On Second Thought... Mentalism, Meaning, and Performance by Paul Draper

Winner of the 2026 Society of American Magicians National Literary Award!

On Second Thought... Magic, Meaning, and Performance collects the first eight years of Paul Draper's column from M-U-M, the magazine of The Society of American Magicians.

These columns contain much more than tricks. Readers will discover effects of mentalism and magic, plus background knowledge that make the routines effective. The articles contained here explain the whys of the tricks along with the hows, delving into aspects of performance and theatrical presentations.

These writings are offered chronologically, as the author both looks back at his experiences and moves forward into new events, while each section is complete within itself, presented with insight and humor.

Guest contributors provide specialized, expert insights, along with recommended sources for further inspiration.

In all, it is a window into the life, work, and inspirations of a full-time working pro.

About the Author:

Paul Draper is a world-renowned mentalist, comedy presenter, and keynote speaker who has captivated audiences from the United Nations to Apple, Cambridge to Yale, and Hollywood to Broadway.

With appearances on the History Channel, HBO, A&E, TNT, Discovery, Hallmark, and Travel Channel, Draper has been featured on such shows as Inside the NBA, Hell's Kitchen, Pawn Stars, Ghost Adventures, Mindfreak, and House Hunters.

As an expert in magic, psychology, and human consciousness, Draper has headlined top venues, including The Magic Castle in Hollywood, The Magic Circle in London, and major Las Vegas casinos including The Venetian, The Orleans, and Planet Hollywood.

Beyond his work in entertainment Draper is a sought-after speaker on topics including leadership, communication, the psychology of influence, espionage, and cyber security.

A trained anthropologist and active member of the Society for the Anthropology of Consciousness, Draper explores diverse cultural expressions of belief, ritual, and consciousness. His studies have engaged with Native American ceremonial practices, Spiritualist traditions, and Indigenous South American ceremonial cannibalism, weaving together cultural understanding with the arts of ritual and illusion.

BACK COVER QUOTES

"Few people can conjure lucid and creative thoughts to text the way Paul Draper does. His years of experience and research have been eloquently written in language and terms that everyone can learn from and understand. Your journey through his writings will bring you joy and enlightenment."
Scott Wells • Host of The Magic Word Podcast

"I like to read thoughts from smart people. Paul's brain works differently from my brain, I always get something I didn't know from his work, and I never miss the chance to read what Paul is saying."
Stephen Bargatze • Award winning comedy magician & Nate Bargatze's dad

"This book will make you a better performer because it invites you to think more deeply about the conditions in which magic truly thrives. Enjoy these pages. Paul will make your magic and your life better!"
Jeff McBride • Founder of the McBride Magic & Mystery School.

"Paul Draper is one of the most thoughtful and insightful voices in magic today. He also has a mountain of real-world experience. That is exactly who we should listen to, someone who has thought deeply about magic and has also done it in front of paying customers!"
Lance Burton • Master Magician

"Magicians often say, 'You already know enough tricks.' Paul Draper is one of the very few who can convincingly show you what to do with that knowledge. These essays move effortlessly from practical how-to insights to bigger questions about why audiences believe, remember, and care. This book will challenge your assumptions, sharpen your thinking, and give you immediately usable tools for making your magic more meaningful, more commercial, and more unforgettable."
Tobias Beckwith, • Theater author, director, and manager

"Paul Draper guides us through a wealth of information that's all over the mentalist's map. Peppered throughout are useful tips, tricks, and full routines worth your time and attention. One of the first technique's I read I know I'm going to be putting to work immediately! What will you find? These pages are waiting for you to discover them."
Patrick G. Redford • Mentalist, magician, and creator

"From the first time I saw Paul Draper perform I always felt that he had a special connection with his audience. There are a lot of performers running around, but only a few who truly connect and raise our art to a higher level. Paul Draper is one of those!"
Richard Osterlind • Mentalist and creator

"It's nice to see someone who has put in the work, gone around the world, has a lot to offer us, talked to a lot of interesting and exceptional other magicians and is happy to share that with the reader. So, if you're a mentalist and you are looking to improve your shows and maybe learn a few new tricks along the way I recommend On Second Thought..."
- Jeff Kowalk, Erudite Magic

"This book is an amazing resource... I unhesitatingly recommend this superb book."
- Marc DeSouza, M-U-M