Vital Fluid: A Mesmerizing Review

In 1779 Anton Mesmer proposed everything in the universe influenced everything else, and this was accomplished through "fluid universally diffused." It is this premise that is the driving influence of Tom Bradley's 2009 novel, Vital Fluid.

The story follows two sets of rival hypnotists; Phil Deacon, scion of an old-style showbiz family, and his nemesis, Simon Magus, who occupy center stage in our century. Their story is paralleled by the tale of historical mesmerist Charles LaFontaine, and h...