I have a question unlike what is usually discussed on magic forums but relevant enough to be asked here. My main two outlets of creativity are magic (cardistry, sleight of hand, mentalism, etc...) and writing. Writing is the part of my life that usually doesn't make an appearance in this world, but there are certain connections. In May, I'll graduate with a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing. In other words, I do take it seriously.
Right now, I'm working on a novel, and one aspect of it deals with a fortune teller (this is in the 60s, US) and she is from Eastern Europe. I"m going to go out on a limb and say that I probably know more than the average person on the street about the methods of being a charlatan, NLP, misdirection, cold reading (that's a big one) etc..., and most of you probably do too.
Here's my question, though. I'm looking for a good book on the history of the use of the tarot by charlatans, or of cold reading by charlatans or gypsies (since the character is from Eastern Europe and is, in fact, a gypsy). I'd like this to be relevant to the 60s or earlier, America or Europe. Nothing about contemporary methods, as they wouldn't yet exist in the story.
Also, a big thing to note is: I'm not looking for a how to book as much as a history book with loose descriptions of how these things are done. Essentially, sitting down for coffee with Derren Brown would be ideal, but I'm not going to count on that.
Maybe I'm asking too much, or maybe exactly what I'm looking for is on one of your bookshelves. Who knows, it's why I'm asking, and this community is one I put a lot of value in. Your opinions are important to me! Have at it guys and gals!
Right now, I'm working on a novel, and one aspect of it deals with a fortune teller (this is in the 60s, US) and she is from Eastern Europe. I"m going to go out on a limb and say that I probably know more than the average person on the street about the methods of being a charlatan, NLP, misdirection, cold reading (that's a big one) etc..., and most of you probably do too.
Here's my question, though. I'm looking for a good book on the history of the use of the tarot by charlatans, or of cold reading by charlatans or gypsies (since the character is from Eastern Europe and is, in fact, a gypsy). I'd like this to be relevant to the 60s or earlier, America or Europe. Nothing about contemporary methods, as they wouldn't yet exist in the story.
Also, a big thing to note is: I'm not looking for a how to book as much as a history book with loose descriptions of how these things are done. Essentially, sitting down for coffee with Derren Brown would be ideal, but I'm not going to count on that.
Maybe I'm asking too much, or maybe exactly what I'm looking for is on one of your bookshelves. Who knows, it's why I'm asking, and this community is one I put a lot of value in. Your opinions are important to me! Have at it guys and gals!