Scott Robinson is perhaps one of the greatest magical talents that you’ve never heard of. He doesn’t have any DVD’s or tricks on the market, and he doesn’t lecture that often. He offers a few booklets for sale on his website and was a frequent contributor to Steve Beam’s Trapdoor but most magicians are unfamiliar with his work.

Luckily, I think that’s about to change. Scott has just released an instant download with Vanishing Inc. called Pure Imagination. It is a collection of three effects that show off some of the reasons why Scott is considered an underground legend.

I still remember meeting Scott at the SCAM Convention back in early 2008. The first thing he showed me was his “Willy Wonka Card Trick.” (You’ll learn two versions here.) My mind was completely blown. He placed my signed card between two Kings, but it didn’t come out the other side. In fact, he tabled the two Kings and showed his hands empty. It looked like trick photography. A moment later, he pulled my card from his pocket. And then, suddenly, the Kings vanished and appeared in his pockets as well.

When he asked if I wanted him to teach the method, I was thinking “yeah, right.” I assumed that it was going to be MUCH more difficult than it actually was. When he showed me, however, I learned that it wasn’t out of reach. In fact, the amount of work involved was way out of proportion to the effect that it allowed you to create. That’s one of the things that makes Scott a genius.

The other two effects on this download are coin tricks. Usually I don’t get nearly as excited about coin magic as I do about card stuff, but these are two unique coin offerings that I definitely think are worthy of study. The first is “Differences,” an off beat effect where three silver coins magically transpose with a single copper coin in a very weird way. The magic moment is visually stunning (I still remember the first time I saw this one too)! While it probably isn’t something you’d do on its own, it would make a very nice addition to a longer coin routine. It uses a gaff, but it’s something that you’re probably using in your coin work anyway.

The second coin effect is an impromptu transposition between a nickel and a penny. Again, the change happens visually. This time, however, there are no gaffs to worry about. It’s the perfect effect for those truly off the cuff performing situations we all find ourselves in from time to time. Just borrow the two coins and you’re ready to go. No other preparation is necessary. It’s also pretty easy to do which is a nice bonus.

Overall, Pure Imagination provides a lot of value for your dollar. I would have easily forked over ten bucks just to learn the “Willy Wonka Card Trick.” Getting all three tricks in one bundle makes purchasing this a no-brainer. Definitely recommended.

- Available for $10 from Vanishing Inc. Magic