Im not new to magic but I'm new to mentalism, what's a good place to start? There's so much material out there and the reviews don't always do them justice.

13 Steps to Mentalism will teach you the basics. Look up Derren Brown's videos and watch how he makes mentalism "visual" to get people engaged with his performance.

ho9w about Psypher? is that any good for a first purchase?

Nothing should really be purchased besides 13 steps to mentalism or practical mental magic. Either of those books will teach you the basics of mentalism. If you want to purchase one effect, then go ahead but it'll only teach you one thing. The books mentioned above will teach you more than you ever need to know. Plus they have many effects in them that work to this day and fool the heck out of people.

Do NOT purchase psypher, you wont know how to perform it anywhere NEAR to its full potential. Start with 13 steps, of if thats too bland for you, work with some other basic work, graduate to Luke Jermay's ideas over time. From Luke you can learn how to present mentalism effectively for maximum impact, as well as many other adept performers, i.e. Banacheck.


In Magic,
Tyler

in my mind books are great but sometimes it is hard to picture what is going on so i would invest in 13 steps to mentalism the 6dvd set and the book i feel it would be a great combo

hope i helped

I recommend and also agree that 13 Steps is an excellent choice making for a fine staple in any mentalist's/magician's library but I will step out in opposition to some opinions and actually recommend Psypher.
It's OK if one can't perform it to their full potential but it will certainly be GREAT FUN while learning how and gaining experience.

I also highly recommend the Xpert; http://www.penguinmagic.com/product.php?ID=606

EZ, that makes no sense. Why would you purchase something knowing fully you cant perform it to its full potential? Thats like slapping the amazing effect in the face.

In Magic,
Tyler

he has a point though, you might want some instant gratification and just have fun with it

You dont get into magic for INSTANT gratification.

That's what learning those stupid card tricks that anyone can do are for. Mentalism is a tough craft... at least, if you get it right it is.

I'll go ahead and argue that while mentalism may rely much more heavily on performance, a card "magician" just going through the motions isn't gonna get any sort of reaction other than "Oh, fast hands."

-JT

Is that not a form of instant gratification? I think we're agreeing with each other here... maybe not, I can misinterpret often.

Maybe, but I don't think it's the desired effect.

-JT