Nelson, Robert A: The Art of Cold Reading ©1951 Robert A. Nelson, Nelson Enterprises Softcover, tape-bound, 8.5x11", 44 pages ©1971 Micky P. Hades Publications, Calgary, Canada ©1989 Revised Edition Softcover, comb-bound, 8.5x11", 48 pages ISBN: 0-921298-18-8

Nelson Enterprises Edition Image courtesy eBay seller BradStaggs

Micky Hades Edition Image courtesy eBay seller JayAndLefty

Comments: On the art of impromptu "readings" of people's futures. Contains some good cautions, such as "The reader should never claim any supernatural powers. In fact, he should DISCLAIM any such association with the super-natural. This should be definitely stated in every reading," and "Never attempt to diagnose medical cases, or prescribe medicine or treatment."

Contents (from book, updated Sep 2017):

2 Introduction
3 The Psychiatrist vs. The Cold Reader
4 The Cold Reader
5 Observations and Tell-Tale Signs
8 The Client or Sitter
9 Classify Problems of Types of Women
10 Classify Problems of Types of Men

13 Part I
13 The Pattern of Life
16 Human Behavior and Its Reactions
18 The Average Person - Intellect and Adjustment Capabilities

20 Part II
20 The Client

23 Part III
23 Formula for Cold Readings
24 - Subjects to be Considered
25 The Cold Reading
28 - Comments on the Reading
29 Supplemental Patter: other, short examples
33 Astrological Patter Lines
34 Factors That Upset the Normal Pattern of Life
37 Re-Actions and Back Tracking
39 The Technique of the Cold Reader Applied to the Stage Mentalist

40 Part IV
40 Caseing
41 Spiel for Caseing a Sucker
43 - Comments on the Patter

46 Supplement: additional notes added in 1969
48 Recommended Reference and Text Books for Further Study