Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Ballantine Books (2013), 608 pages
Description
"For the first time ever--a comprehensive biography of one of the twentieth century's most innovative creative artists: the incomparable, irreplaceable Jim Henson. He was a gentle dreamer whose genial bearded visage was recognized around the world, but most people got to know him only through the iconic characters he created: Kermit the Frog, Bert and Ernie, Miss Piggy, Big Bird. The Muppets made Jim Henson a household name, but they were just part of his remarkable story. This extraordinary biography--written with the generous cooperation of the Henson family--covers the full arc of Henson's all-too-brief life: from his childhood in Leland, Mississippi; through the years of burgeoning fame in Washington D.C., New York, and London; to the decade of international celebrity that preceded his untimely death at age fifty-three. Drawing on hundreds of hours of new interviews with Henson's family, friends, and closest collaborators, as well as unprecedented access to private family and company archives (including never-before-seen interviews, business documents, and Henson's private letters), Brian Jay Jones explores the creation of the Muppets, Henson's contributions to Sesame Street and Saturday Night Live, and his nearly ten-year campaign to bring The Muppet Show to television. Jones provides the imaginative context for Henson's non-Muppet projects, including the richly imagined worlds of The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth--as well as fascinating misfires like Henson's dream of opening an inflatable psychedelic nightclub or staging an elaborate all-puppet Broadway show. An uncommonly intimate portrait, Jim Henson captures all the facets of this American original: the master craftsman who revolutionized the presentation of puppets on television, the savvy businessman whose dealmaking prowess won him a reputation as "the new Walt Disney," and the creative team leader whose collaborative ethos earned him the undying loyalty of everyone who worked for him. Here also is insight into Henson's intensely private personal life: his Christian Science upbringing; his love of fast cars, high-stakes gambling, and expensive art; and his weakness for women. Though an optimist by nature, Henson was haunted by the notion that he would not have time to do all the things he wanted to do in life--a fear that his heartbreaking final hours would prove all too well founded. An up-close look at the charmed life of a legend, Jim Henson gives the full measure to a man whose joyful genius transcended age, language, geography, and culture--and continues to beguile audiences worldwide. Advance praise for Jim Henson "I'm a rabid Jim Henson fan--his brilliant ideas spawned shows that entertained and educated millions, myself included. Jim Henson vibrantly delves into the magnificent man and his Muppet methods. It's an absolute must read!"--Neil Patrick Harris "Every Muppet fan has wondered who was behind the wide-mouthed, bug-eyed, furry creatures. Before now all we had was a credit line: Jim Henson. Now, with Brian Jay Jones's riveting Jim Henson, we have a nuanced portrait of the puppeteer--part genius inspired by his Mississippi Delta roots and his Christian Science faith, part flawed human with tastes too rich in everything from his art and cars to his women--that brings new understanding of and empathy for an icon of American popular culture."--Larry Tye, author of Satchel and Superman"--… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member bragan
I utterly adore the Muppets. I did when I was a little kid, and I do just as much now. Not in that nostalgic way that I still enjoy a lot of things from my childhood, either, but because their appeal is genuinely timeless and every bit as strong for a fortysomething as for a six-year-old. And
So, of course, I was happy to pick up a copy of this new biography of their legendary creator. It's very comprehensive, giving a good sense of what Henson was like -- not a saint, but a really nice, idealistic, and extraordinarily creative guy -- as well as what it was like to work on the Muppets and how Henson's ideas (and his puppets) took shape over time. It is a little bit long, and one could complain that some of the same things about Henson's life and personality get said over and over again, but, honestly, I didn't mind at all. I was just happy to spend the time in Henson's company, however vicariously. And the chapter describing his death and his memorial service, I don't mind admitting, had me weeping uncontrollably.
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that's putting it mildly. The Muppets, for me, are the very embodiment of pure, unadulterated, childlike joy, and that's a rare and precious thing in this world.So, of course, I was happy to pick up a copy of this new biography of their legendary creator. It's very comprehensive, giving a good sense of what Henson was like -- not a saint, but a really nice, idealistic, and extraordinarily creative guy -- as well as what it was like to work on the Muppets and how Henson's ideas (and his puppets) took shape over time. It is a little bit long, and one could complain that some of the same things about Henson's life and personality get said over and over again, but, honestly, I didn't mind at all. I was just happy to spend the time in Henson's company, however vicariously. And the chapter describing his death and his memorial service, I don't mind admitting, had me weeping uncontrollably.
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LibraryThing member ladycato
Jones has completed a fascinating book about a fascinating and complex man. I was born in 1980 and grew up with the Muppets. I was extremely upset when, at age 10, I found out that Jim Henson had abruptly died. For me, this book was an emotional read at times because I feel like the Muppets are
If you love the Muppets and Henson's creatures, this book is well worth reading.
