Making and Manipulating Marionettes is a comprehensive guide to the design, construction and control of string puppets, a craft and performance art that has fascinated audiences for over two thousand years. Topics covered include: An introduction to the marionette tradition and the principles and practicalities of marionette design Advice on materials and methods for carving, modelling and casting puppet parts Step-by-step instructions for the construction of human and animal marionettes using traditional techniques and latest materials Detailed explanations for marionette control, stringing and manipulation Secrets for achieving a wide range of special effects and traditional acts, tricks and transformations
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89 reviews for Making and Manipulating Marionettes
4.6out of 5
★★★★★
★★★★★
11
★★★★★
1
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★★★★★
Beatrice –
Als Geschenk gekauft u.es war ein Volltreffer. Für jemand der Marionetten selbst bauen/herstellen will ist das ein perfekter Begleiter über die verschiedenen Techniken. Außerdem sind genügend Beispiele um die eigene Kreativität anzukurbeln. Selbst wenn man nicht perfekt englisch kann, ist es kaum ein Problem. Vieles ist selbsterklärend.
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★★★★★
Rust And magic –
Very well written, lots of illustrations to explain things, very detailed, I got a lot of useful information on how to make puppets but also how to use them, build sets and so on.
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★★★★★
ronwooduk –
I recently attended an intensive six day marionette carving course with expert carver and puppeteer John Roberts. I was looking for a book to use as a reference to help me with future projects and was delighted to come across this one by David Currell. The book is very well set out and contains many lovely colour photographs as well as detailed drawings showing how to construct the body parts and controls for different types of marionette. Although wood carving is explained, other materials are covered too. In addition to human figures there are also sections on animal characters, trick puppets and of course, how to manipulate marionettes. A bonus for me was that John Roberts has contributed to the book and there are some great illustrations of several of his amazing puppets. As a puppeteer this book takes pride of place in my library. Even if I wasn’t a puppeteer I would still be happy to own it as it is so charming. I highly recommend it.
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★★★★★
Gary –
Very good
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★★★★★
Jason –
Explores many types of marionettes and how to construct them. How to put on marionette shows. Excellent instructions and photos. Just rather old fashioned styles/types are depicted. I wanted something more modern. Still, an excellent little book.
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★★★★★
Paradoxa –
Ottimo libro per studiare le tecniche base del marionettista. Un vero peccato che non esista una versione in lingua italiana. Le figure illustrate sono molto utili a comprendere alcuni passaggi per la realizzazione delle marionette. Vengono mostrate varie tipologie ed alcune di esse veramente interessanti. Libro consigliato a chi ai cimenta per la prima volta nel mondo delle marionette, ma anche a chi a già più esperienza con esse.
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★★★★★
D J Hewitt –
useful
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★★★★★
Tim in NC –
I was trying to find a book that I could take my wood carving hobby to a more useful realm. Kind of like giving your sculptures life by having them animated. This book went well beyond anything I ever considered. Like moving eyes,mouth and how to design various movement mechanism to make the puppet interesting. I didn’t want to be too life like as that may scare small children. This book also gave examples of posturing to create mood as well as facial expressions to convey your characters intent. Not only are the puppets in this book made of wood it uses other mediums such as casting forms for different materials. There is much to learn from this book. I may take my hobbie in another direction that may only include wood as a form to pour something into. Never thought I would consider changing mediums. I guess the controls will still be wood. A great creative book that would fit well in a crafters library.
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★★★★★
Bob T –
Excellent book.well written. It’s helping me a lot.
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★★★★★
Kindle Customer –
This is a good book on the subject,and covers most of what a constructor/operator will want to know.
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★★★★★
Gearoid Burke –
It’s a lovely book I’d recommend it to anyone who likes puppets
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★★★★★
Michael –
Well written and very informative.
Gives a lot of information about a good number of puppets types.
The pictures are excellent.
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★★★★★
littlelisaZA –
I love books about puppets, even though I don’t make them any more. This has tons of interesting info and instructions for making marionettes. And lovely pictures.
Beatrice –
Als Geschenk gekauft u.es war ein Volltreffer. Für jemand der Marionetten selbst bauen/herstellen will
ist das ein perfekter Begleiter über die verschiedenen Techniken. Außerdem sind genügend Beispiele
um die eigene Kreativität anzukurbeln.
Selbst wenn man nicht perfekt englisch kann, ist es kaum ein Problem. Vieles ist selbsterklärend.
Rust And magic –
Very well written, lots of illustrations to explain things, very detailed, I got a lot of useful information on how to make puppets but also how to use them, build sets and so on.
ronwooduk –
I recently attended an intensive six day marionette carving course with expert carver and puppeteer John Roberts. I was looking for a book to use as a reference to help me with future projects and was delighted to come across this one by David Currell. The book is very well set out and contains many lovely colour photographs as well as detailed drawings showing how to construct the body parts and controls for different types of marionette. Although wood carving is explained, other materials are covered too. In addition to human figures there are also sections on animal characters, trick puppets and of course, how to manipulate marionettes. A bonus for me was that John Roberts has contributed to the book and there are some great illustrations of several of his amazing puppets. As a puppeteer this book takes pride of place in my library. Even if I wasn’t a puppeteer I would still be happy to own it as it is so charming. I highly recommend it.
Gary –
Very good
Jason –
Explores many types of marionettes and how to construct them. How to put on marionette shows. Excellent instructions and photos. Just rather old fashioned styles/types are depicted. I wanted something more modern. Still, an excellent little book.
Paradoxa –
Ottimo libro per studiare le tecniche base del marionettista. Un vero peccato che non esista una versione in lingua italiana. Le figure illustrate sono molto utili a comprendere alcuni passaggi per la realizzazione delle marionette. Vengono mostrate varie tipologie ed alcune di esse veramente interessanti. Libro consigliato a chi ai cimenta per la prima volta nel mondo delle marionette, ma anche a chi a già più esperienza con esse.
D J Hewitt –
useful
Tim in NC –
I was trying to find a book that I could take my wood carving hobby to a more useful realm. Kind of like giving your sculptures life by having them animated. This book went well beyond anything I ever considered. Like moving eyes,mouth and how to design various movement mechanism to make the puppet interesting. I didn’t want to be too life like as that may scare small children. This book also gave examples of posturing to create mood as well as facial expressions to convey your characters intent. Not only are the puppets in this book made of wood it uses other mediums such as casting forms for different materials. There is much to learn from this book. I may take my hobbie in another direction that may only include wood as a form to pour something into. Never thought I would consider changing mediums. I guess the controls will still be wood. A great creative book that would fit well in a crafters library.
Bob T –
Excellent book.well written. It’s helping me a lot.
Kindle Customer –
This is a good book on the subject,and covers most of what a constructor/operator will want to know.
Gearoid Burke –
It’s a lovely book I’d recommend it to anyone who likes puppets
Michael –
Well written and very informative.
Gives a lot of information about a good number of puppets types.
The pictures are excellent.
littlelisaZA –
I love books about puppets, even though I don’t make them any more. This has tons of interesting info and instructions for making marionettes. And lovely pictures.