I thought y'all would like a heads up on some stuff that I think Anneman would have loved and I truly think should be on the table right next to 202 methods of forcing.

Hidden Numerical Forces by Thomas Henry.
Not a sexy title at all is it.

I was sent the book by a buddy of mine named Carl Skenes
(The guy who really caught a bullet in his mouth on the That's Incredible TV show)
He thought it was good and sent it to me to look over.
His thoughts were 100% right.

Let me start with the negative first.
I think the title for the book is awful and I would not have given it a second look.
Perhaps that is why Carl sent it.
I think the title of this thread would be a more suitable one.
Especially because this is some great information and I would say it verges on sexy.

Now to the good.

This I think is an extremely good value for the cash.

And is probably the best collection of tools for the mentalist I have read in years.
If you are creative at all you will appreciate this book.
(Notice I said tools).

My friends will tell you I hate number stuff.
(Unless one can find a way to bury the method and Thomas Henry has done just that).

In fact I was pleased to find an answer to a certain bit of forcing I had been playing with for some time.
Thought it was good force but had not hit upon the way to hide it.
I have the way to bury it or move it to the background now.
(Thanks Thomas)

There is a pretty clever design dupe or drawing of a spectors thoughts that I may just use.
It is easy and good.
(I think most of us can agree easy and good are fun and desirable in most things).

I really like that thought has been given as to how to improve the forces and how to hide them.
And how to combine them with other things to slide them back out of the picture.

Because of the contents of this book I have already created three new pieces of work.
One will be used in conjunction with Outlaw Effects Homicide Book.
(But I will not be posting it on their web site for at least six months).

This is truly a well thought out and extremely useful book for the mentalist.
Look at the Leaping Lizard site for the contents of the book and to down load part of it.

I am not going to go to the trouble to do a chapter by chapter, force by force run down.
Because I think it is all good.

I think many of you will find ways to use this information to create great presentations also.


J ack

I just read the description of this book,and it sounds Great.I was looking for something focusing less on specific effects,and more on the philosophy of the presentation and performance of Mentalism.
Thanks for the info Jim.

Rich

You are welcome Rich.

I personaly wish the book was around twenty years ago.


-Jim

I would like to second Jim's recommendation. I receieved the book several weeks ago and have been working my way slowly through it so that I do not overlook anything.

As a general rule I don't post my opinion of a book until I've lived with it for a while and read through it a couple times. I'm breaking that rule to chime in about what a gem of a book this is even though I'm only halfway through reading it. What I've gotten from it so far is already so good that if the second half turned out to be blank, I wouldn't complain.

I like mathematically based effects only if their mathematical nature can be well hidden, and that's where this book shines. Not only does Mr. Henry explain the principles clearly, but he goes to great lengths to show how to make them look like mentalism rather than number tricks. Jack, I really liked the drawing dupe too.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have some reading to finish up.

Yes,I agree,and I am NOT into number effects.However,I was so impressed with the free sample pdf.At:

http://leapinglizardsmagic.com/

The thinking is so good that it can only help no matter what your performing predilections are.
This is a definite Buy it Now for me.

Rich

Many thanks to everyone. I know that Thomas will be delighted to hear from averyone!

We had not planned to release any other books this year, and then Thomas came along with this manuscript, and I HAD to release it.

Thanks everyone for your comments and encouragement!

Well let him know I am very pleased that he went to all of the trouble to assemble this work.
It is like one stop shopping for a guy like me.

Many will benefit from it in the years to come.

- J ack

I will make sure he sees the comment! Many Thanks!

I just purchased a second copy for Mathematics, Magic and Mystery for $4 at the local bookstore. I have been totally dissapointed with other books on the subject, price wise. Mathmatical Wizardry was not worth $50 IMHO. I guess that I just don't want to be let down again. Any thing that would motivate me a little more to purchase this book? Jim's Golden Seal of Approval means quite a lot, but for some reason I'm still hesitant...?????
Help!

Slim, have you gone to the web site and viewed the free sample? It should give you a good idea as to weather it is the kind of thing you want or not. Also, check out Automata while you're there.

If you go to LeapingLizardsMagic.com web site, there is a large free preview you and explore there. (Later- the server is having issues this morning.)

And of course, we didn't put out any of those other books you mentioned... Wink!

I would like to second Leaping Lizards' referral to their sample pdfs. I have used their sample pdfs to look at books to help my buying decisions. There were clearly books that fit me and other books that I felt would not fit my style. Asa result, I have made a better, more informed decision. Yes, the pdf can only give a small indication (and I may discover that some books I passed up I should have bought), but it is better than just a blind stab. I only wished that more vendors follwed suit.

Quit being a wiggler Dave, buy the book.

Look you think for yourself and put together presentations of your own.
So do I.
It is great tool for guys like us.

It is not something for the magic boys!
If you buy it and do not like I will buy it back from you.

-Jim

Jim
Wiggler????I read the first part and I much prefer the approach (37) that I copped from you! In fact, my daughter used it a few weeks back in a Radio Effect (Lit up ALL the phone lines). If the rest of the book is like that, then I've already been there. I just don't want to buy it and then "Grieve"...However, Leapin Lizard has given me an "OUT"....

IF Carl Skenes likes it Sounds pretty good to me, even if Carl is a balloon God. I know Carl does more than those super balloon creations of his. I'll check it out.

I want Carl to release a book!!! Keep trying to talk him in to it!

I can;t add much to the review Jim wrote other than to say that this book is really just amazing!

I also got a few other books from the same publisher and had a good time with all of them!

This sounds very good, but I have a similar concern as Slim: is the material in the book stuff that I am likely to find in my existing collection of books, or is there really something new here?

I would say you may know many of the priciples, but this book is about how to adapt and USE them. It also takes many of the principles farther. Best thing is it is about making mathe-magic entertaining- which seems that often it is not.

I second wonderbott's post. I don't think I learned any new principles in the book, but I did learn some amazing uses for them that I never would have thought of.