Absolute Magic, written by Derren Brown, is a book that explores the art of mentalism and magic. Brown, a renowned magician and illusionist, delves into the psychology and techniques behind creating illusions that seem supernatural. Throughout the book, Brown shares insights on the performance aspect of magic, the importance of misdirection, and the power of suggestion. The book emphasizes the notion of "magic" in a broader sense, beyond the mere tricks and illusions. Brown argues that magic is about creating a sense of wonder and awe, and captivating an audience's imagination. He explores how magic can be used as a tool for personal growth and transformation, emphasizing the psychological impact it can have on both the performer and the spectator.
He explores how magic can be used as a tool for personal growth and transformation, emphasizing the psychological impact it can have on both the performer and the spectator. Brown also discusses the psychological principles that underlie magic tricks, such as priming, suggestion, and psychological manipulation. He explains how a magician can take advantage of the audience's expectations, biases, and cognitive limitations to create a convincing illusion.
Collecting Grimoires, Spell Books, and Witchcraft Tomes
Witches and spells conjure notions of women in black or events like the Salem Witch Trials, yet there is a rich history and culture of witches and witchcraft that exists worldwide and maintains a vibrant community of practitioners and adherents. With these practices come an amazing array of texts to provide guidance and, yes, even spells. As part of the programming at the Brooklyn Antiquarian Book Fair, William Kiesel and Pam Grossman will present “Collecting Grimoires, Spell Books, and Witchcraft Tomes” at 2pm on Saturday the 7th.
The differences between grimoires, spell books, and witchcraft tomes are not strict and there are many points of overlap. “Grimoire come from French that means ‘book of magic’ but it derives from the word ‘grammar’ so it refers to a grammar of magic,” Kiesel explains. “Typically, grimoires are often manual of practice that give recipes, operations, rituals and perhaps even spells.” Spellbooks, Kiesel says, are more associated with folk magic and practice while witchcraft tomes are more like a belief system or “what it means to be a witch.”
Interest in these texts has seen a resurgence in the past ten years, according to Kiesel. Now, with modern technology, people can share texts, and small publishers around the world are printing new grimoires.
When asked why people are drawn to grimoires and other such texts, Kiesel explains, “people are interested in being the best they can be. A lot of the old grimoires promise all sorts of things, such success in a career, love, or a long life.” He considers these books more like guides than acutal spellbooks, since the practitioner “will gain skills regardless of whether the magic is done or not.”
Moreover, Kiesel says that these texts allow readers to interact with the spiritual world on a personal level. “People want to have spiritual life, but they may be distrustful of the traditional religions. Grimoires allow you to approach it on an individual basis.”
These books can possess a talismanic quality, according to Kiesel. Some people have collected grimoires and other texts simply for the power of having them.
Notable institutional collections of grimoires and other texts include the Cornell University Library, the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Boscastle, UK, and The Ritman Library, Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica in Amsterdam, Holland.
For his BABF talk, Kiesel will explore the rich history of these texts and by way of examples such as the Petit Albert, an 18th century Grimoire, and the Key of Solomon, an Italian Renaissance grimoire said to be written by King Solomon. Kiesel is both a collector and a publisher of grimoires through his Ouroboros Press. Fellow lecturer Pam Grossman will be presenting a more contemporary view of witchcraft; she has published several books on modern witchcraft including the recent Waking the Witch: Reflections on Women, Magic and Power.
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Brown shares personal stories and anecdotes from his own experiences, demonstrating the practical application of these principles. The book also delves into the ethics of magic, addressing the question of deception and its impact on the audience. Brown argues that magic is an art form and should be seen as such. He emphasizes the importance of honesty and authenticity in magic performances, and encourages magicians to be transparent about the tricks they use. Overall, Absolute Magic provides a comprehensive exploration of the art of magic. Derren Brown offers a unique perspective on the world of illusions, combining psychological insights with practical advice for magicians. The book is not only a valuable resource for aspiring magicians, but also a fascinating read for anyone interested in the art of deception and the power of the mind..
Reviews for "Mastering the Art of Absolute Magic: Lessons from Derren Brown's Mind-Boggling Performances"
1. Emma - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Absolute Magic" by Derren Brown, but unfortunately I was quite disappointed. While Brown is undoubtedly a talented performer, I found the book to be lacking in substance. The tricks and techniques explained were not as mind-blowing as I had anticipated, and the writing style was rather dry and uninspiring. Overall, I felt like this book didn't live up to its promise of teaching the secrets behind Brown's incredible magic tricks.
2. David - 2 stars
"Absolute Magic" by Derren Brown is definitely not for everyone. As someone who has a keen interest in magic, I was excited to delve into this book. However, I found it to be overly complicated and confusing. Brown's explanations were convoluted and difficult to follow, making it hard to grasp the tricks he was trying to teach. Additionally, I felt like the book lacked depth and substance, leaving me unsatisfied as a reader. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking to learn the art of magic.
3. Sarah - 3 stars
I have to admit, I had mixed feelings about "Absolute Magic" by Derren Brown. While I appreciated the author's attempt to delve into the psychology behind magic tricks, I found the book to be a bit too self-indulgent. Brown seemed more focused on showcasing his own skills and knowledge rather than providing a comprehensive guide for aspiring magicians. The tricks explained were interesting, but the explanations were often incomplete, leaving me wanting more. Overall, this book could have been better if it had a clearer focus and more thorough explanations.
4. John - 2 stars
As someone who has always been fascinated by magic, I was excited to read "Absolute Magic" by Derren Brown. However, I was left disappointed. The book lacked organization and structure, making it difficult to follow the explanations of the tricks. Additionally, I felt like Brown was holding back on sharing the real secrets behind his magic, leaving the explanations incomplete and unsatisfying. Overall, this book failed to live up to my expectations and I would not recommend it to fellow magic enthusiasts.
5. Rebecca - 2 stars
"Absolute Magic" by Derren Brown was not what I had hoped for. While Brown is undoubtedly a talented magician, this book did not do justice to his skills. The explanations in the book were often confusing and lacked clarity, making it difficult to understand the tricks. Furthermore, the writing style was dry and unengaging, making it hard to stay interested. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others.