Jim Henson and Philosophy: Imagination and the Magic of Mayhem by Timothy Dale


Jim Henson and Philosophy: Imagination and the Magic of Mayhem
Title : Jim Henson and Philosophy: Imagination and the Magic of Mayhem
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : 1442246650
ISBN-10 : 9781442246652
Language : English
Format Type : Kindle Edition
Number of Pages : 328
Publication : First published July 15, 2015

Jim Henson’s creations have inspired generations with characters that are among the world’s most recognizable cultural icons. From Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and their Muppet friends to the legendary Sesame Street and Children’s Television Workshop, Henson revolutionized children’s educational entertainment. Combining live action and puppeteering into fantastical narratives like The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth, as well as the whimsical Fraggle Rock and The Storyteller, Henson transformed imagination into reality, weaving together powerful philosophical messages on identity, community, diversity, love, death, and friendship. Henson never shied away from exploring deep questions, nor did he underestimate the ability of children (or adults) to grapple with profound philosophical questions. Jim Henson and Philosophy explores the entertaining and educational world of the genius’s creations, revealing what it is about Henson’s world that has touched us so deeply and improved our lives in such meaningful ways.Contributions Lauren Ashwell, Kimberly Baltzer-Jaray, David R. Burns, Samantha Brennan, Amanda Cawston, Brooke Covington, Christopher M. Culp, Ryan Cox, Natalie M. Fletcher, Victoria Hubbell, Dena Hurst, Christopher Ketcham, S. Evan Kreider, Shaun Leonard, Jennifer Marra, Michael J. Muniz, Laurel Ralston, Rhona Trauvitch, and Sheryl Tuttle Ross

Jim Henson and Philosophy: Imagination and the Magic of Mayhem Reviews

  • Jocelyn

    Fluffy, but fluffy is the density of philosophy I can easily handle.

  • Vrinda

    This book was okay. I randomly noticed it on the shelf at the library and picked it up. I think I was hoping it would be more about Jim Henson as a person / creator. The book is instead a collection of essays/articles applying different philosophy ideas (ethics, metaphysics, introspection, post-structuralism) to Jim Henson creations such as Labyrinth, Sesame Street, the Muppets, and Fraggle Rock.

    Some of the essays were quite interesting and insightful. I especially liked ones dealing with themes of community, following one's dreams, integrity, humility, and being in control of one's feelings / passions. I was less interested in some of the more abstract essays; frankly, I don't think I'm that into philosophy. Also, I'm not super familiar with all the Jim Henson productions discussed. If I had been, I might have found this more interesting.

    The quality of writing in this collection was varied. Some of the essays were very well-written. Others felt like the work of undergraduates!

    In any case, glad to have made it through and to have learned about more of the complexity and brilliance behind Jim Henson's work.

  • Stephen Chase

    The greatest fucking Jim Henson book ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Jade

    Read this if you are a philosophy major NOT if you are simply a Muppets fan. If you are both this book is for you. I was not the target audience hence my low score.

  • Patrick Hanlon

    An interesting book of philosophical essays on Jim Henson’s work and oeuvre covering everything from Sesame Street to Labyrinth and Storyteller. Several of the essays shed new light on aspects and questions that had been hidden in plain view. Others highlight the ethos and compassion central to Henson’s work. There are a few clunkers that seem to be more preoccupied with riffing on an aspect of philosophy for a while without getting anywhere with it. Ideal for a Henson/Muppet completist.