Hi all,
I recently went to a convention, and met a student of Micheal Skinner's. The stuff he did blew my head off!!!
I would really like to know where to start researching Micheal Skinner's work. I am particularly interested in an impromtu invisible deck idea. (I believe that is his work.) Okay guys thanks a lot for any help!!

Several of his videos have been re- issued on dvd. There is also at least one book, I think it's called "The Classic Sampler", or something similar.
Several of his friends do similar or related things.
Have a word with some dealers.

Mike Skinner has at least two sets of lecture notes, as well as the Classic Sampler noted above, material published by Jeff Busby, the three card monte published by L&L, several videos, a bunch of material that appeared in Charlie Millers' Magicana column in Genii magazine in the '70's and '80's, two (I think) one man issues of Genii, various tricks contributed to periodicals over the last three decades (Pallbearers Review, Epilogue, Chronicles)etc. Though there is a significant amount of Skinner material out there, it is problematic to gather it all. It runs the gamut from tricked up card items like three card monte, to amazing presentations of "slum" magic, as we used to call it, like the ball and vase routine in Genii. There are card items, a terrific torn and restored cigarette paper, an effect with cigarette papers where the holes torn in the papers change places, coin magic, dice effects (His handling of the Sachs Dice Routine is legendary), etc.

Searching out the material is as much fun as doing it - you will find all kinds of things along the way, and get a pretty good overview of magic through the last 30 years if you actually look for all the magazines his stuff has been in. YOu just can't help but benefit from a project like this, and someone ought to gather all his published material, or at least the list of it, anyway. Happy hunting...

Best, PSC

P.S. As you might have guessed, I have already done quite a bit of work in this direction - if you like, I'll dig out what I have and post it here.

What a great post PSC thankyou for taking the time out. A list would be really useful way to start because at the moment it feels like a very big hill to climb so if you would kindly give me a leg-up!!

Here is a bit more Mike Skinner material:

1) Two sets of Lecture Notes
2) Intimate Magic (Jeff Busby)
3) Classic Sampler
4) Magicana - Genii Magazine, December, 1969
5) Magicana - Genii MAgazine, January, 1969
6) Mike Skinners Master Teach-in (Video)
7) Professional Close-up Magic (Video)
8) Precursor Magazine - one man issue
9) Genii Magazine - November, 2000

This is not a complete list - there was material in RK's Almanac, Talisman, various Fulves publications (as mention in an earlier post), etc., but this stuff should be easily available.

There is much unpublished Skinner material. For instance, I have his cups and bills, based on Charlie Millers' Routine. It is so detailed as to include step-by-step directions on how to fold the bills into little balls. Busby has a book that he has been holding for several DECADES, called "Ten for Ten", ten tricks for ten dollars. There are other examples. Maybe, one day, some of this will come to light, but in the meantime there is plenty out there for the new student. Again, Happy Hunting!

Best, PSC

PSC, thanks for the informative post (as usual). May I ask if his handling of the Sachs Dice Routine is published? Regards, Larry Davidson.

It is on Video, but basically Mike did it as written up in "Classic Secrets of Magic", by Bruce Elliott. He was very slow and deliberate, and used casino size dice.

Best, PSC

PSC, Thanks for the response, I appreciate it.

I first performed the Sachs effect about 30 years ago after seeing Tim Conover perform it (back when he was a newbie in magic), and it was so long ago I don't even remember the name of the book where I read it, but do recall the particular version I learned was called "Peripatetic Paddles."

Okay, to stay on topic, the Skinner effect I regularly perform (as do tons of other magicians) is his 3-Card Monte, with a few variations of my own as well as a few variations my buddy Bob Sheets shared with me. I've tried many versions of 3-Card Monte and I can't find a version which plays better, for me anyway.

As to the Busby book... Don't hold your breath...

I just got my copy of this month's "Linking Ring", and saw on the back an advert for a "New Michael Skinner on DVD" DVD...anyone know a thing about this DVD or its performances? Is it worth the price, or should I look elsewhere?

I too am in awe of Skinner...my only exposure has been some brief clips, but that was enough!

Thanks pchosse for your useful list on Skinner's work.

Here are a few entries I have:
The Greater Artful Dodges of Eddie Fields
p. 91 No Further Than This (Michael Skinner, Jon Racherbaumer)

Exclusive Card Miracles
p. 11 Miracle Speller (Michael Skinner)
p. 21 Impossible Location (Larry Jennings, Michael Skinner)
p. 55 Miracle (Michael Skinner)

The Collected Almanac
p. 147 Up The Ladder Aces (Michael Skinner)
p. 148 SentiMental Aces (Michael Skinner)
p. 311 Satan Deals Again (Michael Skinner)

Martin

Classic Sampler received a bad rap when it came out but there is some top material in that book - very powerful, commercial, baffling magic that will fool magicians and entertain laymen.

