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Puppetry: A World History Hardcover – July 1, 2005

by Eileen Blumenthal (Author)

4.5 22 ratings

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An exploration of the cultural diversity and personalities of puppets throughout history examines the characterizations of numerous puppeteers as well as the often sophisticated technology that has gone into their creations, in a lavishly illustrated volume complemented by lively and informative text. 15,000 first printing.

Print length

272 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Harry N. Abrams
Publication date

July 1, 2005
Grade level

8 and up
Reading age

13 years and up
Dimensions

10 x 1.25 x 11.25 inches
ISBN-10

0810955873
ISBN-13

978-0810955875
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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

There is much more to puppetry than Jim Henson's creations or children's puppet shows, as this thoroughly researched book makes abundantly clear. Through her narrative and 350 illustrations, Blumenthal, a professor of theater arts, takes the reader through an exhaustive history of the puppet world, from prehistoric times to Tony-winning Broadway hit Avenue Q. Blumenthal's approach is different than that of previous historians: rather than giving the "where, when and how" and dividing her work by region or time period, she employs a thematic approach, including, among others, chapters on puppet characters, sex and puppets in politics. This approach pays off, and the photos here range from an African fertility puppet to the iconic Miss Piggy to a disturbing likeness of Margaret Thatcher wielding a meat cleaver. Although some images may border on creepy, the book is beautiful to look at, and the writing is largely accessible. This would be a welcome addition to the libraries of performing arts buffs who want to learn more about a lesser known form.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

*Starred Review* In its long history, puppetry has played many parts. It has taken central roles in shamanic rites and been vilified by medieval churchmen as devilry, romanticized as a repository of folk wisdom, infantilized as a mere adjunct to children's theater, and valorized by visionaries (among them, the great designer-director Edward Gordon Craig) as a superior, potentially more expressive form of theater. Today some puppets, most notably Jim Henson's Muppets, are so popular that they are no longer recognized as mere puppets. Meanwhile, on Broadway, one of the most elaborate and expensive puppet shows ever fabricated, Julie Taymor's multimillion-dollar musical The Lion King, has been filling the house since 1997. Though most people don't think of puppetry as a high-toned cousin to Punch and Judy, Blumenthal makes that connection and many more in this rich, exhaustively researched, lavishly illustrated history spanning from prehistory to the present. In carefully polished prose, she chronicles the myriad roles puppets and puppeteers have played, and although writing from a Western European-North American perspective, she doesn't neglect non-Western forms (Javanese shadow puppets, Japanese rod puppets, the Bamana puppets of Mali, etc.). She also explores the ways this ancient art form has been reinvigorated and transformed by advances in the electronic arts. A fine addition to any library's theater arts collection. Jack Helbig
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harry N. Abrams; First Edition (July 1, 2005)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0810955873
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0810955875
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 13 years and up
Grade level ‏ : ‎ 8 and up
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 4.15 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 10 x 1.25 x 11.25 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #1,478,631 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #89 in Puppets & Puppetry (Books)
- #39,516 in World History (Books)

Customer Reviews:
4.5 22 ratings

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tnt

very interesting view of puppetry through the ages for the adult

Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2014

Verified Purchase

This book is still intriguing me for as soon as I got it until now almost 30 days later has so much new information that I have never encountered before in its entirety. It is never repetitive and visually enthralling something I will treasure for a long time. It took me 4 months to make up my mind - do I need another puppet book - well it was worth it. thank you

One person found this helpful

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Judith O'Hare

Great book, a must have for puppeteers and those interested in this art form.

Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2013

Verified Purchase

I have given this book as a gift to two other puppeteers. It is a wonderful perspective on puppetry in recent history. Great book, one worth having to understand the depth and breath of the world of puppetry.
Judith O'Hare, You and Me Puppets

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Robert Rogers

Welcome but with some reservations

Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2005

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This is not a history book told in a chronological order. It is a survey with a point of view that jumbles puppeteers and their puppets into themes. It is extremely well researched, but because of the many, many listings of puppeteers and the odd juxtapositions of their work, it might be hard for a reader to get a sense of which puppeteers were actually more influencial and successful than others. Some very famous people are not mentioned at all, and some, frankly contemporary, mediocre puppeteers are given great mention. Also, the field of children's theatre which is quite important and which many puppeteers take very seriously, is given short shrift.

13 people found this helpful

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John Sciacchitano

Entertaining, informative and beautiful

Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2006

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This book is a wonder. How the author could bring together sthe quantity of scholarly information and beautiful photographs under one cover is beyond thinking.

Even persons who have no interest in the subject will be fascinated and entertained by the variety,ingenuity and artfulness of the puppets.

3 people found this helpful

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Dena G.

Five Stars

Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2015

Verified Purchase

A wonderful book! Thanks

Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2018

This book is a fascinating read that helped me to understand the history of puppets and their historical significance.

Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2011

Verified Purchase

The reason I got this book is the cover page pic. It's not what i have thought it will be with lots of fun ,weird puppets of the world. I like lots of pics so this is not a great book for me. Overall ,I can't say its bad as I receive the book in very good condition even though is second hand.

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