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TimonK Veteran user Amsterdam 375 Posts |
Only about a quarter into the book and already happy to give it my highest recommendations.
Excellent writing style, solid thinking, no filler.
"But overcome space, and all we have left is Here. Overcome time, and all we have left is Now. And in the middle of Here and Now, don't you think that we might see each other once or twice?"
- Richard Bach, 'Jonathan Livingston Seagull' www.timonkrause.com |
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JanForster Inner circle Germany ... when not traveling... 4190 Posts |
Exact my feelings, excellent! But I am still not through as there is a bit too much on my desk... ... Jan
Jan Forster
www.janforster.de |
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j100taylor Inner circle 1198 Posts |
I agree. Half way through. I have loved every word. It is a masterpiece!
Lakewood, Ohio
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Mark Timon Special user 594 Posts |
Imagine a film critic writing a review of the first twenty minutes of the movie. why the hurry? It just looks like friends trying to increase the sales of a fellow performer.
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Mindpro Eternal Order 10586 Posts |
Eric is one of the good guys and there is nothing wrong with that especially in light of what he's been through in recent weeks, then months, in just getting this out to market. Eric deserves the praise, and personally, Eric's perceptions, approach, and insights on nearly everything are very much the same as mine which I find very refreshing and welcoming compared to much of what is said and viewed in mentalism today. He often says what many in mentalism need to hear. This alone deserves the highest praise.
I only wish I had an ebook/pdf of this book as I could find I'd be able to read it more easily with greater access than having to cart this huge book with me to read a chapter when I can. I also don't want to ruin this beautiful book. Great job Eric! |
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corindaman Veteran user 396 Posts |
Quote:
On Jan 24, 2021, Mark Timon wrote: I would normally agree with your comments, however this book Is so good from the first page onwards. I can see why people need to comment straight away. |
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Mark_Chandaue Inner circle Essex UK 4187 Posts |
I don’t even have to read any pages to know this is a great book. Eric’s track record tells me that. Whilst I don’t have everything of Eric’s, everything I do have from him is top quality and extremely well thought out and works in the real world. As soon as I have finished paying for my upcoming wedding this will be my first purchase.
Mark |
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kleefeld New user Avon, Ohio 15 Posts |
I cannot remember when I got so much out a new mentalism book. Setting the Stage is extraordinary in its approach to giving all of the insight Eric put into his act. Many routines begin with a common core effect, but each is tempered with his own take on either a method or approach that will fit his persona. There are many solid lessons on how (and why) you should create specific routines. His gentle slightly humorous approach offsets some powerful mentalism, leaving the audience both entertained and mystified. Too few performers tread this line as carefully.
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scalito Regular user 141 Posts |
Fantastic Book!! I'm three quarters through this masterpiece and had to chime in. If you perform mentalism on stage, this book is a must.
Scalito |
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illusions & reality Special user Saskatoon, SK, CANADA 859 Posts |
I am halfway finished reading Setting the Stage. I join all the others in expressing my deep appreciation for the quality, depth, and production value of your release. There are so many subtleties, practical insights, thoughtful essays, routines, and great ideas, that I believe this to be the best value of any mentalism book I have ever purchased. By far, I consider Setting the Stage one of the most worthwhile purchases of the last several years. This was definitely worth the wait from when you first shared that you were writing this several years ago.
Thanks again for releasing this. It is a gem that will become a classic. You have set the bar high Eric! Lou |
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eSamuels Inner circle 3085 Posts |
For anyone who had been trying to order Setting The Stage, but could not load the page on www.MentalismTools.com, the glitch has now been fixed.
Thanks to Abe for pointing this out to me! |
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Jared Inner circle Rhode Island, USA 1573 Posts |
I just wanted to chime-in to say how much I've been enjoying Eric's book. Unfortunately, I haven't had much time lately to read more than a few chapters, but it's really quite excellent...Can we just say, "Instant (mentalism) classic" because that would be a fair statement.
