ONCE UPON A TIME, there was a collection of Book Tests known as Facsimile that ticked every box imaginable. And now, that collection just got a cheeky upgrade with Facsimile 2.0!
Facsimile (Latin for “to make alike”) is essentially a spot-on replica of a classic book, manuscript, map, art print, or any historical gem, crafted to be as true to the original as possible.
According to the dictionary (yes, the one you probably haven’t opened since school), Michael Daniels has conjured up a book test so authentic, it’s nearly indistinguishable from the real deal.
These world-famous titles have been reproduced with such meticulous care that your audience will genuinely believe they’re holding an original copy.
Facsimile is the book test that actually uses a real book, giving you the chance to pull off MULTIPLE word revelations on ANY page of the book. It’s about as 'fair' and 'random' as you can get (no funny business here!).
The basic three-word trick is a piece of cake:
Flick through the book and have them shout “STOP!” wherever they fancy. They’ll remember a word from that page, and without any fishing or memory gymnastics, you’ll reveal it like a pro. Easy peasy!
Worried they might think you’re up to something while holding the book? Hand it to them! They can pick ANY page they want. Once again, you’ll know their chosen word without breaking a sweat.
And just when you thought it couldn't get better, you can even divine a THIRD word from the same or a different page. Yep, you’ll nail it every single time.
The new 2.0 version retains all the fantastic features of its predecessor but now sports larger text for better visibility, an extra mid-page word reveal, and the savvy ability to know how much text is on a page or just how many paragraphs there are. More options mean more fun for your act!
In the second or third phase, you can even predict their chosen word using an envelope that’s been in play long before they cracked open the book. Sneaky, right?
The book is all yours to examine before, during, and after the performance.
Feel free to read the entire novel from cover to cover!
No duplicate pages or Svengali principles here.
No forces — your audience gets a totally free choice of page.
No fishing required.
No memory work necessary.
Can be performed without you even touching the book.
Learn it in minutes.
Perfect for both stand-up and close-up gigs.
More advanced techniques are on offer for those who fancy a bit of minimal fishing and memory work for certain presentations.
Included in the package are the book and online instructions.
A Study in Scarlet, Turn of the Screw, and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde measure approximately 107mm x 175mm, making them perfect for pocketing. Ideal for close-up performers and walk-around shows.
If you’re after stage or parlor options, we’ve got larger books like Frankenstein, Invisible Man, and Hound of the Baskervilles, which are around 152mm x 227mm in the original range.
Note from Saturn MagicFacsimile: The Unabridged Book Test truly is a beauty and comes with our highest recommendation. It’s the ideal choice for those who’ve always shied away from this kind of effect, as well as more seasoned mentalists eager to perform multiple word revelations in the fairest conditions with the least hassle, allowing you to focus solely on your presentation. And once you discover Facsimile, you’ll be performing happily ever after!