I recommend the videos of Skinner performing which were released by Geno Munari on DVD. These circulated on home video cassettes and are great. I think I'll get the DVD versions myself - no doubt they will be a little fresher than my worn out copies...

Skinner was a great, low key performer - a charming gentleman who rarely joked except to use corny lines. I have some segments from the Tonight Show where he killed using this low-key approach and, of course, VERY strong magic. A lot of younger magicians would do well to search this stuff out to get a different perspective, far removed from the styles of some over-the-top magicians. (NOTE: I am NOT knocking anyone - I just think magic enthusiasts often are mesmerised by "loud" performers and miss the subtlety of performers like Skinner).

Cheers
Andrew Wimhurst

Exactly; His deliberate, slow approach makes it easy for anyone to follow, and the magic is awesome. I recommend anything you can get in video by Michael, and watch how magic should be performed IMO.

I don't think Classic Sampler should receive the reputation of getting a bad knock. This is an UNBELIEVABLE book. If you don't have it, you should own it. Here's how it was described to me. We all know that Michael had an enormous repetoire. He was going to begin releasing his handlings and concepts on his repetoire. It was going to be somewhere around 14 to 16 volumes long. Classic Sampler was going to be #1 and subsequent volumes would follow.

We were all stunned by his untimely passing, and unfortunately for the magic world (not just us as magicians), much was lost with this. I am incredibly thankful to own a copy of Classic Sampler knowing that there are only a few releases from Michael over the years. Everyone should own this book if for no other reason to read and understand the lengthy forward written by Michael.

You will read this book countless times and receive something new each time. I've been through it over 10 times from cover to cover, and get something new each time. I must say that I'm a proud owner of this book. I also feel I was priveledged to meet Michael twice and see him perform each time. He was a true gentleman and he never failed to fool you regardless of how much you thought you knew on the subject.

I would search out everything ever released by Michael over the years and add it to your studies . . . it will only make everyone a better magician!

Mike Skinner's performances on the Tonight Show are my favorite performances, PERIOD.
Mike's gracious performing style as well as his magical skills demonstrated without ego. This to me is one of his finest traits. Mike would share magic technique with anyone, but only after saying "Might I offer a thought on your way of doing this?" This first shocked me, that he was trying to help me. At the same time, he showed appreciation for what I did. Mike trying to help make me a better entertainer. Thanks Mike for such great memories

Hi Cardsdown. I was just wondering what effects on Classic Sampler did you particularly like? Which ones stood out as killer routines?

In my opinion, he's done a great job on a simple prediction effect entitled: Birthday Telepathy. There is also a wonderful poker deal where the spectator picks the winning hand. But my all time favorite is Michael's work on the Mental Photography deck. Many have seen Bill Malone perform this version in person or on video. He is actually following Michael's handling almost to a "t" with one minor (and very good) change. It alone is worth the price of the book. Anyone who overlooks this gimmicked deck routine for purity's sake is missing one of the strongest routines in card magic. Thanks for your question!

In 1995 Mike Skinner lectured at the Geno Munari Close-Up Convention (with Roger Klause). Michael asked if I would make a set of lecture notes to sell at the lecture. These are available.....info can be found at http://www.thecardplant.com

Gary Plants

The new DVD is volume 3 of "The Legendary Repertiore Of Michael Skinner" from Geno Munari.

It has 56 items filmed in Skinner's home. Most of the items have him performing for a young lady or directly for the camera. There are no explainations but in most cases explainations are not needed as the material is well known.

For me the highlights are his handling of the color changing knives and an unlit cigarette vanish that I'd forgotten... it was one of the first things I learned from him at my first ever magic lecture.

The real high point of the video though is the "Do As I Do" effect during which his cat Stanley jumps up on the table looking for attention. Skinnner, ever the unflappable pro, stops in mid-trick turns the cat around and introduces him to the camera, kisses his furry head and puts him on the floor before continuing with the trick.

In the name of full disclosure I'll say that the video quality is poor. It is clear these are home movies shot without professional lighting. Many of the tricks are hardly more than dealer demos of the effect (the Ball and Tube for example) but they represent the effects exactly as Skinner did them. The real lesson is that when he performs the "Ball and Tube" it is with the same conviction as when he performs "Slow Motion Aces" or "Ultimate 3 Card Monte" He NEVER trivialized magic no matter what the effect.

In case you haven't guessed I think this set is a great value.

In addition to the 56 unexplained tricks shown on DVD 1 there is a second "bonus" DVD which is a lecture Skinner did with his long time friend Roger Klause. On this disk you are taught Klause's "off the elbow" multiple coin vanish and his finesse on the $100 bill change. Skinner explains his Mona Lisa card trick (a charming card transformation) and his wonderful handling of Red Hot Mama.

If you're a Skinner fan this is kind of a "must have" set.

Skinner's 3 Card monte is great, although you're left with gaffs. You can easily end clean by doing a simple switch...