
HAND SHADOWS TO BE THROWN UPON THE WALL
A SERIES OF NOVEL AND AMUSING FIGURES FORMED BY THE HAND FROM ORIGINAL DESIGNS BY HENRY BURSILL
Originally published by Griffith and Farran in 1859.
PREFACE
THE END
Step into a cozy Victorian studio where a playful inventor shares the secrets of turning simple fingers into lively silhouettes. With witty commentary and precise diagrams, the guide walks readers through shaping everything from a quacking duck to a marching donkey, inviting both children and adults to experiment on any wall bathed in lamplight. The author’s humor shines as he recounts countless hours of trial, failure, and the sudden delight of a perfect rabbit hopping across the plaster.
Beyond the listed figures—goats, elephants, turtles, and even a mischievous boy—the book encourages imagination, suggesting that new shadows can emerge with a pinch of ingenuity and patience. Its 19th‑century phrasing adds a charming historical flavor, while the step‑by‑step instructions remain surprisingly clear for modern hands. Listeners will enjoy the blend of practical how‑to material and the author’s personal anecdotes, making a simple pastime feel like a small theatrical adventure.
Language
en
Duration
~20 minutes (20K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
Originally published by Griffith and Farran in 1859.
Credits
EBook produced by David Starner and Heather Martino
Release date
2004-07-20
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects
Best known for a playful Victorian classic on making animal shadows with your hands, this 19th-century English artist mixed practical showmanship with a sculptor’s eye. His work survives both in print and in public sculpture, giving him an unusual place in Victorian visual culture.
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