Written by Roberto Forzoni for The Magic Circular
A History of the World's Greatest Mind Readers
From the Victorian séance rooms to the golden age of television, these are the pioneers who shaped the art of mind reading. Originally published in The Magic Circular, the official journal of The Magic Circle, and expanded exclusively for this series.
About This Series
The Pioneers of Psychological Magic
Mind reading — mentalism — is an art form with a rich and fascinating history. Long before Derren Brown captivated modern audiences, performers like Dunninger, Chan Canasta, and Al Koran were filling theatres and dominating television schedules with feats that defied rational explanation.
I wrote this series of biographical articles for The Magic Circular, the official journal of The Magic Circle, driven by a deep personal passion for the history of the performers who shaped the art I practise today. Each article tells the story of a remarkable individual — their lives, their innovations, their signature effects, and the lasting influence they have had on psychological magic and mentalism.
These expanded versions include additional research, context, and reflection not included in the original published articles. I hope they bring you the same sense of wonder and admiration that these extraordinary performers have given me.
The Series
Nine Extraordinary Performers
1880–1954
Alexander — "The Man Who Knows"
From struggling imitator of Houdini to the world's most famous mind reader, Alexander's story is one of accidental genius and extraordinary showmanship.
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1914–1972
Al Koran
The London barber who became one of the most elegant and influential mentalists of the twentieth century. His routines remain cornerstones of the craft today.
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1851–1927
Anna Eva Fay
"The Indescribable Phenomenon" and "The High Priestess of Mysticism." She enthralled Victorian audiences, convinced many she could communicate with the dead, and even baffled scientists.
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1907–1942
Theodore Annemann
The prolific writer, inventor, and performer whose techniques and compelling performances left an indelible mark on the art of mind reading. His life remains shrouded in mystery.
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1920–1999
Chan Canasta
Television's first celebrity magician. The Polish-born "psycho-magician" who pioneered psychological magic on the BBC, influenced Derren Brown, and deliberately embraced failure as a principle.
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1930–2010
Tony Corinda
Author of 13 Steps to Mentalism, possibly the single most important book in the history of mind reading. Corinda's systematic approach gave the art its foundations.
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1892–1975
Joseph Dunninger
America's master mentalist, radio and television pioneer, and the man who brought mind reading to millions. His famous challenge — $10,000 to anyone who could prove he used stooges — was never claimed.
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1911–1981
Maurice Fogel
Britain's greatest stage mentalist. Fogel combined sensational headline-grabbing stunts with genuine psychological insight, filling theatres across the country for decades.
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1904–1947
Gene Dennis
One of the most celebrated psychics of the 1920s and 1930s. She stunned Einstein, performed for President Roosevelt, and stood alongside Dunninger as America's most famous mentalist.
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Original Publication
Download the Original Articles
These articles were originally published in The Magic Circular, the official journal of The Magic Circle. Download the original PDF editions below.
Download PDFExperience Mind Reading for Yourself
Roberto Forzoni carries on the tradition of these great performers, bringing psychological magic and mind reading to corporate events, weddings, and private celebrations across London and the world.
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