Robin Baus
asked:
585 pages is quite a lengthy book. Does the author dwell too much on minute details or is there really that much to say about this wonderful man?
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Jim Henson: The Biography,
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Beth
I thought the book dragged a bit. It begins several generations before Jim Henson's birth, and goes into a lot of detail overall (without ever casting him in too harsh a light; for example, he cheated on his wife but that was explained away as there being "two Jims," a work Jim who loved womanizing, including with his employees, and a home Jim who was loyal to his family). I found myself skimming. However, some sections were quite compelling. The account of Henson's memorial service was very detailed and it moved me to tears.
Pete
To be fair the book is really only 490 pages long. The rest is Acknowledgments, Notes. and Index. I didn't think the book dragged at all.
Kristin
I can see Beth's point in that there are some character flaws but no harsh criticism of Jim Henson in this book. The fact for me is that I grew up believing Jim Henson had the character traits of Kermit and after his passing, it's likely we all want to believe that he was simply an amazing man. The author does paint him in the best light, and since Jim Henson was like a father figure to me, I can understand that perspective. There is never too much detail when it comes to sharing about Henson, though. With all the juicy details about the creation of the Muppet Show, Sesame Street, and Fraggle Rock, etc., along with the many, many characters, and after also reading and loving, "Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street", I feel reconnected to my late 70's/early 80's childhood and have loved every minute of it!
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