Scribd Logo
Upload

Welcome to Scribd!

  • Tony Corinda - Supplement To The 13 Steps of Mentalism

    Uploaded by

    Andreu
    143 views12 pages

    Original Title

    Tony Corinda - Supplement To The 13 Steps Of Mentalism

    Copyright

    © © All Rights Reserved

    Available Formats

    PDF or read online from Scribd

    Did you find this document useful?

    Is this content inappropriate?

    Report this Document

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF or read online from Scribd
    Flag for inappropriate content
    143 views12 pages

    Tony Corinda - Supplement To The 13 Steps of Mentalism

    Uploaded by

    Andreu

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF or read online from Scribd
    Flag for inappropriate content
    of 12
    a * Supplement * sonessovs to \ “The Thirteen Steps { to Mentalism” Price £2.50 (Supplied free when you buy the 13 Stops in U.K.) Tony Corinda CORINDA The picture above was printed neary fly years ago in ‘my book, The Thiteen Stops fo Mentalism. Much hat ‘changed since then but the book is stil widely on sale. This Supplement records the history of the book ‘and reflects some of the changes since it was fist Published. With if, | send greetings to all my readers. Tony Corinda, England. 2005 FORWARD (The History of Corinda and The 13 Steps) By Roy Sinclair CCorinda’s Thirteen Steps fo Mentalism is a fascinating ‘book and the history of tis just as interesting, Corinda was the author and it was writen by him between 1956 ‘and 1958. Itwas orginally publshed and cstbuted as a ‘Series of Booklets’ These were issued, more or less, (on a monthly bass. Each esue of a booklet was called a ‘Step’ and each fone deal with a specific fie of Mentaksm. This was a rather clever manoeuvre by Corinda because it enabled him to sell his book before t was fully wien, (See the ‘original Advert ‘onthe last page of his Supplement), Had he called the booklets ‘Chapters, as is customary, the would have to walt unti the complete series had been iiten before he sold it. But by the time he had reached the last Step (No. 13) he had already sold hundreds of copies ofthe full book which is now known worldwide as “The Thiteen Steps to Mentalism’. Ater Step (No.13) he ‘ceased issuing the individual booklets- and sold the ‘Completed book — bound ito one volume of 428 pages, 4 His publisher (Harry Clarke of London) was himset a ‘magician and was a publisher who owned alarge print- ‘works. He also produced books for Tony Slydini and Dai Vernon. Without Harry's suppor, Corinda admits, he ‘would never have been able to produce his book. When the book became thiteen chapters, Corinda sil persisted in cling them ‘Steps'—@ word in keeping, ‘ith is intention - that each ‘Step’ should be a lesson in Mentalism. Altogether, it meant a Step-by-Step course of instruction for complete beginner to professional -in the ‘At of performing Mentalism Right from the early days Corinda’s book captured the ‘imagination of Mentalist, It was the only book upto that time which did much more than any other book on the ‘subject. He gave his readers mental effects to perform ‘and routines to build into an act, 2s did some other ‘books: notably, "Practical Mental Eflects”by Theodore ‘Annemann (published by Max Holden in USA int344) However, Corinda was diferent. He not only told his readers what effects to do, he would go into fine deta, ‘and explain exact how to perform them, He tld readers what o say and when to say it. He explained how to make some props yourself and his book discussed psychology, misdirection, stagecraft, presentation and the theory and principles behind a vast array of techniques for performing Mentalist. It became ‘the most comprehensive book ever wren on the ‘subject of Mentalism — and it remains so today. CCorinda's book is so crammed fullof instructions and information that itis said today that anybody can be @ ‘top-class mentalist simply by reading his 13 Steps. 