Most of us have seen those shows on television where someone takes something to a flea market or rummage sale, only to have an expert with a trained eye come along and see through all the age, dust and patina that comes with neglect to discover a hidden gem -- a priceless and coveted item.
All too often in Mentalism, the method is not what we expected or wanted it to be. As a result of our perceptions, we walk away and leave it behind. Over time, it is forgotten and gathers dust until one day, some expert comes along and shows us just how amazing this little item truly could be if it was polished and lovingly repaired rather than cast aside, scorned, and esteemed as naught. Only then has our true appreciation been won.
The Prodigal was written with the sole intention of demonstrating the value of one misunderstood and much maligned method, and offers glimpses of masterworks that can be built with it.
It offers a true demonstration of pure mental powers -- void of pencils, scraps of paper, envelopes, gimmicks, or any of the accompanying apparatus that walk hand-in-hand with other effects and immediately serve to trigger skeptical reactions in our audiences -- suspicious that they are being deceived, just unsure as to how.
The Prodigal examines the method by which you can create pure, direct mind reading - miracles that can be performed whilst in a straight jacket, with no props at all if you so choose.
"Let us be honest, if you could go one step - and one step only further - get it to the point where they do not have to write - but just think - then you would not be a Mentalist, you would be a genuine thought reader."
- Tony Corinda
The Prodigal offers you strong, convincing Mentalism in its purest form.
155 pages long, this softbound book offers up a number of strong close-up and stage-worthy mind reads, bolsters performance material based on psychological forces, offers methods of performing impressive, ungaffed book tests, and outlines a means by which actions taken in radio studios or corporate headquarters hundreds of miles away can be accurately revealed. Better than all this -- it establishes a creative platform upon which you can expand and create your own distinctive feats!
What do other Mentalists think?
"Atlas has taken a field which many have often shied away from and given it a new lease of life. He has given this technique a massive kick up the backside and offered you, the performer, a very real variety of modern genres from which you will be able to reveal specific thoughts. His tips and suggestions for how to make this convincing are wonderfully direct and you will feel very confident, upon completing this book (although, I want to say that it's more like a workbook due to the wonderful layout he's decided on) that you will be able to perform some pretty strong and more often than not, impromptu, Mentalism."
- Colin Mcleod
"Seriously, this is underpriced... A vast amount of theory and applicable content is squeezed into this... After I get it all integrated, this is going straight into my naked repertoire... This has a huge amount of information to digest, but it's 100% workable, and Atlas has brought many, many new ways to work with this to the table. I think that many don't use this principle simply because work that is all encompassing has never before been written on the topic. This really fills a previously gaping hole in mentalism and opens up many doors. This is incredibly underpriced in my opinion. I rarely get to say this in reviews, but this is a solid 10/10."
- Bill Dekel, Author of the MindCraft Series
"Good stuff...well worth the attention of many mentalists. Very thorough coverage and history of this method. Congratulations. I love what you have to say about this method and technique."
- Greg Arce, Author of Deep Thought, Four Thought, and Lost in Thought (among others)
"The first thing you should appreciate in reading this is the amount of work and thought that has been put into this product. This is not a cut-and-shut job like some products that are being released presently... If you want a better understanding of this area of mentalism, grab this while you still can. This book will open new doors and windows for your thinking. Great work, Atlas! Great book, great thinking, great price! Grab it and see what all the fuss is about."
- Peter Turner, Author of Dare to Be Bold and Isabella's Star
"This is a fantastic read. I must admit this pdf takes a very old method and gives it a good shake down. I have always avoided using this sort of thing in my act. I've never been comfortable working with it. Having read over this very fine piece from Atlas, I must confess, I am a convert. The 90-page book is crammed full of information, explanations, examples, and ideas. This work was not hurriedly thrown together, it is immediately obvious that a lot of time and care and effort has taken place to bring this release to fruition. I am impressed. I will be reading this over a good few times to give this method the respect it is due. Many of you will be familiar with the method but I imagine even those that already use it will learn from this in-depth exploration. Well done Atlas, you have certainly changed my perception and attitude towards this chestnut of mentalism. This is a must have!"
- Derek Heron, Corporate Entertainer
"This is some great new thinking and fits really well with 'Naked Mentalism' and the whole approach of getting as close to the real thing as possible. A very accomplished release indeed."
- Jon Thompson, Author of the Naked Mentalism Series
"Overall, my initial impressions are 'thank god, someone has needed to write this for a long time' and that the material provided is real world and incredibly workable. Great job Atlas. The Prodigal is an essential for any serious mentalist's library, or anyone wanting to finally learn how to use one of the most misunderstood, yet unquestionably powerful techniques in mentalism."
-Jakob Michaels
"Atlas has done for this principle, what Docc Hilford and Max Maven did for magician's choice. IMHO. Well written. No fluff. Good stuff."
Stephen Young - Thought Illusions
"This is, quite simply, excellent. I've always loved the idea of what is presented in this manuscript, but never thought it a viable tool to work with. Atlas has done an excellent job breaking down each and every step of the process, making it a very workable endeavor. Yes, you'll need to work with it, and practice, like all things. But after reading The Prodigal, for the first time I'm actually excited to put in the work. I can't wait to further develop this and incorporate it into other routines. The effects and systems included are an excellent, excellent value, and is enough to get anyone started right off the bat. But for me, the real value lies in obtaining a very precise manual on how to master the art of a very undervalued principle in mentalism... This is one of the best purchases I've made this year, in terms of furthering the knowledge of my craft."
- Rich Orvec
"Fantastic job Atlas! This is without a doubt the best source of info out there on the subject. Truly brilliant thinking and I am struggling to decide what/how to adopt or adapt, as The Prodigal is an embarrassment of riches!"
- Dr. Bill Cushman, Creator of Dr. Bill's Bend
"Atlas Brookings is a thoughtful creator who has compiled a detailed and thorough resource for anyone who is looking to deceptively and entertainingly use branching anagrams. The Prodigal is a joy to read, and I think that will be the case even for those who do not call themselves mentalists. Brookings's dedicated research into this method is inspiring. Such a passion for study and improvement should be something we all aspire to."
- Arthur Trace, Magic Magazine