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Jim Henson

The Biography

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Jim Henson

By: Brian Jay Jones
Narrated by: Kirby Heyborne
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Innovator. Genius. Legend.

Jim Henson was a talent like no other. The iconic characters he created – Kermit the Frog, Bert and Ernie, Miss Piggy, Big Bird – made Jim Henson a household name. But they were just a part of his remarkable story.

Now, in this extraordinary biography, written with the generous cooperation of the Henson family, Jim’s life is given full rein: his vibrant imagination, winning sense of humour, and infectious enthusiasm. For the very first time, the Henson archive has been opened to an independent biographer, giving Brian Jay Jones unprecedented access to private papers. Drawing on this treasure trove of material, as well as exclusive interviews with Henson’s family, friends and closest collaborators, this is quite simply the most comprehensive book ever written about a man who is a hero to millions.

Read all about the evolution of the Muppets, Henson’s contributions to Sesame Street and his lengthy campaign to bring The Muppet Show to television, as well as Henson’s non-Muppets projects – the richly imagined worlds of The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth, and fascinating misfires like Henson’s dream of opening an inflatable psychedelic nightclub.

Jim may be gone, but he and his legacy are not forgotten. In Jim Henson, we have the ultimate celebration and examination of an unforgettable, irreplaceable, incomparable man.

Entertainment & Celebrities Entertainment & Performing Arts Film & TV Celebrity Entertainment Comedy Heartfelt Inspiring
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Critic reviews

I worked with Jim for over thirty years. He was one of my closest friends. And yet I found out things about him in Jim Henson that were new to me. Brian Jay Jones has captured the layers of Jim's genius and humanity as well as the flaws that made Jim, like all of us, so delightfully imperfect. Jim needed this book to be written. I thank Brian for giving Jim life again. This book has captured the spirit of Jim Henson. (Frank Oz)
I'm a rabid Jim Henson fan - his brilliant ideas spawned shows that entertained and educated millions, myself included. Jim Henson vibrantly delves into the magnificent man and his Muppet methods: it's an absolute must read! (Neil Patrick Harris)
A thoroughly compelling read. . . . With verve and insight, Jones illuminates the full scope of Henson’s genius, phenomenal productivity, complex private life, zeal to do good, and astronomical influence.
I loved it. Brian Jay Jones vividly portrays Jim’s journey . . . In spite of the fact that Jim and I worked together closely for many years, there were compartments of Jim’s life that I hadn’t known about before. I was completely involved and couldn’t put the book down. A tremendous job.
Every Muppet Fan has wondered who was behind the wide-mouthed, bug-eyed furry creatures. Before now all we had was a credit line: Jim Henson. Now with Brian Jay Jones’s riveting Jim Henson we have a nuanced portrait of the puppeteer—part genius inspired by his Mississippi Delta roots and his Christian Science faith, part flawed human with tastes too rich in everything from his art and cars to his women—that brings new understanding of and empathy for an icon of American popular culture. (Larry Tye, author of Satchel and Superman)
Jones’ meticulous attention to detail pays off. This isn’t just a book for movie buffs and puppeteers: anyone who’s been touched by the work of Jim Henson will find this book an engrossing and rewarding read
All stars
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A brilliantly narrated, inspirational story that is very highly recommended to all. An excellent reminder of the impact Henson's work had on the world.

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Having grown up with the muppets, fraggle rock, labyrinth and the dark crystal, I have always had a fond spot for all things Jim Henson orientated. Whilst the first part of the book was a little slow at getting going (detailed family history etc) the whole ezperience was fascinating. Henson's creativity seemed to be boundless and his passion for his art comes across well here without being dull. To hear about all the different projects in detail was intreguing, funny, sad and emotional, which took me back to many happy memories of my own.

The boom is well read by the narrator who adds to the narrative with some very good imoersonations to boot.

Certainly being one of the best non fiction audiobooks I have listened to in a long time, I cannot recommend it highly enough. There was a definate sense of satisfaction after i had finished and I will be listenìng again.

Reliving my childhood through the eyes of an adult

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At times this book could seam a bit drawn out but overall it was great to learn more about Jim and the end of the book about his final days and passing had me in tears

My childhood idol

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Huge fan of Jim before reading, well read extremely comprehensive account of his life. If you've got any interest in Jim and his creations its a must.

Great book, well read

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A moving, touching and wonderful biography about one of the most inspiring people to gift the entertainment industry and who most certainly made the world a better place.

If you are like me a fan of The Muppets - you will start listening because you will want to find out how they came to be but you will leave more enthralled with Jim Henson himself.

Words can't express how wonderful this audiobook is and how much you learn and respect about Jim - so just listen to this audiobook and see for yourself.

Exceptional

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