"The Mental Mysteries is one of the 3 books that a mentalist must have read." - Richard Webster

Features :

• Author: Larsen Sr., William W.
• Translator: Francis, Gordon
• Original title: The Mental Mysteries and Other Writings by William W. Larsen Sr.
• Number of pages: 288
• Format: 16 x 24 cm
• Collection: Book published under the aegis of "Mentalism Cahiers"
• Manufacturing: glued sewn, rigid cover
• Most: Textile bookmark
• Year: 2025 (Orig.: 1977)
• Publisher: Fantaisium

DESCRIPTION :

Fantaisium Editions are particularly proud to put in the reach of French -speaking readers this jewel of mentalist literature. We had this project for a long time, now it has come true!

Originally, it was the son of William Larsen SR who decided in 1977 to publish the collection of his father's best routines, which existed in the form of separate booklets that have become imposed. Result: The Mental Mysteries, or 25 chapters of the best level, including 6 chapters of "Dr. Q" personalized by the famous Alexander, "The Man Who Knows".

In the 1930s and 1940s, William Larsen SR scoured the luxury hotels of the USA to provide "conferences" on various subjects under mentalism, animated by magic effects. He did not hesitate to add readings (tarots, chiromancy, etc.) and psychometry like Annemann.

All of his animated conferences are in this book, with their afterword.

Complete numbers also, such as sight without eyes, pseudo-hypnosis, rotating tables, etc.

The "proof of deception" routine alone is worth the price of the book. It was William Larsen's favorite. Presented as a conference of about three-quarters of an hour, she questions the public about the value of evidence in the judiciary, which leads the mentalist to call certain spectators on the platform to make them participate in trompe-l'oeil or false effects.

It also offers flash effects such as Afghan bands, which support its words. The author has been very successful with this conference, which he has given more than 200 times!

Most of the material present in this book can be used today, and profitable quickly. It is all the more true that the book is teeming with professional advice to better sell its services, to increase the impact of effects, to better manage the public ... This book will quickly become essential to any mentalist!
Book published under the aegis of the Cahiers du Mentalisme.

Each chapter opens on a full page drawing by the artist Mickey O'malley

Richard Webster's tribute:

Richard Webster wrote in 1992, in Genii magazine:

"One of the questions is to name the three books that have had the greatest influence on your development as a mentalist. The most frequently quoted title is by far practical mentalism of Annemann. Then come The Mental Mysteries by William W. Larsen Sr. and 13 Steps to Mentalism by Tony Corinda. "
 
Extract from the preface by Erick Fearson:

"One more book comprising an endless sequence of routines as there are so many?" Think again, this work is much more than that! (…) The precious advice delivered by this book, and the study of the routines it contains, will teach you how to build and structure your mentalism experiences, but also how to impact and manage your audience. More than that, he will give you many tips in the profession. (…) May this masterpiece inspire you as it should. » - Erick Fearson, editor -in -chief of the Cahiers du Mentalisme
 
The author:

William Larsen SR (1904-1953) was an important character in American mentalism before and post-war, because he was both a lawyer, a magic merchant (Thayer), founder of the Academy of Magical Arts and Sciences, creator of the magazine Genii (still published today) and founder of the Magic Castle. He performed as a mentalist and speaker for more than 20 years, constantly innovating in his routines.
William Larsen Sr.

Matter table:

Preface by Erick Fearson

Introduction of William W. Larsen Jr

CHAPTER I • The pineal eye
This is a conference based on real challenges between William W. Larsen Sr., Master Pat Marquis and his mentor, Dr. Reynolds. Pat Marquis, at the time of tests, challenges and controversies, when he was a 14 -year -old teenager, claimed to have a "pineal eye" which allowed him to see his eyes blindfolded. This chapter recounts these tests of Pat Marquis and Dr. Reynolds and details the real method of the vision number of Larsen and the probable method used by Marquis. Published in 1944, this text was originally sold $ 25 (€ 500 of 2025) to keep its exclusivity.

Chapter II • The psychic business of tourist hotels
This chapter explains how to get involved in the best tourist hotels for psychic work. He shows that it is quite possible to anyone rather intelligent and somewhat cultivated to earn a living by doing nothing but psychic work in the best hotels in the world. He details what to do, how and when to do it. Hotels in the whole country pay excellent prices, plus the cottage and cover for this kind of work. Based on the real experience of William Larsen Sr., this article was written in 1943.

Chapter III • Conference on the Pseudo-Psychometry Annemannienne
There are many versions of pseudo-psychometry, published and invented over the years. William Larsen Sr. opted for the version of Ted Annemann which was published on the last page of the number 9 of Jinx many years ago (1935). This chapter will give you the Summary of Larsen on the pseudo-psychometry, by revealing his complete initiation, as well as individual readings which will suit each person participating in this experience. Written in 1943, it was one of the favorite routines of William Larsen Sr.