2 ‘The historian of Mindreading, Wiliam V. Rauscher in his book “The Mind Readers” (2002) gives a survey of very many mentalsts. Out ofthe hundreds available, he picks five people who, in history, have done more than ‘anybody else fo establish Mentalism: he calls them, The Pacesetters’. The five nominated were: Tony Corinda, Maurice Fogel, Ted Annemann, Bert Reese and Al Koran. Out ofthe five, he picks Tony Corinda as the one that was most prolfic and the one that, outstandingly, Influenced others. Among many other things Rauscher hhas this to say about Corinda: (Quote), ‘Many would-be ‘amateurs and professional mentalsts got their start by folowing Corinda's advice’ In fact, this turned out to be true, Close tofity years 290 ‘Goodie the Exitor of a popular weekly Magic Magazine called ‘Abracadabva' reviewed Corinda’ frst two Stops ‘and reported, ‘if Corinda continues this series in such ‘original and educative format, he wil have writen “The ‘Bible of Mentalism”. Today throughout the world, itis widely ced, and acknowledged by most mentalsts to be, "The Bible of Mentalism. Unfortunately Goodie never lived long enough to see his prediction come true. Corinda’s book became so much established as the handbook of Mentalism that when an organisation known as “The Psychic Entertainers Association’ (PEA) based in America, held their annual convention in 1994 in Atlanta, USA., they took as their ‘Convention Theme’ Corinda's, “Thirteen Steps fo Mentalism’. The PEA is by ‘ar, the biggest organisation of Mentalsts and they have hundreds of members distributed throughout the world, 3 {At ther convention that week, they were all expected to Perform from, and concentrate Upon, the instructions and effecs given in Corinda’s book. Whether t was Close-up work, a Lecture or an Actin the Gala Show - they should try to sick to the theme, Of several hundred ‘ho attended and took part that week, quite a few were professional mentaists who joined in the fun and the Convention was a great success. twas ther very nice ‘way of paying tribute to Corinda, ‘As a reward to Corinda, the PEA bestowed upon him the Blackwood Award for ‘Outstanding contributions tothe Art of Mentalism’ and also gave him an Honorary Life Membership to thei organisation. No other writer or performer of Mentalism has ever achieved quite so ‘much recognition from his peers and felow-mentaists — 1s tohave a Convention devoted to him, ‘Much the same was done by the Magic Cirle in England — who awarded him (in 1958) thei highest rank ‘of membership as a Member of The Inner Magic Circle (MLLM.C. wth Gold Star forhis endeavours. He was {hen one ofthe youngest o ever achieve that elevated Position, being imited to afew members. Allogether ‘Corinda has acquired some teen awards trom the Intemational magical and mentalist fraternities ~ though very rarely does he mention anything about them. He lives a private life and is very reclusive but whether he likes itor not, he has received world-wide recognition. Why Corinda’s book out of athe others, should become the outstanding leader, is simple enough to understand, 4 He was the frst person to wre 8 book which od his ‘eadersexacty Howto doi, Many ster good books fave been writen about Mental: many eter cover ates have in magazines, Bu vey few ever plied ae deal ae tinge you need to now Too often they tel you what 62 without saying racy howto do ‘The points this: once somebody has told you "How to do’ anything, say, ‘The Centre Tear’ (which is explained Inthe 13 Steps book), you don't need to be told twice. ‘Corinda saw this possibilty and told everybody ‘How’ before anybody else thought to do so. That is why his book's unique because there is itte need left for ‘anybody else to publsh and repeat such basic instructions ~ he has already told them. That was his, ‘genius and why he was such a good teacher ‘Apart from lecturing and wrting about Mentalism, he was a highly successful Magic Dealer - and ike Bob Nelson (in America) he specialized in Mentalism and the kindred arts, At the time they were the only two dealers in the world who focussed on mental effects. Many of the effects he sold were invented by himself and he incuding such classics as, ‘and "The Khan Envelope Tes ‘which, strangely, are stil sold today. On average he invented about twenty new ticks a year to maintain his ‘Studio catalogue and for sale at ‘Conventions’. (See ‘Appendix (1). Notwithstanding this prlfic output he was ‘obigated atthe same time to published many more of his own effects In the creation of his book. AS if this was. 5 ‘ot