"This monumental history charts the development from ancient times to the start of the modern era."--Cover p. [4].

Welcome to the Wonderful World of Hypnotism Molly Moon is no ordinary orphan. When she finds a mysterious old book on hypnotism, she discovers she can make people do whatever she wants. But a sinister stranger is watching her every move and he'll do anything to steal her hypnotic secret...

Hypnotism has fascinated and inspired people since the mid-1800s, when entertainers and medical professionals enthusiastically took up this Far Eastern practice. This is the first popular, illustrated history of hypnosis. It tackles the (relatively) reputable aspects of the subject--brain imaging, clinical trials, and hypnotherapy--alongside the smoke and mirrors of stage hypnosis.The author has uncovered intriguing stories about the larger-than-life characters who inhabit the world of hypnosis. From Professors of Mesmerism to Princes of Necromancy, this book explores the different guises of hypnotism as portrayed by pseudo-scientists and showmen alike. It takes a very personal approach to the central questions posed by hypnosis: why do we want to give up our power? Why do we think someone else can change us, if we can't change ourselves? Why do we want to alter our normal patterns of cognition? Why would anyone go on stage and do what a sweaty guy in a cheap suit tells them to do? An accredited hypnotherapist and performer himself, the author examines the connections between stage hypnosis and hypnotherapy or, in other words, the point at which showbiz meets self-help and sleight-of-hand meets scholarly research. The book is practical, informative, and entertaining, and fully illustrated with colorful source material from the archives of the British Library.

This practical resource makes three radically different types of hypnosis easy to use in daily hypnotic work, exploring the methods of Milton H. Erickson, George Estabrooks and David Elman. "A gem. Well-written, well-paced and packed with information." Andrew Bradbury, author of Successful Presentation Skills and Develop Your NLP Skills

“Together, Rockliff and Bruno make the scientific method seem exciting, and kids interested in science and history will likely be, well, mesmerized.” — Booklist (starred review) When American inventor Benjamin Franklin arrives in Paris, he is upstaged by a compelling and enigmatic figure: Dr. Mesmer. In elaborately staged shows, Mesmer has Parisians believing he can control a magic force that changes the taste of water, cures illness, and controls thoughts! Can Ben Franklin’s approach of observing, hypothesizing, and testing get to the bottom of Mesmer’s tricks? A rip-roaring, lavishly illustrated peek into a fascinating moment in history shows the development of the scientific method — and reveals the amazing power of the human mind.

This phenomenal work by the 'Dean of American Hypnotists' is the most comprehensive text ever to be published on stage hypnotism. It also has widespread therapeutic applications. "A masterwork on Stage Hypnosis" Gil Boyne, President, American Council of Hypnotist Examiners

This 401 page book is crammed full of information and advice for the new or experienced hypnotist. The book is a wonderful read if you have any interest in Hypnosis or simply want to know how it is done. It is a new fresh and exciting title that unwraps the mystery surrounding what hypnotist's do on stage. Richard Barker goes into depth teaching and advising on how to perform stage shows as well as how to give better presentations and promote and market shows. He covers social media and back of room sales as well as inductions and street hypnosis. This book is very detailed and goes far beyond other books in print about stage hypnosis. The book will appeal to those wanting to learn hypnosis or who are already a hypnotist wanting to brush up on their skills as well as a curious audience member. This book will quickly earn it's place as the only guide to stage hypnotism and will become an instant classic