It was originally published as thirteen smaller booklets as a course in mentalism and was later republished as a book[1] in 1961.

The book is now considered by most magicians to be a classical text on mentalism.

[citation needed] The book describes various techniques used by mentalists to achieve what appear to be psychic phenomena such as telepathy, precognition, extra-sensory perception, telekinesis and the ability to communicate with the dead as a medium.

The book has detailed information regarding cold reading, hot reading, the construction and use of such devices as the swami gimmick, billets, and billet pens.

standard literature for any magician, mentalist, or student of stage magic who wishes to incorporate psychic entertainment into their routine.