Here's a question:

I actually own 13 Steps to Mentalism and want to know if purchasing Anneman's Practical Mental Magic is really necessary. How much of the material between these books is basically the same?

"Practical Mental Effects" by Theodore Annemann is the traditional starting point for mentalists. Some find this book to be a bit dry and dated although it is a source still mined for gems by professional mentalists.

"Prism" by Max Maven is a collection of effects but is not specifically geared toward the beginner.

If you are interested in DVDs, Richard Osterlind's "Easy to Master Mental Miracles" series is, arguably, the contemporary equivalent of "Practical Mental Effects". Similarly, his more advanced "Mind Mysteries" series (especially the first 4 volumes) could be called a contemporary equivalent of "13 Steps".

It is probably not really necessary but it is the tradtional starting point for mentalism. Compared to "13 Steps" it may seem a bit creaky. If the history of the art of mentalism is important to you, however, "Practical Mental Effects" is a must.

Some might call "Practical Mental Effects" and "13 Steps" as the old and new testament of mentalism, respectively. I would never do this of course, as you never know what sets people off.

m...j....m.... ALSO HAS IT FOR4 A GREAT PRICE