enough, Corinda was sometimes consulted by professionals who wanted new routines or their own routines, reconstructed. He would ‘customize’ tailor. ‘made routines for his cSents and, in those days had Worked for radio (13 programmes), stage shows, television and, occasional, inthe fim industry. Some of his ents were notable people such as Fogel, Punx, ‘Romark and Al Koran, and, beleve tor not, Liberace the pianist ~ who wanted to impress people with Feats ‘of Memory’ which he di. Corinda was very versatile and creative. He could focus on any aspect of Mentalism. Even Uri Gelloris sai to have been influenced by Corinda’ book — as reported by Jonethan Margolis on page 86 of his book called, “Ur Geller. I's ‘about that remarkably clever and orginal performer’ ~ \which is how Corinda regards Uri Geller and his sks Even before his frst ‘Magic Studio’ in Berwick Street, London - Corinda had long experience of performing ‘Magic & Mentalism. He had often worked at exhibitions. ‘and sometimes performed inthe big stores and holiday ‘camps. He also worked at ‘The Festival of Britain’. This \was a permanent showground in Battersea Park, London - where he had the daunting task of performing .230 minute Mindreading act given every hour, for six hours a day, and he worked six days a week. That's thiny-sbx performances a week and he did it for months! He aiso had his first Magic Shop there, in the ‘Festival Gardens’. Later he had them in Berwick St, Hamley's in Regent Street, Mortimer St, Tottenham Ct. Road and Oxford Street. | myself, worked with him for some twenty years ~ sol know about his ability and history - but I don't know where Corinda got the stamina to doit. He also had wide experience of mediumistc and paranormal matters. He had been for years, an Investigator and researcher of paranormal activites and he was a senior member ofthe ‘Occult Commities = which was then run by The Magic Circe, and headed by the eminent parapsychologist, Dr. Dingwall ‘The Occult Committee was a group of speciasts in the field of investigating supernatural phenomena, They ‘worked in conjunction with other like-minded groups Such as, The Society for Psychical Research and the spirtualistc newspaper Psychic News’ The team ‘explored everything from haunted-houses and rectores, to claims of people to have ‘psychic powers’ They investigated several mediums’ and attended quite a few ‘séances — including one séance held by the medium ‘Anne Britain —who was noted forthe fact that she was chosen by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (the author of ‘Sherlock Holmes stories), Doyle was an ardent belever In the supernatural and mediumship ~in his ater days. ‘Much of Corinda’s background experience in these ‘matters, shows up in his book, The Thiteen Steps fo ‘Mentalism, especialy in Step 8, ‘Medfumistic Stunts He never claimed to be ‘psychic himself, and adamantly ‘refused to offend Spiitualsts and their adopted reigion.. [Nor for that matter cid he target the ordinary ‘Mediums’ who simply practiced psychometty and other things ~ ‘such as, fath-healing and clairvoyance. His target was ‘always the fraudsters who aspired to physical ‘manifestations in the séance room. Those who typically 7 claimed to Float speaking trumpets over the séance table’, produce ectoplasm ‘Which manifests into the shape of a dead relative oro evitste themselves to foal into mid-air, etc. Much the same as Hany Houdini Used to do in the days when he used to expose fake ‘mediums. After the three Fox sisters began I allini8e4, CCorinda's target was those who breached the terms of The Fraudulent Mediums Act, (1951) which in the UK, superseded The Witchcraft Act (1760) in England. The ‘new act defined what you could do, or could not do, in a ‘séance room or similar environment. By the year 1951, the Witcheraft Act was considered to be inappropriate. it ‘was no longer acceptable to ‘Burm them atthe stake’ = ‘which was the penalty for those who were found gully of ‘Witchcraft. Thus saving many women from the bonfire - ‘simply because they had told their neighbour twas "Going to rain tomorrow . Thankfully, when itbecame legal to make predictions, mind-readers were allowed to fescape torture. Though not always, the audience who hhad to watch some mind-readers