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such a big part of my life. I loved reading about Henson's imagination and creative process. The back-stories behind Sesame Street, the Muppet Show, Emmet Otter's Jug-band Christmas, and the John Denver Christmas album were an absolute delight for me. I couldn't wait to share tidbits with my husband and my mom. Where the book waned for me--and made me start skimming--was near the end, where the text was less about creation and more about Henson's corporate dealings and jet-setting lifestyle with his girlfriend. His death, though... it made me bawl at age 10, and I was really fighting tears as I read the details about it at age 39 (and, of course, I reached this section in public).If you love the Muppets and Henson's creatures, this book is well worth reading.
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LibraryThing member LadyoftheLodge
This biography is much too long, but contained a lot of information about Jim Hensen. Being a Muppet fan myself, it was still interesting and informative. Not a fun read or light beach read, but a book to read over time, and when you want some variety in what you are reading. I usually read several
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books of different genres at once, so that is what I did with this book. I have to admit I did not read it all, but skimmed and scanned. Show Less
LibraryThing member flying_monkeys
Rating: 4 of 5
My response to and rating of Jim Henson: The Biography was far more subjective and biased than any other book in recent memory. I suspect many people interested in reading this biography would be in the same boat.
While Jones presented a comprehensive chronological narrative, at times
"When I was young," wrote Jim, "my ambition was to be one of the people who makes a difference in this world. My hope still is to leave this world a little bit better for my being there."
And he did (p. 490).
Highly recommended to all fans of Henson's work.
My response to and rating of Jim Henson: The Biography was far more subjective and biased than any other book in recent memory. I suspect many people interested in reading this biography would be in the same boat.
While Jones presented a comprehensive chronological narrative, at times
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the writing was rather dry. I guess since Henson's biggest priority was work, it made sense that the focus of the biography was on the business side of his life."When I was young," wrote Jim, "my ambition was to be one of the people who makes a difference in this world. My hope still is to leave this world a little bit better for my being there."
And he did (p. 490).
Highly recommended to all fans of Henson's work.
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LibraryThing member yoyogod
I grew up watching Sesame Street and The Muppet Show. The Muppet Movie would certainly be one of my top 10 favorite movies. The Rainbow Connection, is probably my favorite song. With all this, it's no surprise that Jim Henson is one of my favorite people of all time.
Naturally, I jumped at the
It is obvious that that Jones is a Henson fan. He spends a lot of time talking about how much of a creative genius Henson was. He also tends to be very forgiving of Henson's flaws. If it was anyone else, it might be annoying, but with the way it's presented--and with this subject--I don't mind.
This is a great book. If you're a fan of Henson or his creations, this is a must read.
Naturally, I jumped at the
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chance to get a copy of his biography, and I'm glad I did. This was a great book. I can tell that Brian Jay Jones did a lot of interviews and research in putting this together, and it really pays off. I learned a lot I never knew about Henson, and got a good feel for him as a man.It is obvious that that Jones is a Henson fan. He spends a lot of time talking about how much of a creative genius Henson was. He also tends to be very forgiving of Henson's flaws. If it was anyone else, it might be annoying, but with the way it's presented--and with this subject--I don't mind.
This is a great book. If you're a fan of Henson or his creations, this is a must read.
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LibraryThing member Gryphon-kl
Brian Jay Jones's comprehensive biography of Jim Henson opens with the story of the filming of one Sesame Street scene (involving a girl who improvises her own addition to the alphabet song and gives a feel for both Henson's personality and his skill at improvising) before moving on to cover his
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life and career. While much of this will undoubtedly be familiar to those who've read previous books about Henson or the Muppets (some of which are frequently-used sources for this book), there is also a great deal of material taken from interviews the author conducted or from family and company archives unavailable to previous writers. Furthermore, I found the writing to be quite good at evoking images of some of the events described – not just scenes I'd last seen decades ago (like the aforementioned Sesame Street bit) that just required some nudging to recall, but events which I unquestionably have never had any memory of. This can make the last chapter, especially the descriptions of Henson's funeral, a bit difficult to get through, but that's just a mark of the author's skill. Show Less
LibraryThing member eo206
This is a well written and interesting biography on Jim Henson. The book details his life, including his early life and his parent's early life, through his death. I've read some other books highlighting Jim Henson and found this one to be the most interesting and comprehensive.
