some time to make it right and we know the you will be pleased with the final result.

The contents of the re-formatted book will be expanded to include better crediting, additional "tools" for your mentalism "toolbox", more contributions from Banachek's friends, plus even more tips, suggestions and ideas from Banachek himself. The book will be nearly twice the number of pages as the first and second editions with nearly 230 pages in this expanded thrd edition. In fact, we have re-named the new book "Psychological Subtleties 1" to keep with the format of the second and third in the series.

Thanks! I'm guessing it'll probably be delayed a short while, as I can't seem to find it anywhere for pre-order yet....

I've just ordered a copy of the new edition from Alakazam. It feels like I've been waiting years to get my grubby hands on it.

All three books were on sale at Blackpool.

From a charity Shop

I keep my copy of the book in a golden case in the centre of my bedroom so I can pray to it safley each night. I couldn't imagine putting it in a charity shop.
Btw, I agree- career transforming work here- and for someone looking for hardline, clear and solid effects will be dissapointed- but someone looking to transform thier mentalism from clever trickery to scary stuff that will convince people you are for real will be more than delighted. As Teller said- this book is dangerous; so, I actually think it's a good thing that it's expensive because you wouldn't want just anyone with an interest in being the next DB knowing this stuff.. this is for those with a real appreciation of the art.
Finally, I agree with Harry, Teller's forward is legendary. Teller has been a huge influence on all great magicians and it is a shame he doesn't talk more often because when he does it is gold!

Read the first one and loved it. Not sure about getting the second as it 'appears' to be routines using principles from the first? Am I way off the mark here???

Here's my copy...

The book is still available through a number of sources! A quick google search led me to a few places selling it.