giving @ performance! Corinda was once asked by the newspaper Psychic ‘News to act as an undercover reporter to investigate a {function held at the Conway Hall in London. it was to be ‘a demonstration of mediumship by a gentleman who ‘called himself, "Gerald D. B." He had sold about 400 ‘expensive tickets to see him (alleged) produce ‘psychical manifestations. Corinda attended with his old. pal, James Randi, from Canada, who was (and sti is) ‘an expert at debunking phoney psychics, Not that all psychics are fraudsters. ‘After several interuptions by Corinda and Randi the ‘Chairman invited Corinda onto the stage. He accepted ‘and was then asked infront of the full audience, fhe ‘was a believer, o was he ‘one of those troublesome investigators"? His spontaneous answer was a classic: “Lam neither the same as you, who believe, or one of those that disbelieve. | am somewhere in between the {wo =| am, as you might say just a*happy medium. Everybody had to laugh and both sides ofthe argument. ‘were satisfied. But Corinda got out ofa tight comer with his quick-wited repartee. Ina more dramatic situation, Corinda was invited to give ‘a demonstration of mediumship to a selected audience of experts at the Magic Circle Headquarters in London. He accepted and put on an exhibition lating a full evening, of parapsychology and mediumistic effects, ‘which was an outstanding perormance. Bly McComb, \Who reported on it, called ‘Areal tour de force’: You ‘can read the orginal report in Appendix (8) al the back ‘ofthis Supplement. Corinda faced an audience of some 120 people who had ‘come to see his demonstration. They were a moced Crond of Magicians, Mentalsts, Press reporters and Parapsychologsts. Most ofthe audience had read about these things but many had never actualy seen them demonstrated before. He dumfounded most by a display ‘of mediumistc skits which went on continuously for two. hhours. Some of that performance was funny and created ‘amusement but some was intensely dramatic. At one stage, somebody i nce fainted when Corinda ‘was producing ‘materiaisations’ from his Spit cabinet Proceedings had to stop while the lady was ushered to @ Fest room. Corinda repeated similar demonstrations. Couple of imes in the folowing years. You should not Confuse what is called a “Ghost Show’ with Corinda’s ‘demonstration ofthe paranormal and mediumship. They {are nat the same. He concentrated more on the mental brain-washing of his audience fo get his resuts. He would utter convince his audience it was all genuine. In ‘2 "Ghost Show the audience know its just a show — no ‘matter what happens. Corinda’ theatre was in the mind. ‘As the fame of Corinda’s book spread over the years, so {id @ few other people tied to attach themselves to ths ‘success. When he retired he went into seclusion and ‘became a recuse. Nowadays, (in 2008) he lives quietly In peaceful Norfolk, England. ‘Aer he retired and was not seen around anymore; seemed to have disappeared. Because of that in his ‘absence, some people tried to lay claim to ‘wring! his book — notably, Jon Tremaine and David Berga (both Engish Mentaists) This is nonsense as Corinda wrote the book (there is ample evidence of that) and neither of ‘them ‘wrote’ any part of. Tremaine ci produce some. sketches forthe Book during the time he was working for Corinda - but that was all. Tony Corinda asserts: All [Menialists become impostors when they pretend to read ‘minds - but some get to believe too much in their own fairy tales’. He also has to contend with many rumours ‘and falsehoods which these days, often appear on the Intemet. A selection of which can be seen in Append (@) atthe back of his Supplement. 