The Genii Forum

Hello everyone,

I recently stumbled upon a mentalism guide book - "Mind, Myth & Magick" by T.A. Waters.

The curious thing about this is book is its volume - 800 pages. And the price - nearly $300 on Amazon.

Have you guys read this book? What can you say about it? Is it worth buying?

Cheers,
Whitecat

Here's the straight dope Whitecat: If you're serious about performing mentalism, then this book should be in your library. If you're thinking about adding a mental effect in your repertoire but don't consider yourself a mentalist, then you probably don't need this book.

There are used magic book sellers out there so you might be able to find a copy for less than $300. Amazon and Abebooks can be ridiculously overpriced. A copy can also come up on eBay for a good opening bid at any moment.

This book has 800 pages because it's a compilation of 21 booklets :

NEW THOUGHTS FOR OLD - 1979
CERBERUS - 1981
TRIONIC - 1981
OMNIMANCY - 1981
PSYCHOMETRY - 1981
SCRYPT - 1981
DECKALOGUE - 1982
GRYMWYR - 1982
OCTASM - 1982
MINDSCRIPT 1 - 1983
MINDSCRIPT 2 - 1983
MINDSCRIPT 3 - 1983
PSYCHL - 1983
CARDIACT - 1984
MYND - 1984
SPYRYT - 1984
THYNK - 1984
MYXTYR - 1985
MYSTYX - 1983
FYNYS - 1985
T.A.R.O.T. - 1987

Also for each trick you have a lot of references: origin, inspiration, author, etc.

It's a good book, even if it's expensive

Thank you guys for your thoughts and feedback.

I will definitely consider this book buying.

Need to save up a bit though

I seem to remember that Waters put out a video that contained instructions for some of the more practical items from the book and you might like that too, or instead of. Also be aware that Waters didn't include real patter, only bare bones, because you should work up your own, or so he thought. Also, too, after I culled it down to the most practical favorites, I had about ten items, but I learned a lot in the process.

I think it's volume 54 of The Great Magic Video Library (1997 - Stevens Magic Emporium)

Yes I have, cover to cover. And yes, it is excellent.

See posts from February 2016. I still stand on my recommedation! You should have it. Search for a better price. Keep in mind, as I did years ago, that price will change significantly. It's that good. No, you will not 'do' or perform most of these effects but you WILL gain secrets that will open many doors... I will say no more.

Russ