Cunning Dr.

Born in Sydney in 1948, Stephen Skinner developed an early interest in literature and geography, which later expanded to philosophy and esoteric subjects. After a brief stint in government intelligence and the stock market, he transitioned into teaching before dedicating himself to publishing and writing. He founded Askin Publishers in London in 1973, specializing in occult texts, and later Golden Hoard Press, focusing on magical classics and feng shui. Skinner's career has also involved lecturing and establishing feng shui consultancies. He has authored and edited numerous books, bringing many historical magical texts to a wider audience and significantly contributing to the Western understanding of feng shui. His academic work culminated in a Ph.D. on the transmission of magical techniques, which informed his subsequent publications.

Stephen Skinner was born in Sydney, Australia, in March 1948. His early education included Trinity Grammar Preparatory School and Sydney Grammar Secondary School, where he excelled in English and Geography. He pursued a Bachelor of Arts at Sydney University, majoring in English Literature, Geography, and Philosophy, with a focus on Greek Philosophy and Logic. During his university years, he launched and edited two underground magazines, 'Lucifer' and 'Chaos.' Following his undergraduate studies, Skinner worked briefly in government intelligence and then as a portfolio manager before moving into teaching positions at St. Joseph's College and Sydney Technical College. In 2014, he completed a Ph.D. from the University of Newcastle, researching the historical transmission of magical practices from ancient Egyptian papyri through Byzantine texts to later European grimoires.

Relocating to London in 1972, Skinner's career diversified between publishing and computer programming. He founded Askin Publishers Ltd in 1973 to publish seminal works by figures like Dr. John Dee and Aleister Crowley. He played a role in the production of the Crowley Thoth Tarot. Skinner also launched 'Feng Shui for Modern Living' magazine in 1998, for which he was nominated for Publisher of the Year. He later established Golden Hoard Press, dedicated to publishing classics of magic and feng shui, and initiated the 'Source Works of Ceremonial Magic' series with David Rankine. His extensive research and publications have been recognized for clarifying and popularizing feng shui in the West.

Skinner is widely acknowledged for his prolific contributions to the literature of the Western Esoteric Tradition, magic, and feng shui. His 1976 book, 'Living Earth Manual of Feng Shui,' is considered the first 20th-century English work on the subject and is credited with introducing feng shui to the West. He has published comprehensive reference works such as 'The Complete Magician's Tables,' which expands upon Aleister Crowley's 'Liber 777.' Skinner has also edited and published critical editions of historical magical texts, including works by Dr. John Dee and various grimoires, making them accessible to contemporary scholars and practitioners. His books have been translated into numerous languages, solidifying his status as a significant figure in esoteric studies.