Customer Reviews

Marionettes: How to Make and Work Them

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a Dover reprint which consolidates in one book four previously published mini-volumes on aspects of puppetry (primarily marionettes though some hand puppet specifics are given and there is overlap between the two), including 1) making puppet heads; 2) making and assembling puppet bodies (human form), including hands and feet; 3) making one- and two- handed control sticks and stringing plus costuming, manipulation basics, props, storage, and limited discussion of animal puppet construction; and 4) stage design and construction, stagecraft, backdrop designs, production suggestions, and a sample script.

All four sections are profusely and clearly illustrated with literally hundreds of line drawings, which are both technically useable and quite charmingly humorous. The text, like the illustrations, simply and clearly presents steps in construction of puppets from beginning to end.

I have been researching puppetry books in the past year and think this is one of the best practical construction manuals still in print. It provides a great deal of information at an extremely reasonable price. Because of the funny illustration style and the simple and straightforward text, it would make an excellent textbook for teaching children (and adults who do not take themselves too seriously) the fundamentals of string puppetry.

Most "how-to" books include photographs; this one does not, and in my experience illustrations can sometimes misrepresent how to accomplish certain tasks, leading to confusion and mistake. This book is, happily, not guilty of that failing. Prospective purchasers should also be aware that no historical information is included.

This is a Dover reprint which consolidates in one book four previously published mini-volumes on aspects of puppetry (primarily marionettes though some hand puppet specifics are given and there is overlap between the two), including 1) making puppet heads; 2) making and assembling puppet bodies (human form), including hands and feet; 3) making one- and two- handed control sticks and stringing plus costuming, manipulation basics, props, storage, and limited discussion of animal puppet construction; and 4) stage design and construction, stagecraft, backdrop designs, production suggestions, and a sample script.

All four sections are profusely and clearly illustrated with literally hundreds of line drawings, which are both technically useable and quite charmingly humorous. The text, like the illustrations, simply and clearly presents steps in construction of puppets from beginning to end.

I have been researching puppetry books in the past year and think this is one of the best practical construction manuals still in print. It provides a great deal of information at an extremely reasonable price. Because of the funny illustration style and the simple and straightforward text, it would make an excellent textbook for teaching children (and adults who do not take themselves too seriously) the fundamentals of string puppetry.

Most "how-to" books include photographs; this one does not, and in my experience illustrations can sometimes misrepresent how to accomplish certain tasks, leading to confusion and mistake. This book is, happily, not guilty of that failing. Prospective purchasers should also be aware that no historical information is included.

I wanted to make a marionette of my own so I ordered up this book. Like the reviewers before me stated it's a good book for the money but it has 30 year old information. Many of the materials used in this book are really dated! Like using leather and shellac! I would have enjoyed it much more if the book was revised to include all the great new materials available today!

At my level of puppet-making, this book will suit my needs. I have already made rod puppets and hand puppets, but needed a guide for how to make marionettes. I haven't yet constructed my first marionette, but the book has clear illustrations, and clear directions, so I don't expect trouble. Money well spent.

The greatest things about marionettes is that they were born in the age of hand craftsmanship...what other option was there? Having Helen's publication means having a throwback in hand and seeing marionettes through the lens of another time. Very resourceful and Very useful how to for beginner's and beyond.

you will love taking your dolls to the next level i have been makeing art dolls and teddy bears for 10 years and i cant believe i never thought to try this.