Review by Choice Review
Although neglected or prohibited in many countries, puppets became a major form of entertainment and education throughout most of Europe and the world by the beginning of the 19th century. The two main kinds of puppets used during the period were the glove (hand) puppet and the marionette; the shadow puppet form was used occasionally, primarily in Asia and Eastern Europe. Using historical and literary subject matter with social and political comment, many of the most talented performers and theater artists of the period involved themselves with the art of puppetry. However, by 1914 the little-theater movement, the advent of film, and the loss of adult content returned puppetry to a minor art form relegated to children. McCormick and Pratasik have compiled the first comprehensive study of puppets during the 19th century, giving careful attention to the remaining artifacts and historical evidence. They examine performers, managers, permanent and traveling stages, and puppets now in museums and private collections, and they provide valuable illustrations and remains of some of the few scripts left. Because of the authors' attention to detail and revelations about society, this careful study will be of use to theater scholars, musicians, and political and social historians. Undergraduates at all levels, researchers, and professionals. C. C. Harbour; University of Montevallo
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
