Mentalissimo by John Bannon

Effect

Mentalissimo by John Bannon is a book focused on mentalism and card magic with a cerebral, methodical approach. The effects within the book allow performers to create the illusion of mind-reading, prediction, and impossible coincidences using playing cards. Spectators see a magician who appears to know their thoughts, influence their choices, or reveal information they couldn’t possibly know—all while using an ordinary deck of cards.

Full Details

The book contains a collection of routines that blend mentalism with card magic, emphasizing clever systems and psychological principles over complex sleight of hand. Many effects rely on subtlety, misdirection, and audience management rather than difficult moves. Some routines involve:

• Thought-of card revelations where a spectator merely names a card, and the magician instantly locates it.
• Impossible predictions where a chosen card matches a previously written prediction.
• Mathematical and procedural systems that create the illusion of free choice while maintaining control.

The methods are designed to be practical, making them suitable for real-world performances rather than just theoretical exercises.

Who Should Consider the Trick

• Mentalists who want to incorporate card-based mentalism into their acts.
• Card magicians looking to add psychological depth to their routines.
• Performers who prefer methodical, structured magic over flashy sleight of hand.
• Those who enjoy books with strong theoretical insights alongside practical effects.

Difficulty

The routines in Mentalissimo are generally low to moderate difficulty, making them accessible to intermediate magicians. While some effects require a solid understanding of card handling, many rely more on presentation and audience management than technical skill.

Kyle Purnell describes it as a book with "clever concepts and systems over complex moves," making it ideal for those who appreciate cerebral magic. AJ DeBeck praises Bannon’s writing style and the versatility of the techniques, noting that they can be adapted beyond the specific routines taught.

What Magicians Say

• Kyle Purnell calls it a "cornerstone of his magic library," appreciating its clever systems and the way it integrates truth into performances. He specifically highlights its value for mentalism with cards.
• AJ DeBeck considers it one of his favorite books, praising Bannon’s structured routines and the way they enhance the impossibility of effects. He mentions using principles from the book in his own performances.

Both reviewers emphasize that Mentalissimo is not just a collection of tricks but a resource for understanding deeper magical principles, making it a valuable addition to any magician’s library.