hillcountrymagic
$40.00
Condition: Very Good
Published in 1961 by T.S. Denison & Co., Paul R. Hadley’s How to Develop Mental Magic is a practical, structured coursebook designed to teach performers how to build a complete, highly convincing two-person mentalism act without the use of electronics or complex mechanical gimmicks. Structured in a progressive lesson format across 117 pages, the volume details a comprehensive verbal code system allowing a performer to instantly signal names, dates, times, currency, spectator questions, and personal articles to a blindfolded "medium" or "telepath" on stage. The book covers primary, secondary, and final cue structures, providing a complete framework for transmitting granular information purely through natural phrasing, Inflection, and timing.
Beyond the mechanics of the verbal code, Hadley places heavy emphasis on the operational and theatrical realities of putting on a professional mentalism show. The text includes dedicated guidance on stage presence, audience management, handling hecklers, framing blindfold demonstrations, and even utilizing a spectator in place of a trained assistant for corporate dates. Crucially for working performers, Hadley provides actionable advice on booking the act, along with a full transcript of an actual live performance to illustrate how the code, patter, and pacing come together seamlessly on stage.