Chapter IV • Tarot Telepathy  
This mental number for a duo, carefully tested by the public, was mainly designed for the man who wants to present a psychic nature number and who has no male or female partner on whom he can constantly count. Here you can use any girl as a medium. A real owner of psychic capacities could not create a greater feeling. It is a pseudo-psychic entertainment obtained exactly like the real medium. This text was originally published in 1948.

Chapter V • Reading thoughts with or without contact 
A brief chapter that will allow you to find hidden pins, send letters to unknown people to unknown addresses and do all kinds of tests decided secretly. Work without an accomplice. Reading thoughts with or without contact is an apparent mental phenomenon carried out by the subconscious wish of the person of an average intelligence to carry out the efforts of the interpreter. This brief notebook, written in 1945, gives you everything you need for another full number.

Chapter VI • Larsen and clairvoyance  
Brief Legal Dissertation on what the good adventure sayer can and cannot do. William W. Larsen Sr. was a member of the California state bar from 1930. This information responded to a long -standing need. Can you make predictions on religion? What are the elements of the laws promulgated against divination? How do the Chiromancer or the astrologer differ from the Disator of Gonnest Adventure? How can you write a notice of non-responsibility (“disclaimer”) which will help you respect the law? What happens if you ask for a medical opinion? Larsen gives his opinion on all this, and even more, in this notebook written in 1944.

Chapter VII • Proof of deception
Here is an illustrated conference on magic, exactly as presented almost 200 times by William W. Larsen Sr. This conference is particularly interested in bars, groups of lawyers and magistrates, political organizations, etc. But its attraction is general and it will be welcomed everywhere. This chapter gives the conference, you will complete with your own towers, most of which are suggested. The conference lasts an hour and was written in 1946.

CHAPTER VIII • PEOPLE Affair VS. Smith miracles
Here is the interpretation of William W. Larsen Sr. of the decision in the case "The People of the State of California against Miracles A. Smith". It is intended to serve as a guide for mentalists as to a court has decided. It was written in 1948.

Chapter IX • Complete cards reading 
This text gives a reading of cards that can be given to almost any adult, man or woman. Of course, you have to be discerning and slightly modify reading to adapt it to the subject. This reading is special in that it does not use any "fixed system" of cards. The subject is authorized to mix the game freely. Once the improvement is memorized, you will have extended your ability to entertain with another complete number. This text was written in 1944.

Chapter X • Reading cards by J. Thurman Lord
Here is another print of “cradle at the grave” cards of present manual imaginative of William Larsen Sr. It can be given to any person, man or woman. In this demonstration, you tell your subjects that you are not a medium and that you do not pretend to have a psychic power, but that you are only pulling the cards as the famous J. Thurman Lord did. This draw is close to the prints of complete cards of Chapter IX but differs on many points, and can be used in repeated situations. Written in 1944.

Chapter XI • Reading “From cradle to the coffin”
Here is another reading that can be given directly without accessory, or via a crystal ball. Without too much effort, it could be exempt by seemingly reading the palm of the subject, spreading the cards, playing with the figures or scrutinizing tea leaves in a cup. It is a reading which, with a minimum of precaution, can be given to any adult, man or woman. It is based on events that occur in the vast majority of human lives. As I said above, reading becomes personalized and the person who receives it will be willing to believe that not only has the light told the past correctly, but that he has planned the future. Written in 1944.

Chapter XII • Message transmission tests from J. Thurman Lord
The work of J. Thurman Lord was daring, direct, but also practical. Thousands of people believed him gifted. However, it appears that what he did, you can do it too. This chapter will tell you how Mr. Lord managed to read written questions of such speed that he seemed to pay no attention to the writings. He even sent some direct messages to those who had not written anything! Written in 1944.

Chapter XIII • The great sorcerer test of Dr. DIGHILINI
A chapter of the type of those revealing a little -known secret. Several suggested ideas are given for this test where sometimes a spoonful of powder will not burn, and other times it will burn. Can be used for conferences, serious demonstrations or a light comedy. This short text was written in 1944.

Chapter XIV • Spook-show routines 
This chapter presents a certain number of routines for ghost shows, and also includes information that William Larsen Sr. collected from famous ghost artists concerning: 1. Tips and tips suggested - 2. Suggestions ofls - 3. How to obtain reservations - 4. Advertising - 5. Suggestions to make a profit - 6. The spook-shows-9. Film trailers. Five routines are described. Various other ideas for ghost shows are explored. Written in 1944.

Chapter XV • The last Houdini session
One of the best -selling texts of all those of William Larsen Sr., who gave this conference of hundreds of times throughout the country. With a simple office, it was the most popular and frequently requested, carefully thought out and structured conference so as not to injure anyone. Regardless of the listener's ethnicity or belief, he or she cannot be offended by the story of "the last Houdini session". However, the debates are sometimes passionate and always arouse interest and subsequent discussion. Houdini is as (if not more) popular today than when this text was written in 1945.

