The Fairy Tales of Jim Henson - by Andrea Wright (Hardcover)

About the Book

This book provides a new perspective on the work of Jim Henson, the important but often overlooked creator of screen fairytales.

Book Synopsis

The Fairy Tales of Jim Henson: The best place by the fire is the first book to specifically consider Henson, best known for the immensely popular The Muppet Show, as an important creator of screen fairy tales. In a chronological overview of Henson's career from the late 1950s to his death in 1990, it explores key themes, artistic practices and innovations that make his contribution to the genre unique. Drawing upon a range of fairy tale scholarship, it also situates Henson's work within the wider context of the genre, specifically its conventions, themes and inherent intertextuality.

From the Back Cover

Jim Henson, predominantly known for his colourful, imaginative puppetry creations in The Muppet Show and Sesame Street, has been overlooked as a significant figure in the evolution of screen fairy tales.

This book is the first to reappraise Henson's career by foregrounding his contributions to the screen fairy tale and contesting the predominant narrative that credits Disney as the foremost creative force. Utilising materials from the private Jim Henson Company Archives, it explores Henson's distinctive approach, which engaged viewers' imaginations by combining, and sometimes challenging and reworking, established storytelling technique and fairy tale conventions with inventive design concepts and technologies. It covers Henson's high-profile film and television projects Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal and The Storyteller, but also lesser-known early productions that include Hey, Cinderella! and The Muppet Musicians of Bremen as well as unaired pilots such as The Tales of the Tinkerdee.

The book argues for Henson's recognition as a pivotal figure in screen fairy tale production, highlighting his lasting impact and the artistic innovations he brought to the genre.

About the Author

Andrea Wright is Senior Lecturer in Teaching and Learning Development at Edge Hill University