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Not sure if I should ask here, but Annemann or Corinda?

From what i've heard, Corinda's book is a pure guide and does nothing for the creative side. Haven't heard much about Annemann's book, however.

Corinda gives you the 13 Steps but in each Step (or chapter) there are loads of methods, routines, tricks, suggestions etc. You'd need to perform them 'your' way but that's always the case with any prop or book, tailor it to the way you do things.

The following was actually posted by Robstanly1...

TheAge wrote:Not sure if I should ask here, but Annemann or Corinda?

From what I've heard, Corinda's book is a pure guide and does nothing for the creative side. Haven't heard much about Annemann's book, however.

You've certainly heard wrong, regarding 13 Steps - Couldn't be further from the truth, in fact!

Suggestion: Use the forum's 'Search' feature, and check-out reviews for both 13 Steps and Practical Mental Magic - you'll have your eyes opened

Yes - please use the search, and ask the relevant questions there mate; it cuts down on unnecessary threads, and you'll also find answers to your questions pretty much straight away

13 Steps contains so much information and it really is up to you what you do with it. As with any effect, it's vital to add your own slant rather than mimic something from a book.
You need to study it and understand the principles and with these principles you have a source to create your own routines.

I found with the 13 steps.. the information within is priceless.

but as with any books written years ago, the presentational aspects will need altering to suit both your style and personality. And that is something you will have to figure out yourself.

The landscape of mentalism is changing, although the effects that are worth their weight in gold stand the test of time. 13 steps contains such effects.

13 steps IS a guide, and there are some solid routines in there aswell.
Annemans book is of routines and effects, you would do well to have gone through 13 steps in order to fully benefit from this book.

aaahhh lovely lovely annemann...when you can describe and explain an entire effect with two small paragraphs and it's workable and effective - that's when you know you're getting somewhere...

i too would say start with 13 steps, then onto annemann...

as for the creativity thang...well, I'm sure you know you can't learn it from a book - however, all it takes is to just give yourself time and plenty of notepads to explore different premises and what ifs...always keep a little note of an idea, you might not be able to do anything with it when you have that thought...

but you could well go back to it a few months later and wallop - it all falls into place...

the creativity has to stem from you as a persona, and the skill-sets you choose to display...

hope you enjoy the books

I'm not much into mentalism, but I've ventured here and there. I like Anneman.

After reading all these posts, yeah, I think i'll be settling for Corinda.

The thing that was swaying me in the direction of Annemann was the price (I am actually BROKE), and my past preconceptions.

Google Books has quite a few pages of the Annemann book on display, with permission from the publisher, DoverPublications. After looking at the sample pages (near half the book), I can say that as a Graphic Art student, I am instantly put off by the heavy and cramped appearance of the text... pushing me further in the direction of Corinda.

I'm not sure if what i've written above is allowed on the board, and if not, I'm sure the mods will do a quick job of sorting me up Apologies if i've broken any rules.

Thank you all for your reccomendations.

(Btw, whoever thought that preconceived would be spelt with an 'e-i' instead of an 'i-e'?

Amazing).