It is a hefty book,
It is a hefty book,
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but a pleasant and fast read. Show Less
LibraryThing member boodgieman
Jim Henson was a very busy man. Raised in Mississippi and Maryland by a close-knit, loving family that valued creativity for its own sake, Henson was driven by the death of his beloved older brother at twenty-three to believe that there would never be enough time to finish everything he wanted to
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do, and he lived his life accordingly. Before finishing college he had earned the equivalent of hundreds of thousands of dollars in today's money creating what would ultimately evolve into the Muppets and introducing them into every TV outlet he could find. (To see examples of his earliest success, seek out the Wilkins Coffee commercials on YouTube.) Friends, family, and associates marveled throughout his life at how Henson seemed to be constantly brimming with new ideas—and how little sleep he could get by on. It's all here: detailed stories of Henson's earliest efforts on Washington, D.C. television, the pre-Sesame Street appearances of the Muppets on The Tonight Show and The Jimmy Dean Show, the creation of Sesame Street and Fraggle Rock and the various movies, both Muppet and non-Muppet (The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth), the foray into Saturday morning cartoons with Muppet Babies, the merchandising efforts, and the attempted sale of the Muppets to Disney (not accomplished until well after Henson's death). The scenes depicting Henson's sudden death from a massive streptococcal infection at fifty-three and the reactions of his family and friends are heartbreaking. Jones had the complete cooperation of the Henson family, but this is no hagiography; it's a balanced work that doesn't shy away from its subjects flaws (Henson might have been the most discreet womanizer in the history of show business) but doesn't probe too deeply into them, either. Overall Henson seems to have been a lot like his public persona: shy and distant, more than a little geeky, boundlessly curious, optimistic, generous, genuinely likeable, and above all, passionate about his life, work, and family. It's that passion that makes this biography as entertaining as, well, watching the Muppets in action. Show Less
LibraryThing member perfunctory
As my very first ARC, I was over the moon excited to read this book, and it did not disappoint. Jim Henson (& his characters) has been loved by me throughout my childhood and I hope to continue that with my son.
I was blown away by all he managed to achieve in his lifetime. The dude was definitely a
Since I was an early reviewer, my copy didn't have any of the pictures, which will be a huge asset once this goes on sale. I hope everyone manages to pick it up! It's a beast of a book but it read fast. Great interviews with his family & friends as well.
I was blown away by all he managed to achieve in his lifetime. The dude was definitely a
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creative giant and deserves to be ranked among the highest artists. He's done so much more than Sesame Street and the Muppets, yet that's what most will always remember him for. A true genius. He died way too young.Since I was an early reviewer, my copy didn't have any of the pictures, which will be a huge asset once this goes on sale. I hope everyone manages to pick it up! It's a beast of a book but it read fast. Great interviews with his family & friends as well.
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LibraryThing member zzshupinga
Jim Henson was, and still is, my hero. He created a world that I loved: the Fraggles, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Big Bird, and all the rest of his creations. It was a world that I felt at home in, when it was so hard find people that thought and talked like me. But the Muppets? they did. And the
This isn't a book about the characters of Sesame Street or of the Muppets, you can find other books if you want those. This book is about the man that created them. The man that enchanted millions, children and adults alike. Brian, not only did research at the company archives, he also talked to family and friends and collaborators to bring Jim back to life, even if it was just for a short time period. He gives us insight into how it all began, his successes, his failures, his misfires, and even the dark spots in Jim's life, such as his love of fast cars and women. But we walk away with a full picture and a great understanding of the man that Jim Henson was.
If you grew up watching Sesame Street or the Muppets, you can't help but want to read this book. To bring Jim back to life, just for a little while, and experience the magic of the Muppets once more. I give the book 4 out of 5 stars.
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people surrounding them did as well. I remember when Jim passed away, and I remember the show they did a year latter to help explain his passing, using his beloved creations to make us laugh and hope. Brian starts the book off by talking about a moment on Sesame Street where Jim, as Kermit, and a young girl are doing a scene about saying the ABC's. And the little girl keeps throwing "Cookie Monster" in randomly and Kermit says "Well next time you can do it with him!" and starts walking away. And the little girl says "I love you" and Kermit comes back and says "I love you to." And in those few pages at the beginning Brian captures everything I know, and love, about Jim Henson.This isn't a book about the characters of Sesame Street or of the Muppets, you can find other books if you want those. This book is about the man that created them. The man that enchanted millions, children and adults alike. Brian, not only did research at the company archives, he also talked to family and friends and collaborators to bring Jim back to life, even if it was just for a short time period. He gives us insight into how it all began, his successes, his failures, his misfires, and even the dark spots in Jim's life, such as his love of fast cars and women. But we walk away with a full picture and a great understanding of the man that Jim Henson was.
If you grew up watching Sesame Street or the Muppets, you can't help but want to read this book. To bring Jim back to life, just for a little while, and experience the magic of the Muppets once more. I give the book 4 out of 5 stars.
