Strings, Hands, Shadows: A Modern Puppet History (DIAgram (Detroit Institute of Arts)) [Paperback]

John Bell (Author)

Book Description

Series: Diagram | Publication Date: November 2000

An illustrated history of the fascinating development of the art of puppetry.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Puppets can be traced as far back as ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome and are found today in cultures worldwide, across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. John Bell shows how puppets have been used to relay myths, poke fun at political figures, express moral stories, and entertain adults and children alike. This richly illustrated book gives a historical overview and looks at the wide variety of this traditional art form. Definitions and descriptions of a variety of puppet styles, including shadow puppets, marionettes, hand puppets, rod puppets, and many others, add to the understanding of this fascinating form of art. With over one hundred color illustrations, this book highlights the "lives" of such characters as Kermit the Frog, Punch and Judy, Jack Pumpkinhead, and the traditional Chinese puppet Te-Yung to reveal the ways that puppets have become an integral part of many cultures. Captivating and fun, this book offers valuable insight into the wonderful world of puppetry.

Product Details

• Paperback: 116 pages
• Publisher: Detroit Institute of Arts (November 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0895581566
• ISBN-13: 978-0895581563
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 7.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #250,765 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Up To Date Puppetry, January 26, 2003

By 

Shalizeh "shalizeh2" (California United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Strings, Hands, Shadows: A Modern Puppet History (DIAgram (Detroit Institute of Arts)) (Paperback)

When I got this book I thought; may be is just another book full of pictures. On the contrary the book starts on with a brief puppetry history and then gives an overview of the different types of puppetry. It gives an in depth summary of the puppet theatre since the 1960's and the overhaul that Jim Henson gave to the art of puppetry. It talks about puppetry as a new art an avant-garde entertaiment that has been around for centuries. A great book with a brilliant compilation of ideas and photographs.