Derren Brown

Derren Brown is an English mentalist, illusionist, and writer. He is a self-described “psychological illusionist” whose acts are often designed to expose the methods of those who claim to possess supernatural powers, such as faith healers and mediums.

His live performances, which incorporate audience participation and comedy, often include statements describing how his results are achieved through a combination of psychology, showmanship, magic, misdirection, and suggestion.

Brown has written seven books: Absolute Magic, Pure Effect, Tricks of the Mind, Confessions of a Conjuror, Happy, A Book of Secrets, and Notes From a Fellow Traveller, and released books of his street photography and painted portraiture.

The first two books are intended solely for practitioners of magic and mentalism, whilst his books Tricks of the Mind, and Confessions of a Conjuror are aimed at the general public. He has also written a book exploring the history and philosophy of happiness; Happy: Why More or Less Everything is Absolutely Fine.