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Practical Hypnotism by Ed Wolff E-Z Magic

Practical Hypnotism by Ed Wolff E-Z Magic

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📘 SECTION‑BY‑SECTION CONTENTS
1. Introduction to Hypnotism
Explains what hypnotism is, what it is not, and how it works in a performance context.
Covers:
• Misconceptions
• The hypnotic state
• Why hypnotism works on stage
• The performer’s attitude and confidence
2. Preparing the Subject
How to select and prepare a volunteer.
Includes:
• Ideal subject characteristics
• How to build rapport
• How to create expectancy
• How to eliminate resistance
3. Tests for Hypnotic Susceptibility
A series of simple tests to determine who will respond best.
Common tests include:
• Finger‑locking test
• Hand‑clasp test
• Arm rigidity test
• Eye‑closure test
These are used both as pre‑show screening and as mini‑demonstrations.
4. The Induction Methods
This is the heart of the booklet.
Wolff teaches several practical inductions, including:
• Progressive relaxation
• Rapid induction
• Instantaneous induction
• Group induction techniques
Each method is broken into clear steps suitable for beginners.
5. Deepening the Trance
Once the subject is under, Wolff explains how to deepen the state.
Includes:
• Counting methods
• Fractionation
• Deepening suggestions
• How to maintain control
6. Post‑Hypnotic Suggestion
How to give commands that take effect after awakening.
Topics include:
• How to phrase suggestions
• How to avoid resistance
• How to create comedy effects
• How to safely remove suggestions
This is where the stage‑show material begins to take shape.
7. Stage Hypnotism Routines
A collection of classic performance bits, such as:
• Stiff‑as‑a‑board
• Forgetting one’s name
• Stuck to the chair
• Laughing or crying on cue
• Hallucination routines
These are written in a simple, practical format for magicians.
8. Awakening the Subject
How to safely and cleanly bring the subject out of trance.
Includes:
• Standard awakening script
• How to remove lingering suggestions
• How to avoid grogginess or confusion
9. The Introductory Lecture
A short script for the performer to deliver before beginning the demonstration.
This sets the tone, builds authority, and prepares the audience.
10. Notes on Ethics and Safety
A brief section reminding performers to:
• Avoid dangerous suggestions
• Respect the subject
• Keep routines within safe limits
This is shorter than in the 1936 edition but still present.
📦 BONUS MATERIAL (varies by print run)
Some E‑Z Magic copies include:
• A 9‑page D. Robbins “Selected Magic Books” catalog
This is bound into the back and lists classic Robbins titles.
🎩 How This Edition Differs From the 1936 Original
The Robbins edition:
• Removes the “private course” framing
• Condenses some lessons
• Adds stage‑show emphasis
• Uses simpler language
• Is formatted as a magic‑shop booklet rather than a correspondence course
But the core hypnotic methods remain intact.
⭐ Summary
The D. Robbins edition is a short, inexpensive magic‑shop booklet that condenses Wolff’s material for performers. The new Hey Presto reprint is a fully restored, historically accurate reconstruction of the original 1936 course with expanded length, corrected errors, and premium production quality.
📘 Physical and Production Differences
 Feature  D. Robbins E‑Z Magic Edition  Hey Presto 2025 Reprint   Feature  D. Robbins E‑Z Magic Edition  Hey Presto 2025 Reprint   Format  Thin magic‑shop booklet  High quality pocket paperback   Length  About 31 to 37 pages  80 pages   Text Quality  Condensed, simplified, sometimes error‑ridden  Fully restored 1936 text with errors corrected   Illustrations  Minimal or none  Remastered illustrations   Extras  Sometimes includes a Robbins catalog in the back  Includes historical context and clean typesetting   Purpose  Affordable performer booklet  Archival quality restoration for collectors and students 

 📚 Content Differences
D. Robbins Edition
A streamlined version of Wolff’s teachings.
Focused on:
• Basic inductions
• Susceptibility tests
• Stage routines
• Post hypnotic suggestions
• Awakening methods
• A short introductory lecture
It removes the correspondence course structure and compresses the lessons into a quick magic‑shop format.

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