Jim Henson

The Biography

By: Brian Jay Jones

Narrated by: Kirby Heyborne

Length: 21 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • For the first time ever—a comprehensive biography of one of the twentieth century’s most innovative creative artists: the incomparable, irreplaceable Jim Henson

He was a gentle dreamer whose genial bearded visage was recognized around the world, but most people got to know him only through the iconic characters born of his fertile imagination: Kermit the Frog, Bert and Ernie, Miss Piggy, Big Bird. The Muppets made Jim Henson a household name, but they were just part of his remarkable story.

This extraordinary biography—written with the generous cooperation of the Henson family—covers the full arc of Henson’s all-too-brief life: from his childhood in Leland, Mississippi, through the years of burgeoning fame in America, to the decade of international celebrity that preceded his untimely death at age fifty-three. Drawing on hundreds of hours of new interviews with Henson's family, friends, and closest collaborators, as well as unprecedented access to private family and company archives, Brian Jay Jones explores the creation of the Muppets, Henson’s contributions to Sesame Street and Saturday Night Live, and his nearly ten-year campaign to bring The Muppet Show to television. Jones provides the imaginative context for Henson’s non-Muppet projects, including the richly imagined worlds of The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth—as well as fascinating misfires like Henson’s dream of opening an inflatable psychedelic nightclub.

An uncommonly intimate portrait, Jim Henson captures all the facets of this American original: the master craftsman who revolutionized the presentation of puppets on television, the savvy businessman whose dealmaking prowess won him a reputation as “the new Walt Disney,” and the creative team leader whose collaborative ethos earned him the undying loyalty of everyone who worked for him. Here also is insight into Henson’s intensely private personal life: his Christian Science upbringing, his love of fast cars and expensive art, and his weakness for women. Though an optimist by nature, Henson was haunted by the notion that he would not have time to do all the things he wanted to do in life—a fear that his heartbreaking final hours would prove all too well founded.

An up-close look at the charmed life of a legend, Jim Henson gives the full measure to a man whose joyful genius transcended age, language, geography, and culture—and continues to beguile audiences worldwide.

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY BOOKPAGE

“Jim Henson vibrantly delves into the magnificent man and his Muppet methods: It’s an absolute must-read!”—Neil Patrick Harris

“An exhaustive work that is never exhausting, a credit both to Jones’s brisk style and to Henson’s exceptional life.”—The New York Times

“[A] sweeping portrait that is a mix of humor, mirth and poignancy.”—Washington Independent Review of Books

“A meticulously researched tome chock-full of gems about the Muppets and the most thorough portrait of their creator ever crafted.”—Associated Press

©2013 Brain Jay Jones (P)2013 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"The biography’s delightful surprises include a disastrous run on the first season of Saturday Night Live ('the mucking Fuppets,' John Belushi grumbled), an early milky-blue iteration of Kermit sewn from Henson’s mother’s felt coat and the story of how Frank Oz became Yoda." (Kyle Minor, Salon)

"I worked with Jim for more than 30 years. He was one of my closest friends. And yet I found out things about him in Jim Henson that were new to me. Brian Jay Jones has captured the layers of Jim’s genius and humanity, as well as the flaws that made Jim, like all of us, so delightfully imperfect. Jim needed this book to be written. I thank Brian for giving Jim life again. This book has captured the spirit of Jim Henson." (Frank Oz)

"I’m a rabid Jim Henson fan - his brilliant ideas spawned shows that entertained and educated millions, myself included. Jim Henson vibrantly delves into the magnificent man and his Muppet methods. It’s an absolute must read!" (Neil Patrick Harris)

Jim Henson

Excellent story, excellent narration!! I learned a great many things about this wonderful man. Now I need to go out and get the Muppet Show DVDs.

Wonderful

Loved Jim Henson!
The book was very interesting.
It was a very positive and uplifting story.
We loved the book!

very....

... Very! so much more than I ever expected. I am pleased with my purchase. I have recommended this to everyone I chat to at the motel I work at!

Wow!

Not only does this book paint a beautiful portrait of one of the most creative, accomplished, and important influences of the 20th century, but the narrator is unparalleled in his range and ability to do character impersonations. While the book is very long, it’s well worth the time.

One of the best biographies I’ve read!

Absolutely loved everything about this biography. Other than learning about Jim Henson’s life and legacy, Jones does a great job telling stories with great detail that I never once felt bored. I am completely amazed by Jim Henson even more than I thought possible! The narrator, Kirby, was fantastic too! His impressions of Jim, Kermit, and other notable muppets/people brings Jim’s story to life into the biography.

I HIGHLY recommend this book! You will enjoy hearing about such an extraordinary person and all the good he has brought to this world.

Wonderful book, it warmed my heart.

I always loved the muppets and have always had a soft spot for Jim Henson. After listening to this book that soft spot is much bigger and I have even more respect and love for the man and his work. It’s interesting to hear how he started. How everything came to be and to get a in depth look inside the man and his work that defined my childhood. It’s a wonderfully respectful and loving tribute to Jim Henson.

Best Audiobook Ever Heard

Best ever. One that makes me sad that I have finished it. Makes you want to be a better person in honor of Jim Henson.

Best audiobook ever heard

Truly one of the best audiobooks I've ever heard in a long time. Made me appreciate more of the Muppets then before after listening to this.

This is the first audio book I have ever listened to.

Like I said , this is the first audio book I have ever listened to . I prefer a hard copy but I knew I would never get through a biography . I am a huge fan of Jim Henson and everything he has ever done . This book was amazing . The beginning was a little bit slow but so are most biographies. The book was read so well that even know I am aware that Jim is no longer with us as the reader inches closer to the final days I began to feel sadness thinking it's close soon Jim will be dead ,I was reminded by my husband that he is already dead but it didn't matter it was like watching someone you love die.

Such a great creator and person!

This is a great autobiography. I highly recommend listening to it. Jim Hansen was a force to be reckoned with but what is most impressive is how he lead.