Everybody has seen it in movies and on television: A hypnotist swings a pocket watch and, like that, an audience member falls into a deep trance. But is hypnosis real? Does it work? This skeptical approach explores the history of hypnotic practices and trance-like states, differentiating between real therapeutic techniques and hypnosis as entertainment. The facts are presented, without eschewing an appreciation for the role myths have played in solidifying hypnosis's place in popular culture including in books, movies, and stage shows.