Jim Henson: The Biography

Like many other people my age, I grew up with The Muppets. I spent a good part of my young childhood watching Sesame Street and so many other Muppet related shows and movies. I have so many fond memories of all those terrific shows and movies that came from the genius of Jim Henson. But like all but the most cynical kids...and many adults...never once did I really consider that those lovable Monsters were mere cloth puppets at the helm of some of the most creative geniuses in the entertainment history.At 31 years old, I still love The Muppets, as does my husband. Despite the fact that we are childless, we had no problems being the only childless adults in the movie theater for the last Muppet movie and we are both counting down the days until the next Muppet movie is released. At a craft fair I bought my husband a Kermit the Frog pillow and last night I bought myself a copy of The Muppet Christmas Carol.So yeah, can you tell that we are huge fans over here?So back in October when we found out that there was a Jim Henson biography...I knew I had to get a hold of it. As much as I loved The Muppets...I honestly did not know much of their backstory...or rather, the back story about Jim Henson.Initially I thought the book was kind of a snore fest. It starts out with Jim Henson's family history (back to like his grandparents!) and well, it was not all that interesting. I probably could have done without any of that back history. It got a little more interesting once Jim Henson starts with his television career and just keeps escalating from there. By the time the Muppets in their current form (or at least the form from the 80's) I was completely enthralled and for days, it was all I could talk or think about. Jim Henson was just that fascinating of a character.I stayed up late on Tuesday night finishing up. I was at work, and knew that I had to be up before six a.m. but that did not stop me from staying up until almost 11:30 reading. I seriously almost lost it. Reading about Jim Henson's death and memorial service was heart breaking. I had invested so much time into reading the biography, and has so many memories of The Muppets that I honestly felt as though I was losing a friend. Just writing this right now is bringing tears to my eyes...It's rare to find a "celebrity" nowadays that honestly deserves the kind of love and respect that we endow on them...but Jim Henson is definitely one of those celebrities that deserve it. Truly inspiring man.

This is a must for any serious fan of the Muppets. I am not sure non Muppet fans will enjoy this. If you ever wondered how it all got started this book is for you. The overall story is inspirational. You can see the power of an idea and a dream. This book takes you deep into this world. After this you will feel that you personally knew Jim and the crew. The book will give you everything you can think of about the Muppets you can think of. The book gives you not only the business aspect as well as little tips about the various characters. The book is full of information you won't find anywhere else.I was memorized by the little stories about Jim and his work. I learned a great deal. To think of the empire all started with an idea. He started the Muppets on a Maryland afternoon TV show. He had an idea to make his puppets differently than what was the normal mode back then. The norm was to make them out of wood like Howdy Duty. Jim came out with a foam pattern that made him different. That difference rocked the Muppets to the start. The Muppets grew from that. Did you know that Rolf the Dog was on the Jimmy Dean show in the early 60s. He got more fan mail than Jimmy Dean. Jim and the Muppets started slowly appearing on all kinds of shows. That lead to the famous Muppet show. That show became the most popular show in the world at the time. The movies grew after that.As you read these stories you get some insight on how they did their Magic. He had quite a crew just for Muppet construction in later two studios. I found the stories of you they made the Muppet movies really interesting. They put the puppet operators like in holes in the ground. Jim himself was partially underwater during the famous swamp scene in the first movie. His company made great advances in the field of robotics. That is how they got Kermit to operate a bike. Jim's staff made Yoda from Star Wars.The book doesn't stop there. You will get a ton of information on the business side. That brings texture to the whole epic story. The average reader will realize several of their productions were more successful than most thought. The famous merging with Disney is discussed in some detail. That went on for years and years, back and forth.Overall it was a great book for the fan.

I grew up with Sesame Street and the Muppets and Fraggles, with their music on the record player, always knowing Jim Henson was the gentle, bearded genius behind them, but not until recent years has it hit me what a huge impact the man has had on my life, not to mention the lives of millions worldwide. Jones's biography delves deep into Jim's roots and so much obvious care was taken to handle the presentation of Jim's life with accuracy. It was fabulous to read quote after quote from Jim's family, friends, and Muppet family about how Jim lived, and how much love and dedication he put into his work, and into making the world a better place with his own, truly unique stamp. Of course, the end had me weeping, and wondering what other amazing things Jim might've brought to life had his time not ended when it did, but of everything I took away from this book, what stands out most is the contagious inspiration in Jim's unapologetic optimism and wonder. He was truly one of a kind, and Jones has done an incredible job with the interviews, research, chronology, and facts without getting bogged down in sentimentality or opinions. And what's left is a picture of humanness, kindness, generosity, and determination Jim had to keep bringing his vision to life, regardless of what the critics or networks said. Given that Jones managed to interview not just members of Jim's Muppet family, but also Jane Henson and their children, I don't believe there could exist a more thorough and accurate depiction of Jim's life and work. Grateful.

Biographies are always a strange thing, often ranging between the salacious and sanitary depending on the intended audience and the subject matter. This book not only reminds us of who Jim was and how he touched and shaped so many lives, but that he was a human being and that he did make mistakes. Detailed to a point where it's almost too much and touching on all major points in Jim's life the worst thing about this book was knowing how it would end. As I approached the final year of Jim's life I began to grow sadder and when the chain of events that would lead to his untimely death began I could feel the tears behind my eyes. I couldn't hold them back for long. Jim was one of my childhood heroes who I mourned as only a child can. Now as an adult I revisited those dark days when he passed on via the pages of this book and grieve the worlds loss as an adult. His legacy is impressive and for anyone who wishes to find out how it got to be so impressive I can do little else than recommend this fascinating, humorous and sometimes heartbreaking book.

Big Muppet Fan, (Kermit is about my only voice impersonation party piece) so bought this book as soon as I was aware of it.A brilliantly researched book, you can tell that the author really did get close to Family and friends to get a full picture of Jim Henson.For anyone who loved and still loves the Muppets a must read.

This book is most definitely a labour of love. And although Brain J JONES is like so many of a great fan, he doesn't gloss over Jim Henson's weaknesses and humanity. Brian Jones cleverly builds the story up line upon line, like any real storyteller. He reveals interesting details about the muppets, like ' the Golden Triangle ' , which I found fascinating.I would whole heartedly recommend this book to any muppet fan.

I myself have not read this book as it was an xmas gift for my son as he is a muppet and Jim Henson fan. He was really pleased with the book and enjoyed reading it, so recommended.