Jim Henson and Philosophy: Imagination and the Magic of Mayhem

by Timothy Dale (Editor), Timothy Dale (Editor), Joseph Foy (Editor)

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 by: 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

Genres: Nonfiction, Philosophy

272 pages, Paperback

First published July 15, 2015

Reviews

[Lanie (Lanies Book Thoughts) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I should start by saying that this is the first philosophy book I've ever read and I actually thought it was easy to follow. I wasn't sure what to expect from this book when I first requested it, normally I probably wouldn't have bothered but I love the Muppets. I've always admired Jim Henson, his creativity, and how he's changed the world with his messages so that prompted me to give this book a chance which I'm glad I did.

This book is broken down into different chapters about different aspects of Jim Hensons career or works, primarily his works like the Muppets, Fraggle Rock and so on. Each chapter/section is written by a different person so you get a different perspective on each topic as well as voice and tone. While I really liked an easily followed most of the book some of the sections didn't really jibe with me but that was okay because I could just move on.

My favorite topic was of course about Miss Piggy entitled Miss Piggy: FAT,FEMINIST, AND FABULOUS. I also really enjoyed OVERCONSUMPTION AND ENVIRONMENTALISM IN LABYRINTH, and MUPPETS AND MIMESIS. I'm not going to get into details about what's in each section because you really need to read it to get the right picture. I will say though it is easy to read and recognize the ideas presented within each topic, at least for 98% of them. The wording and ideas are pretty down to Earth and any language that may be a bit more complicated is explained.

What surprised me the most about this book is that I never noticed so many things about the Muppets or other Henson works because I never really thought about the depth or meaning behind it. I took each movie, TV show and character for face value because let's be honest, I'm only twenty-one, I normally don't look too deeply into puppets. However, as I was reading this book it pretty much connected the dots for me and made me realize all the hidden meanings I've missed. Now it's like "oh jeez! How'd I miss that?!", which was pretty neat.

Altogether, it was a great read that reinforced why Hensons works were so important to our culture, and reminded me that I had good taste in television as a child :). Can't go wrong with Kermit! As I said before, it really does add to the shows and movies once you start considering the deeper meanings behind the characters. This is a great book for other Henson fans and philosophy lovers.

I received this book from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.

[Jocelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Vrinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Jescobar14 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very inconsistent. It starts off with a few great philosophical look into the muppets but most times the essays are really stretching to fit some kind of narrative into a particular Henson production. A few essays about the movie “Labyrinth” jump out to me as examples of this.

[Sam Regan-Edwards · Rating 2 out of 5]

A starter collection on Philosophy that straps itself to the Muppets & stabs itself in the legs to keep itself readable.

I am glad academics for hire got another pay check. I am hopeful a young Muppet Nut will discover Philosophy. And I watched Time Piece (1965) as a result of reading, and may at some point watch television drama The Cube.

Oh well. It is cheaply printed and pseudo-aspirational. Henson had enough soul for some to linger around the production and consumption of this book!

[Stephen Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Jade Can't Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.