The Ad Copy

“I am jealous! I wish I had written this book! ​Frankly, I consider it a masterpiece!”–Richard Osterlind

What makes an audience care? And how do you build a show that stays with people long after you leave?

​Three years in the making, Mentalism That Matters brings you inside David Thiel’s thinking, methods and working show. It offers a complete system for creating powerful mentalism, including three cornerstone routines that have sustained his performances for decades.

David takes you through his entire show, from beginning to end, explaining the choices behind its construction. Along the way, he shares proven, world-tested methods, practical advice earned through years of performing, and the changes in thinking that helped him move from magic into mentalism.

Whether you’re a working performer, a magician exploring a second direction, a hobbyist or simply curious, this is an experienced mentor sharing what works, why it works, and how to make it your own.Build something your audience will feel—and remember.

WHAT THE EXPERTS ARE SAYING

“Nothing is held back in this book. It is a long one and you may be tempted to skim through it looking to ideas that suit you. Please don’t do that. Take your time. Read each word. Let them sink in. There is no filler on these pages.It is not just good–it is necessary.”
— Richard Osterlind

​”David’s books have always provided valuable information, and this book, which is a massive blueprint on everything essential to performing mentalism, is no exception.”
— Jheff, Marketplace of the Mind

“I find it rare to read a mentalism book that speaks to the real problems of actually structuring and performing a show. You have done a great service to the community by explaining this in great detail.​Your book is big and wonderful; I highly recommend every mentalist to read and study it!”
— Millard Longman, Creator of Acidus Novus

“David Thiel is the architect of Mentalism. I consider Mentalism That Matters an indispensable read for any mentalist but equally essential for magicians interested in mentalism.”
— Neal Scryer

“Don’t tell him that I said this, but David Thiel is one of my favourite writers in the mentalism community! David’s writing reflects his thought process. It’s clear, concise, engaging, and most importantly provocative. A long-time student of our art, his thinking has transitioned from the how we do what we do, to the much more important why. And that’s what this book is all about. The impact of a performance that transcends the effect into something far more personal. As a result, you will immediately become engaged in his storytelling writing style on a very personal level. Because that’s what great writers do. And ultimately, that’s what Mentalism That Matters is really all about!”
— Eric Samuels

“Enjoyed your book. IT is the right stuff!”
— Chuck Hickok (Contributor)

“You are one of the few who ‘get’ what mentalism could and, dare I say, should be. This is a must-read for anyone wanting to not only elevate their mentalism, but also elevate their audience and their expectations.​Thank you so much for this gift.”
— T. C. Tahoe

“What really makes the book shine are the working routines he breaks down in detail. He shares gems like Whispers, a gorgeous, prop-light take on psychometry centered around people’s ‘dream jobs’; Secrets, a theatrical billet-box routine that creates massive audience participation while keeping every real secret completely anonymous; and Finding Elvis, which breathes incredible new life into the classic PATEO force by tailoring it to a client’s specific passions.It is a masterclass in professional thinking, stagecraft and heart. Highly recommended!”
— Luca Volpe