Jim Henson: The Works: The Art, the Magic, the Imagination

by Christopher Finch

Overview

The ultimate gift for Muppet lovers everywhere, this extraordinary tribute celebrates 40 years of Henson's creative genius—from his best-known inventions to his lesser known but equally fascinating notions for everything from designs for futuristic nightclubs and homes to experimental films. 500 color illus.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780679412038
Publisher:	Random House Publishing Group
Publication date:	10/12/1993
Pages:	268
Product dimensions:	10.28(w) x 10.26(h) x 0.92(d)

About the Author

Christopher Finch was born in Guernsey in the British Channel Islands, and now lives in Los Angeles. He is an artist and photographer who had one-person shows in New York and California, and he is the author of almost thirty nonfiction books, including the bestsellers Rainbow: The Stormy Life of Judy Garland, The Art of Walt Disney, Jim Henson: The Works, and Norman Rockwell's America.

Editorial Reviews

At the time of his death in 1990, Jim Henson had created some of the world's most beloved characters, invigorated the demode art of puppeteering, and achieved in TV and films critical and commercial success unheard of since the heyday of Walt Disney. This oversize, colorful volume, sure to delight Henson's many fans, traces his career from local TV in the mid-1950s through the triumphs of "Sesame Street" and "The Muppet Show", his leap into movies ("The Muppet Movie", "The Dark Crystal", etc.), and late projects like "Fraggle Rock". The book also covers Henson's little-known forays into experimental film and the contributions of his Creature Shop puppetmakers to non-Henson movies. The authorized nature of this project gave Finch access to fascinating archival materials, such as behind-the-scenes photos. Unfortunately, it also results in an annoying lack of critical detachment and a one-dimensional portrait of Henson. Even so, Finch convincingly portrays Henson's visionary dedication to the craft of puppetry. The continuing popularity of Kermit, Big Bird, and Henson's other creations ensures that this showcase of them will be in demand for many years to come.

Gordon Flagg