Punch and Judy: A Short History with the Original Dialogue

A step back in time to understand entertainment as it once existed . Fascinating history and a sample script from a typical show . A scholarly work .

This short history of the Punch and Judy puppet play is a fascinating entry into the world of historical and traditional theater. I have no background in theater or puppetry, yet I found this book to be immensely interesting and read it straight through.After reading it, I immediately wished I could see a Punch and Judy show, and, if that was not possible, to put together a puppet theater and perform the show myself for my friends and neighbors.Anyone interested in theater history, puppet history, puppet plays, or the origin of Punch and Judy will find this book well worth reading.

I've found the tone and language of this book very difficult to get into, the subject matter holding my interest in spite of it's presentation. Regardless of that it is a through exploration of the subject, citing many early Italian texts and comparisons to Shakespeare characters as it goes through Punch's long and storied history.

this book was good just not very polite!

exalant very good

This so justified a reprint.