Chapter XVI • The large escape number with handcuffs 
The grand master of the escape, Harry Houdini, could be chained heavily, then withdraw in a cabinet for thirty minutes, free himself and the public of the time appreciated and asked for more. But it was fifty years ago, and today's paid spectators demanded two things: speed and comedy. It is therefore a more removed version of the "Handcuff Escape Act", written in 1944.

Chapter XVII • Harry Houdini's escapes  
Complete conference on the life of the great showman Harry Houdini. By preparing this conference-demonstation for his own use, William Larsen Sr. was largely inspired by his frequent conversations with the late Ms. Harry Houdini and her business officer, the late Dr. Edward Saint. He also exploited sources from all the most striking books on Houdini, as well as various letters and documents from Houdini he owned. This conference was designed to be used by anyone, even if William Larsen Sr. has never met any of the Houdini. Originally published in 1944, it is still relevant.

Chapter XVIII • The escape of the trunk as an advertising lever 
This is a challenge test. A joinery, moving, storage, hardware or construction company is challenged to build a heavy wooden box by a cubic meter, hence the artist, a certain evening, will try to escape. This brief chapter explains how it all works. A practical idea used many times in the spectacle of Larsen. Written in 1945.

Chapter XIX • Reading hand lines 
Here is another readings by William Larsen Sr. that you can give to any adult, man or woman. Memorize it word for word and you will not be able to be wrong. Several new ideas are introduced here who did not appear in other texts. Written in 1943.
 
- Supplement: the notebooks of Dr. Q -
 
Chapter XX • Questions from Dr. Q  
It is probably the most disconcerting of all so-called "living or dead effects". Five sheets of paper are given to five different spectators. One is asked to write the name of a deceased; The other four write names of living. The performer never sees what names are written. Each spectator carefully folds his paper, and the five leaves are picked up by a spectator, who mixes them as much as he wants. The spectator is then asked to burn the papers one by one. Suddenly, while one of the papers lights up, the executor shouts: "Stop, turn off this flame!" We open the partly charred paper: it bears the name of the deceased. Additional information is also provided to allow the performer to reveal the identity of the "dead name" if he wishes. (1941)

Chapter XXI • The Hypnosis number of Dr. Q
William Larsen SR reveals the famous hypnosis issue of Dr. Q. is not hypnosis strictly speaking, but an instant control of a spectator committee. No accomplices or assistants of any kind. No preliminary arrangements. No equipment. No complex technique. To do at any time and anywhere. You can therefore present this famous number and provide a hypnosis show when you want. It is pseudo-hypnosis, but so well thought out that it can be achieved under any conditions. (1944)

Chapter XXII • The rotating tables of Dr. Q
Any medium -sized table moves, tilts, rises from 30 cm to one meter, brasmer and truly spir. The medium or the magician does not need to touch the table. Sitting people do all the work without their knowledge. But to achieve this, you must have the right method explained in this chapter. It is a proven and truthful method, implemented without any kind of device. Once mastered, you will get a sensational effect that you can perform wherever you can find at least four spectators and a table. (1941)

Chapter XXIII • The “Number, please?” Dr. Q
The telephone directories of several major cities - for example New York, Washington D. C., Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles - are used in this test. A page number is chosen in the fairest way that has ever been designed. Any of these big directories are chosen freely, unlocked, and open to the chosen page. The spectator who chose the directory is invited to think of one of the names, the address, the prefix and the telephone number. Meanwhile, the interpreter wrote something on a paper and reaches him to another spectator. They are read and exactly coincide. As a bonus: Method to use this effect as an advertising lever. (1942)

Chapter XXIV • Reading Dr. Q thoughts, in all simplicity
Apparent 10 -minute thought reading number in three chained, intelligently organized, which you can do a few moments after reading this chapter. In fact, it is the spectators who make the largest part of the work. Despite this, the number is impactful, confusing and will remain in the memories for a long time. You can transport the number in your jacket pocket, and again, without fully filling it. There is also a complete opening and fence conference and a suggestion of a bell to be used during the number. (1942)

Chapter XXV • "Without having seen it" by Dr. Q 
The mentalist first holds half-dollars against his eyes and plates them on it with adhesive tape. Then, two other ribbons are placed at crossed angles on the rooms. Then we stick three large strips of adhesive tape from one temple to another, from the forehead to the tip of the nose. Finally, we fold a large handkerchief or a scarf and we tie it firmly around the already hidden eyes. Despite this, the interpreter is able to describe the objects held before him by the members of the public. (1944)
Larsen and punch on the nose, from Bob Weill
Proper name index