The hand-puppet play starring the characters Punch and Judy was introduced from England and became extremely popular in the United States in the 1800s. This book details information on nearly 350 American Punch players. It explores the significance of the 19th-century American show as a reflection of the attitudes and conditions of its time and place. The century was a time of changing feelings about what it means to be human. There was an intensified awareness of the racial, cultural, social and economical diversity of the human species, and a corresponding concern for the experience of human oneness. The American Punch and Judy show was one of the manifestations of these conditions.

A stunning view of one of the most important collections in the world. The Thyssen-Bornemisza is perhaps the definitive collection of 19th century American painting. In this fascinating catalog, Barbara Novak presents the works in the context of the culture in which they were created--with all the great artists represented: Bierstadt, Catlin, Cole, Copley, Homer, Inness, Sargent, and Whistler. 160 illustrations, 109 in full-color.

Puppetry is arguably the most widespread form of performance. The artistry of puppetry includes aspects of the visual arts, theatre, music, and dance. Puppets can be traced as far back as ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome and are found today in cultures worldwide, across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. John Bell shows how puppets have been used to relay myths, poke fun at political figures, comment on cultural events of the period, express moral stories, and entertain adults and children alike. This richly illustrated book gives a historical overview and looks at the wide variety of this traditional art form. From European and Asian puppets in modern and ancient times to the Puppet Modernism movements, the book explores the important innovators and innovations of puppetry. Brief biographies of key figures such as Tony Sarg (credited with creating the first over-life-size puppets used for parades), Paul McPharlin (creator of Punch’s Circus), and Jim Henson (world-reknowned creator of many puppets, including the Muppets) help describe the evolution of puppetry. Definitions and descriptions of a variety of puppet styles, including shadow puppets, marionettes, hand puppets, rod puppets, and many others, add to the understanding of this fascinating form of art. With over one hundred color illustrations, this book highlights the "lives" of such characters as Kermit the Frog, Punch and Judy, Jack Pumpkinhead, and the traditional Chinese puppet Te-Yung to reveal the ways that puppets have become an integral part of many cultures. Captivating and fun, this book offers valuable insight into the wonderful world of puppetry.

This clear and comprehensive manual provides more information per square inch than any other guide available. With more than 3,500 items illustrated and defined, this unique work offers dealers, collectors, and interested amateurs a ready reference to a wide range of antiques. Drawings.

A twenty-one volume encyclopedia with 32,000 entries and more than 16,000 illustrations.

For 25 years, dealers and collectors of antiques have relied upon knowing what Lyle says, and now this definitive guide to collectibles and memorabilia offers information and prices on over 3,000 items. Each item is accompanied by a new black-and-white photograph that highlights its distinguishing features.