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The best puppets and puppetry books you can buy

AI-shortlisted picks, with current prices and ratings.

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The best puppets and puppetry books you can buy

AI-generated summary · updated August 26, 2026 · verify details before purchase.

  1. The Art of Puppetry
    Best overall Crowood Press (UK)

    The Art of Puppetry

    4.8/5 $35.36 Only 1 left

    This book covers the history and techniques of puppetry, making it a great resource for beginners and experienced puppeteers alike. It features beautiful illustrations and photographs to inspire creativity

    • Comprehensive guide
    • Beautiful illustrations
    • Inspiring stories
    • Expensive for some readers
    View on Amazon
  2. Puppetry: A Reader in Theatre Practice
    Best for theatre students Red Globe Press

    Puppetry: A Reader in Theatre Practice

    4.5/5 $46.95

    This book is a collection of essays and articles about puppetry in theatre, covering topics such as history, technique, and cultural context. It's a great resource for students and scholars of theatre and puppetry

    • In-depth analysis
    • Diverse perspectives
    • Good reference material
    • Academic tone
    View on Amazon
  3. Making and Manipulating Marionettes
    Best for marionette enthusiasts Crowood Press (UK)

    Making and Manipulating Marionettes

    4.7/5 $39.99 Only 5 left

    This book is a practical guide to creating and performing with marionettes, covering topics such as construction, control, and performance techniques. It features detailed illustrations and photographs to help readers learn

    • Clear instructions
    • Detailed illustrations
    • Expert advice
    • Assumes some prior knowledge
    View on Amazon
  4. The Puppeteer's Handbook
    Best budget pick

    The Puppeteer's Handbook

    4.4/5 $4.99

    This book is a comprehensive guide to puppetry, covering topics such as history, technique, and performance. It's a great resource for beginners and experienced puppeteers alike, and is available at a relatively low price

    • Affordable price
    • Comprehensive guide
    • Easy to understand
    • Lacks advanced techniques
    View on Amazon
  5. Puppets and Puppet Theatre
    Best for theatre history Crowood Press (UK)

    Puppets and Puppet Theatre

    4.6/5 $27.90 Only 1 left

    This book is a historical and cultural overview of puppetry and puppet theatre, covering topics such as the origins of puppetry and its development in different parts of the world. It features beautiful illustrations and photographs to illustrate the history of puppetry

    • Engaging narrative
    • Richly illustrated
    • Good historical context
    • Less focus on practical techniques
    View on Amazon
  6. Handbook of Puppetry Techniques and Designs
    Best for advanced puppeteers McFarland

    Handbook of Puppetry Techniques and Designs

    4.5/5 $49.95 Only 7 left

    This book is a comprehensive guide to advanced puppetry techniques and designs, covering topics such as construction, control, and performance. It features detailed illustrations and photographs to help readers learn complex techniques

    • Advanced techniques
    • Expert advice
    • High-quality illustrations
    • Expensive for some readers
    • Assumes prior knowledge
    View on Amazon

What to consider before buying

When choosing a puppetry book, consider your level of experience and what you hope to achieve. Beginners may want a comprehensive guide that covers the basics, while experienced puppeteers may prefer a book that focuses on advanced techniques or specific types of puppetry. Also, think about the type of puppetry you're interested in, such as marionettes, hand puppets, or shadow puppets, and look for a book that specializes in that area.

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