The Ross Johnson Legacy: Hard-Hitting Mentalism

By Lawrence Hass with Ross Johnson

For over 60 years, Ross Johnson has performed his original, entertaining, and stunning mentalism in real-world corporate contexts; his client list is a "Who's Who?" of the world's best-known companies, and he has performed for virtually all the Fortune 500 firms. Because his repertoire was the source of his livelihood, for the length of his career Ross has carefully shielded his material and their methods from magicians and mentalists.

But after an initial conversation in 2016 (initiated by Eugene Burger), in 2018, Ross decided to give Larry permission to start filming his performances and teaching sessions at McBride's Magic & Mystery School toward this legacy book. In 2022, Ross and Larry agreed on the format: that readers would learn Ross's methods after being able to watch him perform all his core material in his acclaimed full-evening show, A Funny Thing Happened... Tomorrow. Soon after, Larry commissioned a three-camera shoot of the show by celebrated Chicago filmmaker Michael Caplan. Thus, purchasers of ​The Ross Johnson Legacy will be able to access this 87-minute performance video, along with over 90 additional minutes of video and audio performances and instruction by Ross.

Here are the key details about ​The Ross Johnson Legacy. It has:

—410 pages, plus a 14-page full-color insert

—A cloth-bound hardcover book in a cloth-bound slipcase with foil-stamped titling and art

—8.5" x 11" trim size

—Foreword by Michael Weber

—19 Chapters that fully explain all of Ross's performing material, including his legendary Q & A Act. (The book's Table of Contents can be viewed by going to: www.TheoryandArtofMagic.com/RJLContents.)

—And again, access to over 3 hours of video and audio content, including Michael Caplan's 3-camera shoot of A Funny Thing Happened... Tomorrow.

NOTES:

1. ​The Ross Johnson Legacy is only available from Theory and Art of Magic Press.

2. The release date is March 8, 2026. Books purchased prior to that date will be shipped to arrive on or around the release date.

 

WORDS OF PRAISE FOR ROSS JOHNSON FROM STARS OF MAGIC AND MENTALISM

Bob Cassidy: “Ross Johnson is one of the finest mentalists in the world.”

Doug Dyment: “Classic mentalism is that which—while not advocating belief—doesn’t shy away from suggesting that the powers on display might be real, and Ross Johnson is its finest performer extant. He is also a superb teacher, from his years in the public schools to his residency with the Magic & Mystery School. Whenever my caller ID shows “Ross Johnson,” I know that some creation of mine is about to be improved.”

Jeff and Tessa Evason: “Ross is a true luminary in the world of mentalism. For decades, he has inspired us—not only with his brilliant performances, but with his deep thinking and masterful approach to the craft. It’s incredibly rare for a professional performer of Ross’s stature to share material he has polished over a lifetime on stage. This book is a treasure trove, and we feel so fortunate to have access to it. For any serious student of mentalism, this is a huge gift.”

Craig Karges: “Ross Johnson and his shows for ‘real’ people are legend. Ross has long represented the quintessential mentalist. In this legacy book you get strong performance pieces but also insight on what it takes to do real shows for real people for real money year-after-year and decade-after-decade.”

Nick Lewin: “I honestly feel Ross Johnson is the most convincing mentalist I have ever witnessed…. He is truly a master of the wonderful world of mind reading.”

Lior Manor: “Ross Johnson is a legend. The world of mentalism is receiving a huge gift with this book, as Ross reveals all the methods and philosophical aspects that have made his shows a success for decades.” 

Jay Marshall: “Ross Johnson? Oh, he’ll make you $#!+ your pants.”

Max Maven: “If I had to miss a show, you are the first person I’d call.”

Jeff McBride: “Having Ross Johnson as my teacher and guide has been one of the great privileges of my life in magic and mystery. His artistry is matched only by his generosity in sharing the deeper truths of our craft. In this book, he opens the door for you as well: this is your initiation into his incredible legacy.”

Andy Nyman: “This book is a rare opportunity to learn the practical secrets of a performer who has made his living as a top corporate mentalist. Books like this don’t come along very often.”

Paul Vigil: “Not only is Ross a wonderful friend and confidant; he is the deliverer of the strongest performance of mystery I’ve ever witnessed.”

Ken Weber: “Some mentalists are obsessed with technique; some consistently wow a crowd. Ross is that rare performer who excels at both. Meaning, getting his wisdom in a book is a rare gift.”