13 Steps to Mentalism

13 Steps to Mentalism - Tony Corinda

Tony Corinda’s 13 Steps to Mentalism is one of the best-known foundational works in classical mentalism. Rather than presenting only individual tricks, it systematically explores a wide range of methods, principles and presentation techniques that remain part of the working knowledge of many mentalists today.

The material originally appeared between 1956 and 1958 as thirteen separate booklets. In 1961, the complete series was collected into a single book. Numerous reprints, editions and translations have appeared since.

A Classic of Mentalism

13 Steps to Mentalism is less a book designed to be read straight through than a substantial instructional and reference work.

Its thirteen sections cover different areas of mentalism, allowing the reader to study individual subjects and return to them when needed.

The book discusses areas such as billet and paper techniques, predictions, book tests, memory demonstrations, card material, question-and-answer routines, two-person performances and other classic principles.

Its value lies not only in the methods themselves. Corinda repeatedly considers how an effect should be structured, presented and made convincing to an audience.

The Thirteen Steps

The book is divided into thirteen distinct areas of study. This structure reflects the original series of individual instructional booklets and was retained when the material was collected into book form.

This makes the work particularly useful as a reference. A performer studying book tests, memory work or predictions can return directly to the relevant section.

The chapters vary considerably in style, method and performance context, demonstrating the broad range of approaches possible within mentalism.

Who Is It For?

13 Steps to Mentalism is useful for both beginners and experienced mentalists.

For newcomers, it offers a broad introduction to many classic methods and ways of thinking. Experienced performers can rediscover principles, develop variations or combine older methods with modern presentations.

The book is not a ready-made stage show. Many of the methods become truly effective only when the performer develops a personal presentation around them.

For this reason, it is especially valuable to readers who want to understand mentalism rather than simply copy routines.

Presentation and Modern Relevance

Some of the language and performance conventions clearly reflect the period in which the material was written.

That does not mean the underlying principles are outdated. Many remain highly relevant but benefit from being adapted to modern audiences, contemporary language and the performer’s own style.

For many mentalists, this is one of the book’s strengths: the methods provide a foundation while the performer is responsible for creating a modern and believable presentation.

Historical Importance

13 Steps to Mentalism has influenced generations of mentalists.

Many principles, routines and presentation ideas now familiar within mentalism either appear directly in the book or are discussed in forms that were later developed by other performers.

The work therefore has value not only as practical instruction but also as an important document in the history of mentalism.

Anyone interested in understanding how modern mentalism developed will find it an important starting point.

Editions and Variations

The original thirteen sections were published separately between 1956 and 1958.

The first collected book edition appeared in 1961, followed by numerous later editions.

When buying a copy, it is important to identify exactly what is being offered:

- one original booklet
- a complete set of all thirteen original booklets
- a later hardcover or paperback edition
- a translation
- a digital edition
- a video or DVD adaptation

Different versions can vary considerably in layout, length, language and collector value.

Bibliographic Information

Author: Tony Corinda
Title: 13 Steps to Mentalism
Original language: English
Original booklet publication: 1956-1958
First collected book edition: 1961
Subject: Mentalism / Mind Reading / Predictions / Book Tests / Memory / Presentation
Digital Lybrary edition: 421 PDF pages

Printed editions may have different page counts depending on publisher and edition.

Collector’s Notes

Not every copy offered for sale is a 1961 edition.

Because the book has been reprinted many times, buyers should check the publisher, publication year, language, binding and condition.

The original thirteen booklets also have a different collector value from later collected editions.

Anyone looking for a particular version should therefore confirm the exact edition with the seller.

Practical Value

13 Steps to Mentalism is not a book that can be fully absorbed in a single reading.

Many mentalists return to individual chapters repeatedly because certain ideas become more meaningful as their performing experience grows.

For that reason, the book works both as an introduction to mentalism and as a long-term reference for working performers.