Making and Playing Marionettes by James McMahon
With a foreword by Barney Coleman and illustrations by J. Tattersal
Published by George G. Harrap & Co. Ltd., London, 1957. First edition.
This fascinating mid-century handbook provides a complete guide to the art of building and performing with marionettes (string puppets). It covers construction methods, stagecraft, and performance tips, with clear illustrations and diagrams to guide beginners and enthusiasts alike.
Chapters include:
Constructing heads, limbs, joints, and hands
Stringing techniques and control methods
Puppet theatre design and décor
Painting and applying hair for character detail
Practical advice for performance and rehearsal
Illustrated with line drawings and photographs, this book offers both technical detail and practical inspiration for puppeteers, teachers, and hobbyists.
Details:
Publisher: George G. Harrap & Co. Ltd.
Year: 1957 (First Edition)
Binding: Tan cloth with red spine lettering
Illustrations: Diagrams and photographic plates
Condition: Good overall. External boards show spotting, spine faded, but pages are clean and text bright. No dust jacket.
A collectable first edition puppetry book, ideal for theatre enthusiasts, puppet-makers, or anyone interested in the history of marionette performance.
With beautiful covers, aged pages and timeless instruction, vintage craft and theatre books make for unique gifts. Holding a small bit of history in your hands, they offer a glimpse into the past and preserve skills rarely taught today.
Perfect for puppetry collectors, mid-century craft enthusiasts, and those with an interest in amateur dramatics.