Discover the Blister Effect: A Milestone in Mentalism

Every century, a groundbreaking principle emerges in the realm of magic. In 1972, Jack Kent Tillar introduced the Blister Effect in Tarbell Volume 7. Harry Lorayne remarked, “As far as I know, this principle is new to magic.” This captivating effect allows performers to create the illusion of a blister appearing on their fingertip, and it has since become a staple among mentalists and magicians alike.

What many may not realize is that Jack Kent Tillar, an Academy Award-winning composer and esteemed mentalist, has contributed significantly to the field, with works published in Magick, Genii, Invocation, and other prestigious journals. His influence is felt among many leading professionals in mentalism today.

Now, thirty-five years later, this book honors the creativity that performers have infused into this classic effect. It features Tillar’s original unpublished routine for the Blister Effect along with over fifty treasured routines, insights, and secret techniques for stage, close-up, and even radio performances. Many of these are closely guarded secrets from some of the most prominent names in mentalism.

Contributors include: Michael Weber, Banachek, Paul Harris, Marc Salem, Richard Osterlind, Barrie Richardson, Alain Nu, Penn & Teller, Richard Busch, Ted Karmilovich, Mark Edward, Larry Becker, Gerard Senehi, Ray Grismer, Newell Unfried, E. Raymond Carlyle, Joseph White, Tony Andruzzi, Richard Mark, Jheff, Loren Tindall, Robin Dewitt, Gerald Blount, Leo Behnke, Burton Sperber, Joe Zabel, Pasqual Perino, Odes Odhner, James Gallivan, Leo Kostka, Michael Selwyn, Alberto, Peter Marucci, Robert Fenton, and Bill Herz.