Pure effect: Direct mind reading and magical artistry

by Derren Brown

If you are serious about mentalism and magic, this is one of the best books you can get on the subject.

Genres: Magic, Nonfiction, Psychology

164 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Derren Brown is an English mentalist, illusionist, and author. He has produced several shows the stage and television and is the winner of two Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Entertainment. He has also written books for magicians as well as the general public.

Reviews

[Ali · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's astonishing to me that people are willing to pay extortionate amounts of money to access a copy of this book because it's out of print and he's popular. I consider myself a fan of Derren, but I'm glad I didn't find out about him until 2012- he seems like less of a pretentious little shit now than he apparently was when writing this book. It wavers between describing theory and practice, and is much more accomplished at the former. The 'practical' bits are not presented in a manner conducive to learning. Even though the theory was better presented, the tone affected in these passages is quite distasteful from time to time. Books on magic are hit and miss, and this is hardly the worst of the lot, but unfortunately due to Derren's success now, Pure Effect was built up to unattainable heights. Or rather, I just kinda thought it would be decent and it wasn't.

[Oliver Ho · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are parts of this book that are hard to read for being awfully pretentious, sexist and immature. The magic/mentalism theory parts were more interesting to me than the effects. At its best, the theory came close to the kind of thing Eugene Burger and Robert Neale were doing in "Magic and Meaning" (I liked that book a lot more). Recently I've been reading books/essays and watching videos from a few contemporary young mentalists, and it was also interesting to see how this book seems to have influenced their approaches.

[Luk Worknik · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read, full of really important information. Highly recommended!

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some great effects and excellent enlightening sections on the nature of magic and effective performance.

[Robert Soane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly great book!
If you can get your hands on it would definitely recommend!

[Marcus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant thinking and unforgettable effects.

[Meluv Stha]

i wnat to learn this mentalism. that's all.

[Dimple]

i want to read this book that's all