Books by Derren Brown (UK’s most famous psychological illusionist)
1. “Tricks of the Mind” (2006)
-
🔍 What it's about: Mentalism, hypnosis, memory techniques, and illusion.
-
🧠 Topics covered:
-
How magic works
-
Memory systems (Mnemonics)
-
Hypnosis and suggestion
-
Psychological manipulation
-
Derren’s views on psychics and the paranormal
-
-
⭐ Ideal for: Beginners to intermediate; mix of autobiography + techniques.
2. “Confessions of a Conjuror” (2010)
-
📖 Autobiographical and philosophical.
-
🪞 Focuses on Derren’s thought processes while performing magic.
-
🧠 A deep dive into human behavior, misdirection, and observation.
3. “Happy: Why More or Less Everything is Absolutely Fine” (2016)
-
🧘 Not about magic, but about stoicism, happiness, and philosophy.
-
Still useful for mentalists to understand human nature and emotional control.
🧠 Books by Banachek (aka Steve Shaw) — One of the greatest mentalists alive
Banachek is known for exposing fake psychics and developing mentalism effects used by top magicians.
1. “Psychological Subtleties” Series
These are advanced books for mentalists, especially working performers.
✅ Psychological Subtleties 1
-
📦 Explains how to subtly influence choices using psychology.
-
Real-world performance tips.
-
Extremely useful for “mind reading” style tricks.
✅ Psychological Subtleties 2
-
🧠 Adds deeper techniques on suggestion and wordplay.
-
Introduces new routines and refinements.
✅ Psychological Subtleties 3
-
🎭 More advanced ideas, perfect for stage or close-up mentalism.
2. “Pre Thoughts”
-
Practical routines, predictions, and psychological forces.
-
Straightforward effects you can learn and use quickly.
📚 Other Mentalism Classics (Must-Have)
| Book | Author | Why Read It |
|---|---|---|
| 13 Steps to Mentalism | Tony Corinda | The bible of mentalism — covers everything from telepathy to predictions. |
| Practical Mental Magic | Theodore Annemann | Classic tricks and routines with mental effects. |
| The Full Facts Book of Cold Reading | Ian Rowland | Learn how psychics fake readings. Brilliant for psychology. |
| Pure Effect | Derren Brown (hard to find) | For pros. Masterclass in emotional magic and scripting. |