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LibraryThing member JoanWeed56
There is so much we didn't know about Jim Henson. This becomes perfectly clear early on in this fast moving cleanly written biography. Intending to put it aside for later, I found I couldn't do that after a cursory glance at the contents. Once I began reading I couldn't put it down. Though close to
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500 pages long, I read through in just a few days. There are lots of characters to keep track of, real and created. This isn't as difficult as it could have been under the pen of another writer. Though I knew the outcome of the story, I thoroughly enjoyed the journey of Jim's life. Some of the many emphases are on TV/Movies, puppetry, spirituality, family life, technical engineering, workplace dynamics, management, personality quirks and styles. I think this will become a best seller when polished a bit. Being a pre-publication edition it lacked an index and still had several typos. I also think the addition of some photos would improve the enjoyment of the book. Show Less
LibraryThing member Rowena_
Awesome! Love love Jim Henson. This is a very in-depth biography about a fabulous subject. The Muppets hold such a special place in my heart I can't wait to get to the end of this book. Still so sad he has passed.
LibraryThing member shabacus
Jim Henson is a famous name in entertainment, and it's no surprise--his output has been part of popular culture for decades. His influence has touched every aspect of the film and television industry, and his creations have become household names. And yet, I never really knew much about the man
After reading this biography... well, I still don't, in a sense. But that's okay After a brief sequence of chapters about his ancestors and his childhood, the author settles into the most detailed resume ever written, treating us to Henson's early experiences in television, the way that he developed his most famous creations, the rise and fall of his fortunes over the years, and finally, his tragic and untimely death.
Although the book does an excellent job of establishing Jim Henson's character, so much so that the reader can easily picture meeting him, we get little sense of Henson as a man outside of work. And as the author takes pains to illustrate, that is because Jim Henson did not really divide work from the rest of his life. He was constantly at work, and his closest friends were also his closest coworkers.
We do get to peek behind the curtain, into the relationship between Jim Henson and his wife. These passages are handled with kid gloves, most likely out of respect for the family. This is an authorized biography, after all.
What I learned most from this book is that Jim Henson wore his heart on his sleeve, or rather on his puppets. The creativity and worldview and sheer sense of fun and silliness and loyalty and honor that typifies his work also typified the man. Though he was human, and had his foibles, he set out to make a positive change in the world, and succeeded.
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behind the achievements.After reading this biography... well, I still don't, in a sense. But that's okay After a brief sequence of chapters about his ancestors and his childhood, the author settles into the most detailed resume ever written, treating us to Henson's early experiences in television, the way that he developed his most famous creations, the rise and fall of his fortunes over the years, and finally, his tragic and untimely death.
Although the book does an excellent job of establishing Jim Henson's character, so much so that the reader can easily picture meeting him, we get little sense of Henson as a man outside of work. And as the author takes pains to illustrate, that is because Jim Henson did not really divide work from the rest of his life. He was constantly at work, and his closest friends were also his closest coworkers.
We do get to peek behind the curtain, into the relationship between Jim Henson and his wife. These passages are handled with kid gloves, most likely out of respect for the family. This is an authorized biography, after all.
What I learned most from this book is that Jim Henson wore his heart on his sleeve, or rather on his puppets. The creativity and worldview and sheer sense of fun and silliness and loyalty and honor that typifies his work also typified the man. Though he was human, and had his foibles, he set out to make a positive change in the world, and succeeded.
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LibraryThing member jcbrunner
Time flies. It feels strange that Jim Henson died nearly a quarter of a century ago. During his last decade, he started to George Lucas his earlier work. In the long run, his early and medically unnecessary even stupid death may have preserved his artistic legacy. Jim Henson’s strength was
Still, Jim Henson created some of the most memorable characters with warmth and anarchistic streaks even the sterile Disney company couldn’t fully extinguish. Kermit singing “It’s not easy being green”, Rowlf, the Swedish Chef, Waldorf, Ernie, … This biography is a great trip down memory lane from the Mad Men era to the 1980s. Jim Henson was the 20th century’s Hans Christian Andersen. Recommended.
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character creation and slapstick. Sesame Street and The Muppet Show directed at the attention span of a child were perfect formats for his talent. His one hour story shows and films tended to crash due to weak plots. Like George Lucas, he enjoyed the world-building more than developing the plots and the results turned out not to be as spectacular as they could have been with another director in charge.Still, Jim Henson created some of the most memorable characters with warmth and anarchistic streaks even the sterile Disney company couldn’t fully extinguish. Kermit singing “It’s not easy being green”, Rowlf, the Swedish Chef, Waldorf, Ernie, … This biography is a great trip down memory lane from the Mad Men era to the 1980s. Jim Henson was the 20th century’s Hans Christian Andersen. Recommended.
