Theodore Annemann | |
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 Annemann in 1937 | |
| Born | Theodore John Squires February 22, 1907 |
| Died | January 12, 1942 (1942-01-13) (aged 34) |
| Occupation | Magician |
Theodore "Theo"Annemann (bornTheodore John Squires; February 22, 1907 – January 12, 1942), stage nameTed Anneman, was an American professionalmagician who specialized in the field ofmentalism.[1] He is most famous for inventing and refining many of the standard mentalism routines that continue to be used by mentalists today.
Early in his life, Annemann began working as a railroadclerk and then got intoshowbusiness as atenor singer and a magician's assistant.[2] He eventually became interested in mentalism and used his invention and performance skills to become one of the most talented and respected mentalists of the 1930s. Annemann perfected his own version of the famousbullet catch illusion, performing the effect outdoors. Accounts of his performance describe the feat as a dramatic effect wherein Annemann would collapse from the apparent force of the gun and then produce the bullet from his blood-drenched mouth.
In 1934, Annemann began publishing the famous magazineThe Jinx, for magicians. The magazine was focused on mentalism, but also featured ground-breaking effects from other fields of magic. The publication of the magazine ceased after Annemann's death and copies of it have become collector's items. Effects from the magazine have been published in several books and manuscripts, among themTed Annemann's Practical Mental Magic. This book is considered a classic inmentalism. It is notable for exposing thebillet reading tricks of the mediumBert Reese. His bookPractical Mental Effects, while often criticised for being old fashioned, contained the 'secrets' behind the effects many mentalists still use today.[3]
Annemann was married twice and had a daughter by his first wife.[4] His personality is the subject of much speculation. Two weeks before Annemann was scheduled to perform his bullet catch indoors for the first time, he committed suicide.[5]
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