10 However, Corinda does wish to acknowledge the many contributors and friends who have supported him, The top-class drawings done by Eric Mason (himself, a Mentalist and professionel ats): fortwo interviews {Given in the book, one by Maurice Fogel and one by (Claude Chandler, both fultime professionals. The ‘original pubisher, Harty Clarke in London and Lou ‘Tannen, who also published the book in America in 1958. Then the effects and ideas submited by such ‘names as: Dr. Stanley Jaks, Al Koran, Corvelo, Wil Dexter, Terry Guyatt, Amold Liebertz, Punx, Ed Mellon, Paul Marcus, Professor Alfred Keene, Hans Trxer, Dr. ‘Thornton, Walford Taylor and Patrick Page. Recognition must also go Laura Avis of Paginés, Madrid, publisher ‘of the Spanish edition and to Anthony Blake, who lead the team that did such outstanding work producing the ‘Spanish version. Also Anna | Stazé of Krakow, Poland, ‘To Christopher Woodard for continuous help over the years and finaly to Martin MacMillan of international ‘Magic — for his work and mertal agity Corinda acknowledges these people and gives his sincere thanks to all of them for their loyal support and Contributions. He also apologises for any whe have ‘been, accidentally, missed out Forthe book: “The Thirteen Steps to Mentalism’ has how been translated into five languages - English, Polish, German, Spanish and French. Probably the most ‘world-wide book on Mental. The latest version in French, soon to be released, by Magic Dream of Paris. Enjoy your reading, And may you, ike many others. ‘Go Step-by-Step - 0 become a ‘Master Mentalist’. " Appendix (1) ‘Other Corinda effects’ ‘Tricks and Publications issued by Corinda from 1958 Quite a ot of people have asked the question, ‘Did Corinda produce anything more than the ‘Thirteen Stops to Montalsnr? i's a mystery why they do so as i must be obvious that 2s @ Magic Dealer for over twenty-e years ~he must surely have produced some ofthe effects he sold?, Infact, he did. Just as an example, we Give alist below of some of his witings and a list of his ‘own effects from 1958-1960, Many more came after that inthe following year. He stil owns the “Rights'to most. Publications: ‘Meciumship for Magicians, Chess Trickery, Magic of The ‘Mind, Telephone Trickery for Mentaiss, Pocke-siate ‘Mysteries, The Master gimmick - Electronic Mindreading, Fortune Teling with Tarot Cards, and The Thirteen ‘Stops fo Mentalism, Corinda also ran a monthly column {or a few years in Vibrations the magazine for mentalsis published by The Psychic Entertainers Association. He also wrote for The Magic Circular and |.8.M. magazines. 12 Some of Corinda’s own effects from his 1959-1960 Catalogues: “The Khan Siate Test, Untouched by Hand, Corinda’s Ghost Outfit, Corinda's Spict Bel, Hypno-heat, Corinda Billet Penci, The Khan Dictionary Test, DrSimon Spirt Slate, Powers of Darkness, Choma Tobem, Corinda’ Third Choice, The Camels Eye, Vienna Dice Trick, Birds ofa Feather, Bombshel Prediction, Fantasy in Flame (with Fogel), One-in-2-Milion Newspaper Test, Corinds Dictionary Test, Oujamental, Predicted Carcin-Balloon, Corinda's Money Box, Psychosight, Paradox, Three-of- ‘Kind, Corinda's two-person Communicator, Bind Date, The Spit Telephone, Q5 Pocket index (With Pat Page) and The Khan Envelope Test. This is, by no means, a comprehensive ist Many more flowed later. ae Inthe lit above the name of one eect “Choma Tobe” has bean the sours of much debate as to what t means. Corinda ‘aeeures mo thal TOBEM’ stands for'Thore's One Barn Every ‘Minute’ but wil not aivage what Choma, atthe font, means. Guessing hishas caused much speculalion or some years ~ ‘among Magicans and Mentalists. Another intriguing fact is {hat some of Corinda inventions listed above, appear na Recorded Tape: “Jon Tremaine's -Closop Mental Act “Borrowing” some ofthe affects from other people without permission, doesnt say much your wn creative ably. 13 Appendix (2) ‘Wisdom - on The Internet’ In the FORWARD atthe begining of tis Supplement. Roy Since mentions that heres much talk aout Corns on {he Iniorat these days. Ths is rue. Mos ofthis chat comes ‘tom Postings to Newsgroups’, Some of tis funay and some sed. Some is complimentary and some downright ibalous Nevertheless, ts hora into public domain tobe read by ‘one anda, Below we give youa selection from pages - wit messages posted on various wosites. Some ae sil here. ‘From web: he mapccatacomtoney (opins20RAlone=t8) ‘ta ar 228,200 Topic: 1s Corinda: Still Alive? Posted by czero: Ive done some Googling and! cant ‘seem find anywhere where-s-he-now info on Tony Corinda, | find this astounding, a8 | drt think there's a single working ‘mentalist who does consider 13 Stop essential reading. ‘Anyone keow if Corinda ssl alive? not, when did he do? Posted by London: | am almost certain he i dead Posted by magicbygeorge: | heard ho is