On Second Thought... Mentalism, Meaning, and Performance by Paul Draper

About the Book: On Second Thought... Magic, Meaning, and Performance collects the first eight years of Paul Draper's column from M-U-M, the magazine of The Society of American Magicians. These columns contain much more than tricks. Readers will discover effects of mentalism and magic, plus background knowledge that make the routines effective. The articles contained here explain the whys of the tricks along with the hows, delving into aspects of performance and theatrical presentations. These writings are offered chronologically, as the author both looks back at his experiences and moves forward into new events, while each section is complete within itself, presented with insight and humor. Guest contributors provide specialized, expert insights, along with recommended sources for further inspiration. In all, it is a window into the life, work, and inspirations of a full-time working pro. About the Author: Paul Draper is a world-renowned mentalist, comedy presenter, and keynote speaker who has captivated audiences from the United Nations to Apple, Cambridge to Yale, and Hollywood to Broadway. With appearances on the History Channel, HBO, A&E, TNT, Discovery, Hallmark, and Travel Channel, Draper has been featured on such shows as Inside the NBA, Hell's Kitchen, Pawn Stars, Ghost Adventures, Mindfreak, and House Hunters. As an expert in magic, psychology, and human consciousness, Draper has headlined top venues, including The Magic Castle in Hollywood, The Magic Circle in London, and major Las Vegas casinos including The Venetian, The Orleans, and Planet Hollywood. Beyond his work in entertainment Draper is a sought-after speaker on topics including leadership, communication, the psychology of influence, espionage, and cyber security. A trained anthropologist and active member of the Society for the Anthropology of Consciousness, Draper explores diverse cultural expressions of belief, ritual, and consciousness. His studies have engaged with Native American ceremonial practices, Spiritualist traditions, and Indigenous South American ceremonial cannibalism, weaving together cultural understanding with the arts of ritual and illusion.