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saysold1 Eternal Order Recovering Cafe addict with only 10795 Posts |
MY REVIEW:
At MindVention 6+ years ago, Eric Samuels told me he was writing a mentalism book – a book containing his ideas and his favorite effects. Every year when I would see him, I would impatiently ask “Is it ready yet?” “Not yet,” he would say year after year. He kept adding more, he would say. Eric Samuels gorgeous new 419-page hardbound book “Setting The Stage” finally arrived in my mailbox, and I could not be more impressed. Wow, this is a big and very professionally produced book. It’s obvious even at a casual glance that this is the work of a lifetime. I could not put it down. Eric poured every ounce of his knowledge of craft, clever scripting and performance notes and distilled it into a comprehensive treatise of mentalism. “Setting The Stage” is substantial, filled with 419 pages of A+ material and exquisite illustrations – the who, what, when and the how. Every chapter takes you through what the audience sees, the thinking behind a routine, director notes, observations, and devils’ advocate opinions on why one method or prop is better than another. What you get here is the REAL THINKING – not just a book filled with clever effects. With Eric you get his contrarian views too, forcing you to think and to make a routine your own to fit your persona. There is no filler here – only tried and tested material that Eric has road tested and made the final cut. As might be apparent, this isn’t a hobbyist book – it is a book meant for stage or parlor performers. However, since many of us are now stuck at home doing Zoom shows, many of the ideas/routines within the book can be ported to virtual shows online and I fully intend to do so. Just to be clear, I received a review copy of the book two weeks ago. However, I never (ever) endorse any book or product unless I absolutely like it authentically. Having known Eric for nearly a decade, I had no idea that he would be mind-melding everything in his repertoire into one incredibly complete repository for mystery performers. I predict Setting The Stage will be seen by future performers as a classic that will join the ranks of Ted Annemann and the late Bob Cassidy. Why? because it sets the table/stage with all the delicious ingredients to help a performer polish a show go from average to amazing. Intermediate to advanced performers will find multiple gems within, as Eric leaves no stones unturned for creating a successful show. There are so many illustrations and photos – all sharp and clear. Anyone who knows Eric Samuels knows he is VERY opinionated when it comes to mentalism – seeing things as not just a creator or performer, but as a director with a theatrical view. He is critical when deconstructing an effect, to make certain it has MAXIMUM impact, and as few weaknesses as possible. If you are looking for the perfect opener you will find not just one in the book – but multiple hard-hitting options for different occasions. All routines are also beautifully themed and scripted – but as a starting point for your own creativity. Let me wrap by saying that “Setting The Stage” is the zenith of mentalism books. I have not seen a better mentalism book since Cassidy, and I do not exaggerate. It is so comprehensive, so thorough, and so full hard-hitting and clever ideas that it demands to be read cover to cover. I feel strongly that Eric Samuels “Setting The Stage” is easily best mentalism book I have seen in the last decade. It is a work of passion and creativity, a work of love for the art of mentalism, and a must have for any serious performer.
Creator of The SvenPad Supreme(R) line of aerospace level quality, made in the USA utility props. https://svenpads.com/
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elimagic Inner circle 1663 Posts |
I eagerly await my copy.
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illusions & reality Special user Saskatoon, SK, CANADA 859 Posts |
Quote:
On Feb 8, 2021, elimagic wrote: You won’t be disappointed! Lou |
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MadisonH Inner circle 1752 Posts |
I have now finished the book. It’s a thick book that is very wordy, so it’s probably not a weekend read and this is coming from someone who loves to read and typically devours magic books in 1 to 2 sittings. This one took me a little over 2 weeks to get through.
If you’re looking for incredible new and innovative methods, this book isn’t for you. If you’re looking for tried and true, tested material which is well thought out and proven to work successfully over and over, then you can’t go wrong. I love the style of the book with the back and forth between a routine and an essay. When a book is a 50/50 split of routines and essays, you know the Author has a lot to say and in Eric’s case, what he says comes from experience. The essays always include great insight and they often have little nuggets of gold hidden between the lines as well. This is going to be one I keep returning to without a doubt. My next step is to go back through the book and make notes of my favorites now that I’ve read it cover-to-cover. I highly recommend it if you’re looking for real world working material. Madison |
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Oscar999 Elite user 401 Posts |
I received this book a week or so ago... and have enjoyed spending time with it.
I agree with Madison, it's not a weekend read. It's a serious account of a professional's life work. I can still remember that feeling of being impressed when I opened the box and got to fully appreciate how stunning this book comes across visually. It's big... bold... and beautiful. I've barely scratched the surface of the contents, jumping around reading this and that... and I can't wait to spend some quality time with it. Very nice job! ~Oscar P.S. @esamuels: Eric if you read this and say to yourself, I don't remember sending a book to an "Oscar," that's okay, Oscar is a pseudonym. |
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TimonK Veteran user Amsterdam 375 Posts |
Having finally finished reading "Setting the Stage", I stand by and reiterate my initial comments: excellent writing, very solid thinking, no filler. Took lots away from this book.
Congratulations on writing such a wonderful book, Eric, and thank you for sharing it with us. Stay safe!
"But overcome space, and all we have left is Here. Overcome time, and all we have left is Now. And in the middle of Here and Now, don't you think that we might see each other once or twice?"
- Richard Bach, 'Jonathan Livingston Seagull' www.timonkrause.com |
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The great Gumbini Inner circle 3062 Posts |
Without a doubt I would highly recommend any work that Eric Samuels is behind. He has been and continues to be a great contributor to the world of mentalism.
Good magic to all, Eric |
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elimagic Inner circle 1663 Posts |
Only about half way through but this is probably the most valuable purchases i’ve made in a while. The very small cost to value ratio is out of this world.
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