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LibraryThing member figre
I was at the Verizon store yesterday, speaking with the nice young lady who took my name and told me I would be waiting a while, when the topic of The Muppets came up. She was excited to hear the name, but lamented that she hadn't seen them in a long time (mentioning that most recently she had
Many people may not know that The Muppets are alive and kicking, but everyone seems to have a fond memory of their existence. And whether people know the Muppets are still out there or not, they are still beloved. And so is almost every permutation and production that came from the mind of Jim Henson - Sesame Street, Dinosaurs, Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, Fraggle Rock, add your own favorite to the list if I have missed it. Just about anything Jim Henson Productions touched has its fans.
And, that gets to the core of why this is such a fantastic book. Sure it is a biography of Jim Henson which provides us information on how he was raised, his background, and his personal life. But it focuses much more on what Henson produced, how his vision was developed, and the way these creatures – the creatures we have come to know and love – came to life. It could be argued that this is more a history of Henson productions than a history of Henson himself. But the two are inseparable. And the book is better for that.
Why this works is that the book lets us know the person without entangling us in too much of the personal stuff. There is much of his life (and extra-curricular activities) that are mentioned or alluded to – enough to help understand why things happened the way they did. But it is not meant to be a tell-all book. And it shouldn't be. The subject of the book is a man who created worlds in which we all wanted to live. I do not need the details of his own world – just enough detail to understand how he might have wanted this world to be.
So the book provides the history of how it all got started and how it developed. You get the background of his early life and early successes - the breakthroughs and the setbacks. There are stories about how Rowlf became a part of The Jimmy Dean show (my first exposure to the Muppets), their unfortunate inclusion as part of Saturday Night Live's first season, how Henson was core to the success of Sesame Street, what Henson was really trying to achieve with his movies, and details on just about every Henson production of import. (I found it interesting Dinosaurs did not receive even a mention – unless it was so small I missed it. But that is quibbling; and I am not here to quibble.)
There is much to be learned within these pages. But there were, in particular, two important aspects of his life that stood out to me. The first is what exactly happened when Henson was negotiating with the Disney Corporation to purchase the Muppets. Yes, they acted like Disney. (They do not make their billions by sitting back and taking it.) But a deal was going to get done. And it was only Jim's untimely death that caused the delay. It wasn't Disney, it wasn't the family - it was the realities of how death impacts finances.
And the second thing that stood out to me was gaining a better understanding of Jim's death. No, it wasn't negotiating with Disney that did it. And, no it wasn't overwork. It was a rare disease that caught everyone by surprise. (I couldn't help but draw parallels between Jim's and Walt Disney's deaths. Geniuses struck down early, shock and bewilderment from those who worked with them, and a seeming paralysis after their departures.)
And that leads to the two of the best parts of the book (a book with an extraordinarily large number of good parts). The first is the description of the Jim's memorial service. I have heard that the happiest, most heartbreaking experience one can have is to find the services on YouTube. I can only guess that the description Jones provides does it justice because...well, let's just say it is very hard to pretend not to cry while reading a book on an airplane.
But the absolute best moment in the book (and the editors and author had to know this, otherwise, why place it where they did) is the Prologue. A simple description of Jim Henson, being Kermit, interacting with a child as a part of a skit on Sesame Street. The description Jones provides shows everything there is to know about the kind of person Jim Henson was.
I remember that particular snippet from Sesame Street. And I remember a lot about the Muppets. And reading this book I remembered many more of the ways Henson's creations made my life better. .
Yes, it is a cliché, but I'll say it anyway – read this book and, like me, become better for having done so.
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re-watched "Muppet Treasure Island"). I advised her that they were still alive and kicking, that they had a movie which came out last year, and that one of the songs had won an Academy Award.Many people may not know that The Muppets are alive and kicking, but everyone seems to have a fond memory of their existence. And whether people know the Muppets are still out there or not, they are still beloved. And so is almost every permutation and production that came from the mind of Jim Henson - Sesame Street, Dinosaurs, Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, Fraggle Rock, add your own favorite to the list if I have missed it. Just about anything Jim Henson Productions touched has its fans.
And, that gets to the core of why this is such a fantastic book. Sure it is a biography of Jim Henson which provides us information on how he was raised, his background, and his personal life. But it focuses much more on what Henson produced, how his vision was developed, and the way these creatures – the creatures we have come to know and love – came to life. It could be argued that this is more a history of Henson productions than a history of Henson himself. But the two are inseparable. And the book is better for that.
Why this works is that the book lets us know the person without entangling us in too much of the personal stuff. There is much of his life (and extra-curricular activities) that are mentioned or alluded to – enough to help understand why things happened the way they did. But it is not meant to be a tell-all book. And it shouldn't be. The subject of the book is a man who created worlds in which we all wanted to live. I do not need the details of his own world – just enough detail to understand how he might have wanted this world to be.