alive and wel, but kos to kaop a ow pref eway fem magicinenalsm community Posted by London: | guess | was wrong. | thought | heard ead: We al make mistakes. Ae you aware of anything 4 putout by him other han the 13 Stops? Not hat snot fncugh Posted by lan Rowland: London ~to the bes of knowledge Tony Corinda never pu out anything else ater 13. ‘Steps. Ive had long eorwerstions with David Berglas who was very moth invelved with Corina and the emergence of ‘whatwe now know at: "TheThtaen Stops fo Monta” Posted by wisdom: {often wonder who realy wrote the 13 stops. don Tremaine once fold me that HE in fact wrote it Ho ‘dilustrate some of Whan | challonged him on ths and Said "Surly Connda had something to do with” Jon said that he jos took dou Jon's etalon. Then some years lato, David Berglas astounded me by teling me that HE wrote. told him that Jon Tremaine had formed me tat he was the ‘author David paused for a second then sad, “Well he Cartainly Rad more to do witht than Corinda ci il think Corinda wrote most oft Wistul inking | suppote Posted by czero: Corinda not boing the actual author ofthe book int bears his name is kind of shocker but a somecne who's worked in publishing his entire adit fe, | Sppose I shouldbe surprised. On, well Another lusion shatores. Posted by wisdom: Oh, and Ai Bongo and Jon Tremaine sso used to know him well. They both worked for im. just. Femembered that! slso sew Cornda co the Centre Tear He Slit exactly as described inthe book Perhaps he id write t Siter al. keep comembering hinge ater posted | recall Connda was chass expert Possibly Grandmaster status Posted by Lawrence: Inthe ast few years quite afew people have told me that Jon Tremaine and David Berglas Fave mado claims fo have writen Connda's book This 15 blatant untrue. ved and worked with Corin at 66 Berwick Ses! where he ha his etusio and at the time when he wos, ving the book. | used to do the proof-reading for him. They ‘Should bol be utlely ashamed of perpetrating nis falsehood ‘We ll know Corinda wrote Posted by Fate: Berglas as the author ofthe 19 Steps? Wit ni te mention in the Book av nat one ptr of Fm ‘appearing anywhere, Nether i he on the front cover. Such ‘modesty, on his pat, is beyond belie! sal ter rubbish Posted by enviqueenriquez: Great stories. | mast confess that fra long bm Ive wondered f Corinda even really nite at al ei he was just myth Note: ‘As can be seen, most of the people who subscribe to these Intemet ses, wre using a Sereen Name or, pseudonym, f you profer This may account for some of ham making feckless statements which they otherwise may not do. We ‘Suppose they areintuenced by a false sense of anonyty ‘which Is unwise because most of them are easy to Wace if ‘one wished Lo do so. Same of them, so improbable, they are not worth te effort of doing 9, Some of them are genuine trough ~and make useful contrbutans tothe Pubic Domain 16 Appendix (3) (‘Baffling the Experts’) br Corinda’s séan: Reported by Billy McComb Corinda put on a stance atthe Magic Circle in our Hearts of Oak venue, and | wrote l up for Abra. The show was a was a real four de force and completely baffled many of the magician and mentalist viewers. Ectoplasm, | now know, looks lke candy floss. Ive seen | The occasion was a Corinda ‘challenge’ séance with a ‘medium, ‘Mme. Latour, in The Magic Circle function Hal. Nothing to do withthe Circe though - explained Sid Emons at the outset. The Council disclaimed all responsibiliy (hough all seemed to be present atthe ‘gathering). Others present were Cifford Davis, reporter ‘of The Daily Miror, A Koran, Eric and Shan Mason, David Beralas, Bily McComb, John Salsse, George ‘Davenport (who laughed in ll the wrong places), Bly O'Connor, Dr Dingwall - and about a hundred more, Lighting was subdued and red in colour. There was ‘background organ music playing quiet and the place was perfumed with aromatic incense. An eerie setting. 7 ‘A table stretched end-on to the multitude. On other tables lay a spint cabinet five feet long by two high. Sundry crystal balls, candles, a oulja boara and what- have-you. Tony Corinda explained that he had deposted £100 (in 1958: about £1,000 in value today) with the ‘Committee, to be given to Mme. Latour should, he fall to

    You might also like