Ultimate National Treasure Book of Secrets research

[juno]

This weekend I spent some time working on a replica of the Book of Secrets. I wanted to compare the replicas to the originals and see if I could make any improvements.

There are two excellent replicas floating around so I decided to compare them and Ross' original to see what decisions were made and what improvements or choices I would make differently.

Here's my pleather mock-up based on the research:

 

[Jedifyfe]

I found a bunch of inaccuracies between the two replicas that are currently out there (I'm sorry, but for $1k I'd have expected better) and Ross' original.

Good research but your not bringing anything up that hasn't already been discussed. Taz and Mars have never hidden the difference between the 2 props. They specifically did this to not encroach on Ross McDonald's "property".

So are you going to make a true leather embossed and "accurate" prop?

 

[juno]

They specifically did this to not encroach on Ross McDonald's "property".

They made a Book of Secrets, I think that all of us that make one are doing that.

That's my goal -- to make an accurate replica.

 

[Jedifyfe]

They made a Book of Secrets, I think that all of us that make one are doing that.

That's my goal -- to make an accurate replica.

Well it depends. They made a book of secrets that is different enough from the original to not be considered "accurate". Could they be sued? Maybe. I believe that Taz and Mars actually sent a book to Ross and he knew about their book as well while they were putting it together.

 

[franz bolo]

your not bringing anything up that hasn't already been discussed.

I didn't find any discussion on the book. Do you have the link?

Great research so far!

FB

 

[Jedifyfe]

Here is the discussion:

http://www.therpf.com/f40/national-treasure-book-secrets-69053/

Here is a review:

http://www.therpf.com/f9/national-treasure-book-secrets-review-77390/index3.html

 

[juno]

I looked through the sale thread, and although they said they couldn't match the inside exactly, they did say, "The Presidential seal has been re-produced , modified to match the original book and burnt directly onto the leather."

It does not match the original book. (See my thread for photos.)

 

[Jedifyfe]

"modified to match the original book and burnt directly onto the leather."

I guess it's a matter of how you interpret that. I think MOST of us would think that the seal is going to be identical to the real prop. And a few people could argue that they meant that they "modified" the seal to match the scroll in the claw instead of the arrows, thus "matching" the seal but NOT replicating it.

I see your point Juno but those of us that own this book are extremely happy with it. I am interested in seeing yours done also!

 

[juno]

My goal is to compare the three, post the differences, what I think is accurate, and continue on from there!

 

[Jedifyfe]

My goal is to compare the three, post the differences, what I think is accurate, and continue on from there!

Cool. Again, I look forward to seeing your progress.

 

[juno]

My hope is that the research encourages folks to attempt their own.

 

[TazVader]

Juno,

Great to see yet another fan on the road to making their own BOS. It is an exciting adventure.

The inaccuracies fin Mars and my initial run as Fyfe pointed out were mostly due to not wanting to totally copy Ross's work. The interior bar 2 entries are totally original creations.

I am in the process now of creating a new representation of the BOS with another member here. We both decided to combine our talents to create what we consider the ULTIMATE representation and that's a work in progress. Whether we do another run is up to the interest,,,,Love to see you paste your findings here as I can't log onto the MPC though.

As to the value put on our book? Mmm...I take your point in as far as being a total copy of the original but you write the interior over 11 mths and then put a dollar value on your work lol Speaking of which I am a great fan of your stuff

Best
TAZ

 

[SchubroProductions]

I don't mind paying that much. I know how much work you guys put into it and I still haven't finished reading all the entries yet. I know what it takes to create something SA and the fact that you guys created most of the entries and the time it took you to do it warrants the cost alone, let alone the quality of printing and aging that was done. However, knowing the quality of work that Juno produces, I can't wait to see what she comes up with either. Her attention to detail and tenacity to do the research required is one of the best around.

 

[Tom1971]

Wouldn't an "accurate" BOS kind of be not so great as it has very little original "secret" stuff and is mostly copies of speeches. That I believe is straight from the real prop creater. As a result an exact duplicate of the real prop really would make no sense unles it's called the President's book of a few secrets and mostly speeches.

Just a thought.

I am dying to see what you guys come up with.

 

[Tom1971]

FYI according to Russ the BOS is 10 3/4 X 19 inches and the paper is 6 x 10 inches

Russ worked a great deal with Ross who made the actual book for the film so these should be very accurate.

 

[juno]

Juno,
I can't log onto the MPC though.

Really? Registering is no big deal.

As to the value put on our book? Mmm...I take your point in as far as being a total copy of the original but you write the interior over 11 mths and then put a dollar value on your work

I'm just saying for $1k I'd have expected a lot more accuracy on the exterior. Folks release novels all the time (for free) because they love the medium. I guess you're saying it was all about making a profit then? It just seems like it's a slap in the face when the real replica is out there for purchase. I'd be lying if I didn't say part of what is driving me to do this is the exorbitant expense of your replica.

Let's drop the subject -- the folks that bought your replica are very happy. I am happy you were able to make some money doing what you enjoy. I saw Schubro's and he's extremely pleased with it. It also looks to be an interesting read.

Again, my goal is to draw attention to my research thread and the work I'm doing, as well as hopefully get folks excited about creating their own.

 

[juno]

This:

Plus this:

Equals this:

 

[Tom1971]

Juno,
There does not seem to be much on the BOS. The original is mostly public speeches, diary entries, etc. The TAZ/Marsattacks book is not shown much so what is there to research?????

What I meen is I have been looking all over and really con't find much on the thing and the few replicas made are not being showed off.

I hope you find more than I could. Other than the few posted pics of the original on some inserts and a few of the replicas also on a pile of inserts I have not found anything other than Russ' water fuel cell file.

 

[Droidboy]

I think what Juno is referring to is the construction method of how the book was made. While I didn't spend a whole lot of time looking at how Taz's was made, but compared to the one Rusty did (what exactly is the rules about talking about banned members??) his was way off. Those are the things that Juno corrected in the prototype.

In Rusty's earlier versions the leather was wrong, there was no cardstock, the stamp was done incorrectly, his paper was wrong and it wasn't bound. I'm not saying this to bash his work, he clearly states he is making changes from his first attempt, but those are pretty significant things.

The research is as detailed as which way the leather lays, where the corners are cut, how the stitching is done and stuff like that. Juno has pretty well nailed all of those details down.

I've never seen Taz's so I can't comment on his.

Gregg

 

[KramStaar]

Really? Registering is no big deal.

There certainly is a problem with the site - Lee Malone is looking into it

I guess you're saying it was all about making a profit then? It just seems like it's a slap in the face when the real replica is out there for purchase. I'd be lying if I didn't say part of what is driving me to do this is the exorbitant expense of your replica.

This is a free market system and while I respect what you have said its a pity that you feel the need to take such a broad, generalised swipe at someone else's project.

Knowing your reputation for excellence just a statement that you are after the ultimate replica version would have sufficed..

Anyway, best of luck and I will follow this thread with great interest because I have no doubt that your version will be fantastic.

Regards

MARK