So the book provides the history of how it all got started and how it developed. You get the background of his early life and early successes - the breakthroughs and the setbacks. There are stories about how Rowlf became a part of The Jimmy Dean show (my first exposure to the Muppets), their unfortunate inclusion as part of Saturday Night Live's first season, how Henson was core to the success of Sesame Street, what Henson was really trying to achieve with his movies, and details on just about every Henson production of import. (I found it interesting Dinosaurs did not receive even a mention – unless it was so small I missed it. But that is quibbling; and I am not here to quibble.)
There is much to be learned within these pages. But there were, in particular, two important aspects of his life that stood out to me. The first is what exactly happened when Henson was negotiating with the Disney Corporation to purchase the Muppets. Yes, they acted like Disney. (They do not make their billions by sitting back and taking it.) But a deal was going to get done. And it was only Jim's untimely death that caused the delay. It wasn't Disney, it wasn't the family - it was the realities of how death impacts finances.
And the second thing that stood out to me was gaining a better understanding of Jim's death. No, it wasn't negotiating with Disney that did it. And, no it wasn't overwork. It was a rare disease that caught everyone by surprise. (I couldn't help but draw parallels between Jim's and Walt Disney's deaths. Geniuses struck down early, shock and bewilderment from those who worked with them, and a seeming paralysis after their departures.)
And that leads to the two of the best parts of the book (a book with an extraordinarily large number of good parts). The first is the description of the Jim's memorial service. I have heard that the happiest, most heartbreaking experience one can have is to find the services on YouTube. I can only guess that the description Jones provides does it justice because...well, let's just say it is very hard to pretend not to cry while reading a book on an airplane.
But the absolute best moment in the book (and the editors and author had to know this, otherwise, why place it where they did) is the Prologue. A simple description of Jim Henson, being Kermit, interacting with a child as a part of a skit on Sesame Street. The description Jones provides shows everything there is to know about the kind of person Jim Henson was.
I remember that particular snippet from Sesame Street. And I remember a lot about the Muppets. And reading this book I remembered many more of the ways Henson's creations made my life better. .
Yes, it is a cliché, but I'll say it anyway – read this book and, like me, become better for having done so.
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LibraryThing member KatKealy
If you loved Jim Henson's work, this is a must read. This biography covers Jim's entire career (and life before that) and gives you a good feel for the amazing man behind the Muppets.
I wish the preview copy had included the pictures. I really can't wait to see the art work that goes in the blank
I even teared up near the end. It's a good thing my allergies have been acting up lately, or people at work would have been worried. The descriptions of the funeral were very touching and definitely got to me.
The author did a very good job of chronicling the life of Jim Henson. I highly recommend this book for all fans.
I wish the preview copy had included the pictures. I really can't wait to see the art work that goes in the blank
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spaces. Though I've been a fan of Jim Henson for as long as I remember, I learned some very interesting things by reading this biography and was reminded of many tidbits I'd read before and forgotten.I even teared up near the end. It's a good thing my allergies have been acting up lately, or people at work would have been worried. The descriptions of the funeral were very touching and definitely got to me.
The author did a very good job of chronicling the life of Jim Henson. I highly recommend this book for all fans.
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LibraryThing member bookwormgeek
This is a tremendously well written biography of the man behind The Muppets. Jones does a great job of making the book interesting, insightful, and easy to read. I never lost interest for a moment. He not only details all the important 'Muppet' related events, that most of us may already be
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familiar with, but also relates wonderful details about Henson's family life and his relationship with the company and characters that he created and loved. Since I read the pre-lease proof (thanks LibraryThing!), I was disappointed not to be able to see any of the wonderful images that I'm sure will fill the published edition of this book. I can't wait to buy the hardcover and flip through it again. Show Less
LibraryThing member mrmapcase
Backstage at the Muppet Theater, Fozzie is reading a book. “Hey Kermit, can you come here for a second?” “Sure. Hey you’ve got the new Jim Henson biography, how is it.” Oh it’s great, but it says there are pictures, but it’s all blank.” “Well this is what an advance uncorrected
Hey guys, I’m a big fan, but I’m the one who is supposed to review this book.
”Of course. Come on Fozzie lets let Exapno get on with the review.” “Alright. Exapno, that’s an unusual name.” “I think it’s Russian.”
Fozzie is right though, this is a wonderful book with insights from everybody that knew him and Jim’s private journal. He was a remarkable man who could charm anybody from kids to adults to animals. Animal, Animal, Animal! Animal! Sit. Sit Stay. Stay Good boy. Just like Jim the book proceeds through his life calmly and directly, although it does skim over a few things, like the Great Muppet Caperbut it does give you a lovely overview into his thought process and creative mind.
Even if you aren’t much of a Muppet fan you will enjoy yourself. But for those of us that are die-hard fans, you will learn and love.
”Bravo, stupendous, author.” “Statler, you really liked that review.” “No the review for Gone With the Wind”
This is a Muppet Newsflash: This review is from a free review copy.
