Book of Days

[Guest]

A friend is intrigued by The Fortuneteller's Book of Days trick. He likes the personal aspect of it, that it seems to speak directly to the spectator, with both their sign and their birthday.

The only methods of which I am familiar are Alex Elmsley's. Any recommendations on other good methods? I'm put off by the complexity of the Elmsley method.

Personally, I've never wanted to develop this trick. I don't put any stock in astrology, first of all, and anything related to it just turns me off. Any others' reactions to the trick?

[Steve Bryant]

I have worked it up exactly per the Elmsley instructions. There is considerable humor in the "predictions," hardly an exercise in "real" astrology. I do this for a bar crowd, so made some of the predictions slightly risque or current. For example, "You'll never need viagra, thanks to all that yogurt." Some pages are themed (linked predictions): "Clint Eastwood thinks yogurt is for sissies. He wouldn't blame you for not liking it." Then "Liberace sang in the shower. You and Clint wouldn't dream of it." Then "To promote his next movie, Clint Eastwood will come to town to help you beat your wife." Etc. (These must seem strange if you are not familiar with the Elmsley sets of predictions.)

I printed the pages out on some computer paper that looks like old-fashioned scrolls and used an antique-looking font. I put these in a 3-ring binder that has a clear plastic cover. Into the cover window I put another scroll page that reads "Nostradamus' The Book of Fortunes."

Note: In ANY trick that requires a spectator to read aloud, you may encounter a bad reader or a person who can't see and didn't bring his bifocals. I suggest having a spec read over your shoulder as YOU read the predictions. You can also give them the proper dramatic emphasis. The book can be left available for further proof.

[Guest]

Originally posted by David Groves:

Personally, I've never wanted to develop this trick. I don't put any stock in astrology, first of all, and anything related to it just turns me off. Any others' reactions to the trick?

Hi David,

Two thoughts:

1. Try not to think of it as putting stock into astrology and switch your thought to the entertainment value of the effect instead. This does not mean that you are going to present this well, though. Try it around the Castle sometime with some of the members to work out the kinks and after you have done that, make a decision whether or not to keep it in your show.

2. Have you ever seen Paul Green do his version of Book Of Days? It is really nice and can be played straight or comedic. Your choice.

Good luck with this and have fun.

www.JeffEzellMAGIC.com

[Paul Green]

Hi David & Steve,

Alex Elmsley is a master of his routine, Fate's Datebook. This comes from constantly rehearsing and doing the trick. When the "Tahoe Sessions" were being taped, he did the routine flawlessly a number of times. The key is to give the routine a "fluid" feel.

I developed the Fortuneteller's Book of Days routine (and prop) after seeing Alex do the trick during the 70's. I, too, did not feel as if the routine "fit" my performing style. The routine supplied with the prop was designed for someone that had no real card knowledge. Personally, I do not perform it that way.

Currently, I use the "cut deeper" force after the card value has been determined. Each cut represents the past and then the future. I do a short reading off of each card. Of course this can be done in a light manner. "Shut eyes" can do this "for real". The last time I state that we have talked of the past and the future, but not the present. Let's use the first face-down card--------.

Read the fortune, reveal the card in the book, and then reveal the selected card.

You might also want to check into John Luka's presentation in his book, Luka in New Tops.

Steve, I like your approach, too. I would love to see your book!!!!

Regards,

Paul Green :D :D :D