Mind Tricks: Ancient and Modern

Wooden Books

by Steven Saunders

How does Robin Hood hit the target every time? What is the secret of a good memory? How do you slip past guards in broad daylight? Are there simple ways of boosting creativity, health, and happiness? Bringing together wisdom traditions from all over the world, mind-coach Steven Saunders reveals the arcane tricks of Greek heroes, politicians, spin doctors, athletes, and salesmen. With illustrations by Matt Tweed, this book will help you develop in ways you never even imagined. WOODEN BOOKS are small but packed with information. "Fascinating" FINANCIAL TIMES. "Beautiful" LONDON REVIEW OF BOOKS. "Rich and Artful" THE LANCET. "Genuinely mind-expanding" FORTEAN TIMES. "Excellent" NEW SCIENTIST. "Stunning" NEW YORK TIMES. Small books, big ideas.

Genres: Psychology

64 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Rio Sharkey · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 perhaps… this is a weird little book I picked up from a used book store in Edinburgh to read in the park but then didn’t have time. I thought it was going to be more about optical illusions and riddles and trickery with historical examples but it’s more of a spiritual law-of-assumptions craft-your-own-reality guide with mostly a lot of historical bullshit. And I like woo woo spiritual psychic occult-y stuff don’t get me wrong! But this book cites a bunch of “historical” “examples” that are for sure false or at least simplified/misleading and also often barely relevant, shoving things together through loose associations and metaphors that didn’t really make sense. Like trying to hit a quota or word count, it just read as bullshit. It was amusing and cute and almost tongue in cheek, but I still don’t really like all the misinformation. A lot of the “mind tricks” too aren’t really well explained because it only devotes a few sentences to each so it’s kind of giving nothing. It kind of felt like reading a self help pamphlet from another universe. I got a kick out of it. Can’t say I condone it but it’s a weird, interesting artifact. Cute illustrations.

[Χριστίνα Κασσεσιάν · Rating 3 out of 5]

A tiny book full of unusual ideas on how to deal with awkward situations. It triggers you to search further into wisdom that comes from ancient civilizations, religions, and several kinds of different cultures. Some ideas sound a bit unrealistic, while others can be applied easily in everyday life. Despite the fact that this book was intended to be read by youngsters, the language used is much more complex. At least this is what I get from the Greek translation of it. I enjoyed the illustrations, and the overall sense of humor. It was a good, enjoyable, (not as) easy read.

[Emma · Rating 1 out of 5]

So, I stopped reading this book when it suggested making a pact with the spirit of the great mosquito might alleviate my allergies. What a load of horse crap.

I'm not sure who this book was intended for. It seems aimed at children but the language is way too complex and it doesn't go into enough depth for adults. A lot of its mystical garbage. There's a bit of decent psychology under there but not enough to make the book worth reading. I wish I could get my money and time back.

[Kjersti]

Not really something for me... It was a bit too spiritual on some chapters.

[Nicholas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very light, quick read introducing the exotic and ancient powers of the mind with some modern interpretation and fantastic illustrations to mix.