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proof, they put the pictures in the finished book.” “Oh.” Hey guys, I’m a big fan, but I’m the one who is supposed to review this book.
”Of course. Come on Fozzie lets let Exapno get on with the review.” “Alright. Exapno, that’s an unusual name.” “I think it’s Russian.”
Fozzie is right though, this is a wonderful book with insights from everybody that knew him and Jim’s private journal. He was a remarkable man who could charm anybody from kids to adults to animals. Animal, Animal, Animal! Animal! Sit. Sit Stay. Stay Good boy. Just like Jim the book proceeds through his life calmly and directly, although it does skim over a few things, like the Great Muppet Caperbut it does give you a lovely overview into his thought process and creative mind.
Even if you aren’t much of a Muppet fan you will enjoy yourself. But for those of us that are die-hard fans, you will learn and love.
”Bravo, stupendous, author.” “Statler, you really liked that review.” “No the review for Gone With the Wind”
This is a Muppet Newsflash: This review is from a free review copy.
Show Less
LibraryThing member sarahbest
I am a pretty big Henson nerd. In college I interned at the Henson Foundation where I was lucky enough to get to see Jim's office, complete with the light up paper moose that is described in the book, tour the creature shop, and to help the Foundation celebrate the craft of contemporary puppetry.
So, I thought that I knew a lot about Jim Henson. But when I started reading this biography, I realized how much I didn't know. This biography includes an exhaustive and impressive array of interviews of people that knew Jim really well, or which he made a strong impression on even in passing, dating back to childhood.
For example, I had no idea that Jim had started working in television at the age of 17, or how many shows that he worked on or pitched before the Muppet show. To me, it was particularly rewarding to gain a better understanding of how crucial it was for him to meet people at a point in his career where he wasn't certain whether he wanted to continue with Muppets, that had mastered the craft of puppetry, and how deep his appreciation for the craft was, and how much he innovated within the art form. It is also incredibly satisfying to read about how his success came about partially by good timing, partially by having an incredible work ethic, and partially by being generous enough in spirit to work with an amazingly talented array of collaborators, which to me is both a realistic and inspiring model for growing as an artist.
This is, in some respects, a daunting book - it's 400 plus pages are densely packed, but an incredibly rewarding one. Bravo to Brian Jay Jones on the depth of his research, and to all of the people Jim touched who shared their parts of his story.
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I've also read the colorful and photo filled "Jim Henson: The Works", "The Art of the Muppets", which was a catalog for one of the first museum exhibitions. I've seen the more recent museum exhibition, and screenings of rare and early films such as the ad reel.So, I thought that I knew a lot about Jim Henson. But when I started reading this biography, I realized how much I didn't know. This biography includes an exhaustive and impressive array of interviews of people that knew Jim really well, or which he made a strong impression on even in passing, dating back to childhood.
For example, I had no idea that Jim had started working in television at the age of 17, or how many shows that he worked on or pitched before the Muppet show. To me, it was particularly rewarding to gain a better understanding of how crucial it was for him to meet people at a point in his career where he wasn't certain whether he wanted to continue with Muppets, that had mastered the craft of puppetry, and how deep his appreciation for the craft was, and how much he innovated within the art form. It is also incredibly satisfying to read about how his success came about partially by good timing, partially by having an incredible work ethic, and partially by being generous enough in spirit to work with an amazingly talented array of collaborators, which to me is both a realistic and inspiring model for growing as an artist.
This is, in some respects, a daunting book - it's 400 plus pages are densely packed, but an incredibly rewarding one. Bravo to Brian Jay Jones on the depth of his research, and to all of the people Jim touched who shared their parts of his story.
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LibraryThing member Yvain
I was very excited to receive an early copy of this book. Like many other reviewers, I was disappointed to not have the photos and artwork included in the advanced copy. I also missed having a completed index, which will be in the final copy. Jim Henson: The Biography was an excellent book. I
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normally do not read biographies, but Jim Henson has been someone that I looked up to since I was a small child. There were a lot of things that I thought I knew about his life and work, but I was amazed at the sheer volume of information that was new to me. Brian Jay Jones has a solid, easy-to-follow writing style. The only point in the book which could use some revision is when Mr. Jones is describing Jim Henson's genealogy. The writing in this section is cluttered and contrived. Since the rest of the book flows so well, I am wondering if this is one section that still was being revised before publication. Overall, the subject matter is fascinating and told in an enjoyable manner. If you have any interest in Jim Henson or the Muppets, you need to buy this book. Highly recommended! Show Less
LibraryThing member sewolf0310
Jim Henson created the Muppets, but he did so much more, and Brian Jay Jones has done an excellent job in letting everyone see Jim Henson for the man he was.
