Jim Henson died at the age of 54 in May 1990, leaving a vast legacy of warm, joyful puppetry that influences the world to this day. Brian Jay Jones's Jim Henson: The Biography tells the story of Henson's life, starting with his upbringing in Greenville, Miss., his early career in children's television and his rise to fame.
Henson created the Muppets used on Sesame Street and Fraggle Rock. He spent years pitching The Muppet Show to American television networks, eventually heading to the United Kingdom to produce it. Using the show's international success in syndication as a springboard, The Muppet Movie hit theaters in 1979 to rave reviews and big box office. His later, more experimental films, like The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth, weren't as well received initially, but have become classics.
What is most telling throughout Jones's biography is how much Henson loved what he did. His family, his marriage and his company all took a back seat to his genuine enjoyment of the work involved in bringing puppets to life onscreen. Not one of the people Jones quotes has a bad word to say about Henson, noting his gentleness and charm throughout.
Jim Henson: The Biography feels comprehensive without bogging down; it will keep readers turning pages and enjoying every scene from Henson's life. --Rob LeFebvre, freelance writer and editor