Books › Tricks Of The Mind
Tricks Of The Mind
392 pages
A witty, mind-bending tour through the loopholes of human psychology and the art of deception.
What it feels like
Reading this feels like sitting in a pub with a brilliantly articulate, slightly mischievous friend who is determined to show you exactly how easily your brain can be hacked. The pace is brisk and engaging, propelled by a wry, conversational tone that effortlessly blends memoir, psychological theory, and practical instruction. It is an intellectually stimulating experience that shifts from teaching you how to memorize a deck of cards to dismantling the predatory tactics of psychics and faith healers. The prose is sharp, laced with dry British wit and a healthy dose of skepticism. It delights curious minds and rationalists, leaving you with a profound appreciation for the fallibility of human perception and a sharper eye for everyday illusions.
- Mood
- intellectually stimulating
- playful
- inquisitive
- Tone
- wry
- conversational
- skeptical
- witty
- didactic
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- fallibility of perception · mechanics of belief · psychological manipulation · debunking the paranormal · art of illusion
- The writing
- Sharp, highly articulate, and laced with dry British wit and self-deprecating humor.
- The arc
- Moves from playful curiosity about magic tricks to a profound, empowering skepticism about how our minds deceive us.
- Who it's for
- Curious skeptics, psychology enthusiasts, and anyone fascinated by the quirks of human behavior and the mechanics of deception.
Content notes
- discussions of manipulation
- strong language
About the book
The definitive book by Britain's favourite illusionist..."Derren Brown's television and stage performances have entranced and dumbfounded millions. His baffling illusions and stunning set pieces - such as The Seance, Russian Roulette and The Heist - have set new standards of what's possible, as well as causing more than their fair share of controversy. Now, for the first time, he reveals the secrets behind his craft, what makes him tick and just why he grew that beard. Tricks of the Mind takes you on a journey into the structure and pyschology of magic. Derren teaches you how to read clues in people's behaviour and spot liars. He discusses the whys and wherefores of hypnosis and shows how to do it. And he investigates the power of suggestion and how you can massively improve your memory. He also takes a long hard look at the paranormal industry and why some of us feel the need to believe in it in the first place. Alternately hilarious, controversial and challenging, Tricks of the Mind is essential reading for Derren's legions of fans, and pretty bloody irresistible even if you don't like him that much..."
Description from Open Library.
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