Beginning with his childhood, Jim knew that once he saw what television was, he knew that was where he would be when he got older, but he
While others may describe him as a “workaholic”, Jim never saw it as work, it was just playing to him. He worked long days and traveled extensively to try to create as many projects as his mind could envision.
He left us far too soon, but his opinion is something you need to read for yourself. Brian has done such a wonderful job, and those who helped him should be thanked for allowing the public to be able to view his private life as well as his public life.
For anyone who grew up with Sesame Street, The Muppets or any of Jim’s other creations, you will not want to put this book down.
While I consider it an honor and a privilege to be lucky for have an Advanced Reader’s copy of a book, I am saddened by the fact that my copy does not have the photo on the cover, or any of the photos inside. I grew up watching Jim Henson’s Muppets and have loved them all my life, having my kids grow up with them as well. I was deeply saddened and shocked by the untimely death of Jim Henson, but I will treasure this book always.
Beginning with his childhood, Jim knew that once he saw what television was, he knew that was where he would be when he got older, but he
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never dreamed or intended it to be as a puppeteer, Muppets or not. He was such a creative and talented man, every new piece of technology was like a toy, and his vision was usually before his time.While others may describe him as a “workaholic”, Jim never saw it as work, it was just playing to him. He worked long days and traveled extensively to try to create as many projects as his mind could envision.
He left us far too soon, but his opinion is something you need to read for yourself. Brian has done such a wonderful job, and those who helped him should be thanked for allowing the public to be able to view his private life as well as his public life.
For anyone who grew up with Sesame Street, The Muppets or any of Jim’s other creations, you will not want to put this book down.
While I consider it an honor and a privilege to be lucky for have an Advanced Reader’s copy of a book, I am saddened by the fact that my copy does not have the photo on the cover, or any of the photos inside. I grew up watching Jim Henson’s Muppets and have loved them all my life, having my kids grow up with them as well. I was deeply saddened and shocked by the untimely death of Jim Henson, but I will treasure this book always.
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LibraryThing member SharS
Although the advance copies are missing the pictures, the text more than makes up for it. A fascinating look at a man who touched millions (billions?) with his talent. This is not a brief biography, but one that takes an in-depth look at the man and his work. Bravo!
LibraryThing member Daniel.Estes
Kermit the Frog and company are such confirmed icons of popular culture that it's difficult to imagine the world without them. And many who love and adore the Muppets probably aren't even aware of their modest beginnings on a local Washington, D.C. television station in the 1950's.
LibraryThing member DMO
When I learned that I was going to get the opportunity to review this book through Early Reviewers, I was thrilled. I was raised on Sesame Street, still love the anarchy of the Muppet Show (in a heated discussion with my husband I argued that the Muppets are direct descendants of the Marx Bros
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brand of humor), and I always saw Jim Henson as the Muppet guy. This book, though, was about much more than the Muppets. I'd had no idea that Henson was much more of an experimenter and filmmaker than he was a puppeteer, nor did I know that he practically stumbled into puppeteering. This book makes extensive use of interviews with colleagues and family of Henson, and it is a sympathetic portrait of a man who made nearly every part of his life a creative act. Because this was a pre-publication copy of the book, there were no photos included, and I would have loved to see photos of Henson's early career, but that's not a criticism of this book at all--merely a statement that I can't address that. The author of this book clearly loved his subject and it shows. Highly recommended. Show Less
LibraryThing member amerynth
In the interest of full disclosure, I received a free copy of Brian Jay Jones' "Jim Henson: The Biography" through LT's Early Reviewers program.
Jones has put together a very solid and very readable of the life and times of Jim Henson. This is an authorized biography so it is filled with stories
This book is mostly about Henson's development of the Muppets, his directorial pursuits and business dealings. Much of his personal life is glossed over. Occasionally, I found bits were not fully explained (such as someone's departure from his company being uncomfortable, but no further explanation as to why.)
Overall, I enjoyed the book and was glad I read it. I was disappointed that the advance copy didn't have the photographs (only blank boxes) but of course if you're buying a copy that won't be a problem for you.
Jones has put together a very solid and very readable of the life and times of Jim Henson. This is an authorized biography so it is filled with stories
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from family members and friends that make it an interesting read.This book is mostly about Henson's development of the Muppets, his directorial pursuits and business dealings. Much of his personal life is glossed over. Occasionally, I found bits were not fully explained (such as someone's departure from his company being uncomfortable, but no further explanation as to why.)
Overall, I enjoyed the book and was glad I read it. I was disappointed that the advance copy didn't have the photographs (only blank boxes) but of course if you're buying a copy that won't be a problem for you.
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Awards
Richard Wall Memorial Award (Finalist — 2014)
Booklist Editor's Choice: Adult Books (Biography — 2013)
Original publication date
2013