This book investigates the aesthetic principles and theoretical underpinnings of puppetry as a distinct art form. Tillis, drawing on a range of philosophical and theatrical traditions, seeks to establish a framework for understanding the unique qualities of puppet performance and its impact on audiences. The work examines how the manipulation of inanimate objects to create life-like or symbolic representations engages with fundamental questions of art, representation, and the human condition.

This work is recognized as a significant contribution to the academic study of puppetry, offering a rigorous theoretical approach to a field often approached more practically. Scholars in theater studies and performance art have noted its depth in analyzing the aesthetic dimensions of the medium. The book is considered a foundational text for those seeking to understand the philosophical and artistic significance of puppetry beyond its entertainment value.