The Complete Book of Marionettes (Dover Crafts: Dolls & Toys)

Professional puppeteers and devoted amateurs have cherished this book since its original publication in 1948, calling it the Beaton Bible. It has EVERYTHING one needs to design, build, costume, and perform with professional-quality marionettes representing humans (there is no section for animal marionettes).Some have complained that the book is dated. This is true in only two instances. First, the section on lighting is indeed outdated, though one should have no problem substituting modern lighting instruments. Second, using Plastic Wood to cast heads is now impossible thanks to Plastic Wood's formula being changed over the years; many professionals now use a product called MendAll which works exactly as the original, old-formula Plastic Wood did. I have used MendAll many times and recommend it highly.For those few who find the Beaton Bible doesn't (somehow) suit their needs, I am happy to recommend books that will. Cheers!

The book is dated but definitely very detailed in how to make marionettes.

I was a puppeteer when I was around my pre-teen years. I made all kinds of dolls and puppets, and I helped to make a marionette...I still have that marionette--It's only a few years younger than I am.I want to make marionettes again! This book, The Complete Book of Marionettes has patterns that you can actually use and shows you a great control bar, like the one we made for my marionette...This book even tells you how to make a papier mache head!I haven't read it entirely, yet, because I have so many other artistic projects I want to get into 3D form. But I love this book.

This book was a Christmas present from my uncle when I was 12. I poured over it, making two marionettes. It gives every step, everything one needs to know about making marionettes, stages, and performances. No wonder it's still in print. I bought a copy for my young private student. She was thrilled. I recommend this book highly. It's fabulous. Even a child can understand and follow its instructions.

This is an excellent guide to building and costuming marionettes and putting together marionette shows. The step by step photos and instructions are clear and easy to follow. It includes human marionette patterns that were originally on the endpapers of this book's early printings.

Extremely simple instruction. Easy to follow and a sense of humor as well.

This is a great book for anyone interested in building and/or using marionette puppets. The descriptions and how-to's are well explained and the history is most interesting. I loved it as a general read and will use it over and over as a reference book. definitely recommended.

Very comprehensive, but dated. Some products are no longer available and substitutions must be made.

Great little book.

interesting

I purchased a puppet in Madalay - Burma - for my grandson but had no idea how to manipulate the strings, so searched around for a suitable book for instuction. Purchased "The Complete Book of Marionettes.Book appeared O.K.However, my daughter in law who is rather arty. thought the book was very informative and not only how to manipulate the puppet but also how to make a puppet.She has an interview for an art teacher post and thought it could be very useful such a book sometime in the future. If so, I reminded her that it was Jacobs (her son of 2yrs old) puppet and she would need his permission. So it appears to be a good buySailor Sidney

This book has what you need to know to get started making your own marionettes. It also provides advice on productions and offers a play to show what you can do.

The book is small size and the type is hard to read. The design feels very retro and although it is full of history it is not a good how to book to learn about marionette construction.