Jim Henson: The Biography

Jones demonstrates beyond a shadow of a doubt, that without Jim Henson, there would not have been a Sesame Street phenomenon. Henson not only did the Muppets, he also made the short educational films like "1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10..." and "3". Everything exciting, innovative and memorable about that program can be credited to Henson. The live-action was just a bunch of Captain Kangaroo producers and directors doing their live kid-show stuff, which CBS did better with Bob Keeshan and Mr. Green Jeans. And Jones reveals that Henson was a genius businessman as well as a genius muppet performer...he was a hit here in DC on WTOP and WRC as a teenager, and made money all his life from TV commercials--Kermit and Cookie Monster and others came from commercial TV...Jimmy Dean and Wilkins Coffee and Big Bird has his origins in the La Choy Dragon. In other words so-called non-commercial PBS was airing a Jim Henson commercial aimed at kids all along. Not surprisingly, Jim Henson retained his rights to merchandise based on Muppet characters sold by non-commercial PBS. And in the end, Henson sold his empire to Disney (CTW bought back their muppets from a German company in a complicated post-mortem deal Jones explains pretty well). Everybody was making money all along... It is all documented in the book which has scoop after scoop after scoop.He literally knows where the bodies are buried--and the Muppets had a body count with a number of sudden deaths, including an unsolved murder mystery...not to mention Henson's premature demise at age 53. All of which is to say, Jones' story is a pleasure to read. He is a gifted writer, and the fast-paced biography reads like a novel. I could not put it down. The author has written a book that I would have liked to write.. Because Jim Henson is also Washington story. His father worked for the Department of Agriculturel. He began the Muppets on Washington television with Sam & Friends and Wilkins Coffee. He went to the University of Maryland. He lived in Hyattsville. And the Muppets made Sesame Street, which made PBS... One of the insights in this book is that the success of Henson's Fraggle Rock helped launch HBO. It was the first original series made for Cable. And of course The Muppet Show was a hit in syndication, thanks to Britain's Lord Grade and President Nixon's syndication rules. In any case, I can't recommend Brian Jay Jones' book highly enough.

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.

It's reasonably clear from the other reviews that this is a great book, and I wanted to just add my voice, but focus more on the not so great aspects. First up, there are not many, but with the care that went into this book it's a little disappointing to see no colour photos are feature. Not a big issue, but it's there. Secondly, whilst maintaining a good pace, it strikes me that the narrative is very subdued: there is no ups and downs, it's not very conscious on the read through but on reflection when bad things happen, they aren't so bad. When great things happen (and when aren't they) they are awesome. Now, I know Henson was great, and there is making lemonade, and this all happened quite some time ago so a lot of hindsight does factor, but it feels like we are being shown only the great. And even that is a constant ascension. I have no evidence that this is untrue, or even that this was coerced by the family, nor do I want anyone dragged through the mud, but ... In the end, nothing stands out. And, I do remember that Labyrinth was a commercial failure, or that he bet the company, but there is no tension, even for such a relaxed person, and then one could have discussed how others around him felt. In the end it's a bit bland. Now, that last issue is something about biographies that often puts me off, so it's on par with what I expected, but there we are. On the whole though, beautiful snapshots of an amazing life which has touched or influenced so many. Definitely a great read.

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.

Excelente

I worked with Jim on Fraggle Rock back in the 80's and as I was then, as I am now, I'll never stop being in owe of Jim. I remember how Jim always knew and remembered everyone's name and how always kind he was. I was so struck with the first time I saw him perform. When the cameras where not rolling he was quiet but when the word ACTION was heard Jim became a dynamo, he was all over the place yet when you looked on the monitor it all looked great and right. This book told me a lot of what I didn't know as well as things I did know. It's a great book and I think everyone who knew Jim or knew of him will enjoy it. Terry Angus AKA The Storyteller Fraggle and more.

Extensísima biografía sobre el creador de los Muppets y de Barrio Sésamo. Interesará a todos aquellos que sean seguidores de su obra dado que explica sus orígenes, como es que llegó a usar marionetas y por qué hacía las películas.

Very interesting read, lots of childhood nostalgia