The Principles of Magic by Richard Osterlind - Review
New e-Book. August 2005
Bought mine from : http://www.osterlindmysteries.com/
Price : $20 as a downloadable e-book. A printed version will be available later in the year.
Difficulty : Not really applicable. It is entirely down to you !
They Say :
Why can two performers do the same piece of material yet one consistently gets much more enthusiastic audience responses?
Is it possible that some of magic's most sacred axioms such as "never repeat a trick" and "never tell an audience what you're going to do" may ultimately be responsible for the huge amount of mediocre magic that abounds?
What is magic's biggest lie?
These are just a few of the topics that Richard Osterlind tackles in what may be his most passionate argument yet for a return to the fundamental principles that once made conjuring one of the most respected of the performing arts. Over the years, these principles have become misinterpreted, misunderstood or largely ignored, resulting in magic's unfortunate and undeserving loss of its rightful place in the public's estimation. The Principles of Magic is Richard Osterlind's warning flag that, as performers, we have to change many of our approaches and attitudes before it's too late and magic vanishes forever.
As a bonus, Richard offers "Inside The Fold," one of the strongest openers possible for a magic or Mentalism program. It's a surefire way to gain the respect and attention of any audience immediately.
More than just a reasoned appeal to mystery performers everywhere to once again lift magic to its highest artistic potential, The Principles of Magic is about re-discovering what it was about magic that you first loved...and perhaps re-learning how to share its original wonder with others.
I Say :
I wanted to review this e-book, not just because Richard Osterlind has written it, but because the content appeals to me. I’m also going to try to review it, and at the same time ignore who wrote it. I don’t want to be biased, I want it to stand on its own two feet !
What you get is an e-book. For $20 via PayPal, you get an automated and instantaneous link to download the file. The download itself can be initiated via the received email, just as quickly. The downloaded file is a larger 1.8Mb, but the process is as smooth as silk. Double click the received file and read or print using Adobe. The end result is an e-book of a substantial 69 pages. The layout is clear and well presented, and pleasing to the eye.
The author identifies two main objectives. The first is to strengthen the respect magic should have, and the second is to build on the principles of magic.
So, this is not a book of tricks or effects. That may put some off purchasing, but it shouldn’t. We all have trick and effects, books and gimmicks. But what I need help with, and many others too is, how I deliver, what goes on in one’s mind, and that of the audience and participants. This is what I see the book addressing.
My own interest is Mentalism, but I see no reason why any form of magic, or even non magic public speaking would not benefit. There is much for the mentalist, through to the children’s party entertainer also.
The book is divided into 5 Parts, comprising about 23 Chapters. Topics include The Magician’s Ego, Mentalism, Nerves, as well as Sections focusing on what TO do, and what NOT to do.
As I read, I nodded in agreement. Not because I already knew what I was reading, but because every word seemed to fall into place, making sense, and feeling like something I could use in a very practical sense. There is philosophical discussion as well as practical advice, and all very useful, for the beginner or professional. I particularly liked the discussions on Audience Management. There maybe points that some will take issue with ( pre-show for example ), but wherever your thought may lie, you will at least have ‘thought’ !
I think with any such book, it has to better than just a good read. There needs to be something the reader can take away, maybe make notes on, and use and apply. This book certainly delivers. There is much to take away and use, and a second or third reading will glean even more. It is a book to read, pause, think, note, annotate and then continue. And also a book to use, to examine one’s own presentation, routine and delivery. That is where the real workable value lies.
This is a fine offering. Richard Osterlind is an accomplished writer, but also a writer with experience, who is willing to pass his knowledge and thoughts on for the benefit of others. This is an insightful and educated text. So … Look and you shall see.
As a bonus, for those that do like effects, or, who might wish to apply these thoughts to a new routine, Osterlind’s ‘Inside the Fold’ Mentalism routine is also included.
Overall : Just $20’s in your pocket ? Tempted by another book of tricks or effects. Forget it ! Buy Richard Osterlind’s book instead. You already have the effects, now learn how to better deliver them, for the benefit of you and your audience.
Having read the book, my ‘emotions’ certainly felt inspired !
Rating : 9/10, because nothing is perfect, but this is as good as it gets.
Note. I’m just your average ‘Joe’. I’m no philosopher or professional. So this is just my personal opinion of something I like very much.
).
). To be honest, I didn't mind so much. After all, who am I (an amateur mentalist who's been learning for only 3 years so far) to tell Osterlind he's wrong? It's obvious (even without his reputation) that what he is explaining to you is born from years of graft and I for one am grateful of the advice. It will certainly get you thinking about some of the so-called 
