The Prop Builder's Mask-Making Handbook [Paperback]

Thurston James (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1558701664 | ISBN-13: 978-1558701663 | Publication Date: December 1, 1990

"Well illustrated and clearly written, this handbook offers invaluable information for those getting started in this venerated art form". -- School Library Journal

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

YA-- Well illustrated and clearly written, this handbook offers invaluable information for those getting started in this venerated art form. James gives a brief contextual history of masks, and then organizes the informational sections by type. The last and longest section describes masks made in the tradition of the commedia dell'arte. Ample black-and-white photographs accompany step-by-step directions, written in a nontechnical and informal style. The appendix contains a list of sources for supplies.
- Sheri Maeda, Jefferson Sci-Tech, Alexandria, VA
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 203 pages
• Publisher: Betterway Books (December 1, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1558701664
• ISBN-13: 978-1558701663
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #650,795 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive and user friendly!, April 1, 2000

By 

Frost "patrisiad" (Euless, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Prop Builder's Mask-Making Handbook (Paperback)

This is a great book about making masks. It covers the making of molds, including using alginate for a life-casting. He talks about making masks of different materials -- from hex-a-cel to paper mache to neoprene to leather! There's a really *nice* section on leather masks, and he also talks a little bit about the history of the leather masks and how they were used in Renaissance Italy by the Commedia. This book is filled with plenty of black and white photos illustrating the various steps in each mask-making or mold-making process, and the instructions are very clear. Highly recommended for those with an interest in making their own masks.

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars a good idea, January 26, 2003

By 

michael joy (ChicagoMoldSchool.com) (Illinois United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Prop Builder's Mask-Making Handbook (Paperback)

I am confused...I look at the star ratings and read the reviews...but they don't even come close to my thoughts. This book was an interesting read. They do show a huge variety of techniques that are used for the stage... but they only give you a small taste of the process...Vacuum forming for example, a wonderful process, but zippo info on whereto/howto/whoto contact to buy or to make one. Read this book to get an overview of some ideas...but know that the technology shown is old and past its prime. I know stagework is seen at a distance..but you will not be impressed with the craftsmanship of the projects. Heads up on some safety issues..they skip right over that. oh my.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Sound but slightly dated, July 13, 2005

By 

Lady Kalessia (Laura) "Historical Costumer" (San Jose, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Prop Builder's Mask-Making Handbook (Paperback)

I purchased this book as a text for a maskmaking class for my theater degree. I'll repeat the instructor's gist, if not her words: This is a great book on the basic technical aspects of maskmaking. However, there are a lot of other materials that are now available if you have the budget that aren't covered in this book. The photos are good but not always clear, and I agree with some other reviewers that there is a definite lack of practical information such as where to buy maskmaking supplies.
Worth a read, particularly if you're into Commedia masks or working in community theater on a small budget.