Marionette Sourcebook: Theory and Technique

Joan Weller is head librarian at the West Branch of Ottawa Public
Library, and the children’s literature reviewer for the Ottawa
Citizen.

This well-illustrated and well-researched book contains everything the
puppeteer needs to know about marionettes: history, theory,
construction, controls, body and joints, oriental marionettes,
manipulation, and stages. The instructions on construction are
particularly detailed and come with practical directions regarding
materials, stringing, attachments, and the like. Included in the book
are an excellent bibliography and index. For the artist, chapters on
manipulations and staging demonstrate how sensitive handling of the
stringed puppets can produce dramatic results.

Directed at both professional puppeteers and builders of marionettes,
Coad’s sourcebook should help to keep this time-honored art form
alive.