Tricks of the Mind

Tricks of the Mind

by Derren Brown (Author)

Synopsis

Derren Brown's amazing television and stage performances have entranced and amazed millions. His baffling tricks and stunning illusions have set new standards of what's possible, as well as causing controversy. Now, for the first time, he reveals the secrets behind his craft. He delves into the structure and pyschology of magic. He tells you how to read clues in people's behaviour and spot liars. He discusses the whys and wherefores of hypnosis (which he says doesn't exist) and shows how to use the powers of suggestion and massively improve the power of your memory. He also investigates the paranormal industry, exposes a few charlatans and looks at why some of us feel the need to believe in it in the first place...Woven into this are autobiographical stories about Derren's own experiences and beliefs, told with characteristic humour and engaging honesty. This extraordinary book lifts the lid on the deepest darkest secrets of magic and explores the limits of what can be achieved by the human mind. A must for Derren's legions of fans, it will amaze you, entertain you and expand your mind at the same time...

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Quantity

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 400
Publisher: Channel 4
Published: 22 May 2007

ISBN 10: 1905026382
ISBN 13: 9781905026388
Book Overview: Derren Brown reveals all...

Author Bio
Derren was born in 1971 in Croydon. It was a difficult birth - his mother was in Devon at the time. A precocious and puzzling only child, he liked to paint, foster obsessive habits and once set fire to a neighbour's boat by accident. Later, after his brother was born, Derren went to study Law and German at Bristol University and fell in love with the city. This was a time when marriage between man and city was still frowned upon, so rather than face public derision Derren decided just to live there forever instead. During this time he didn't have two pennies to rub together, which was a shame as it was his only way of keeping warm. He began to perform magic in bars and restaurants, and gave occasional hypnosis shows. Then in 1999 he was asked by Channel 4 to put a mind-reading programme together for television. Their first choice - Cheryl from Buck's Fizz - had turned out to be shit at it. One year later, Derren and his family gathered round a fuzzy grey picture in the corner of their living room. It was of the popular actress Nerys Hughes and this had become something of a festive tradition. Later, Derren Brown: Mind Control quite literally aired. It was an immediate success and gained Derren a cool underground kudos which he described as 'not enough'. Mind Controls 2 and 3 followed, then a series, then a brief spell in prison, and then in October 2003 Derren caused an international furore by playing Russian Roulette live on television. This secured his notoriety with the public and his big apartment in London. 'Bristol can shove itself', he said. Further specials have followed - the Seance and Messiah. He now gets several letters of complaint a week from psychics and Christians. He is sensitive to everyone's objections but knows at least the latter group will forgive him. His workload keeps him exhausted and irritable 52 weeks a year and he continues to live in London with a large collection of taxidermy and two fatalistic parrots. He spends any free weekends painting and likes to receive gifts.