Annette Bercut Lust has spent a lifetime developing the knowledge to produce this definitive work on mime.

One of the few studies covering the historical flow of mime from its beginnings to postmodern movement theatre, this book explores the evolution of mime and pantomime from the Greeks to the twentieth century, depicting the role of mime in dance, clowning, the cinema, and verbal theatre throughout the centuries. It is also an in-depth study of twentieth-century mime masters, including Jacques Lecoq, Etienne Decroux, Jean-Louis Barrault, and Marcel Marceau.

In addition to defining and tracing the history of mime, Lust documents present-day training programs in North America and Europe, providing contact addresses and information on mime festivals and centers. A filmography listing mime and mime-related films and an extensive bibliography contribute to the usefulness of the book. There is also a chart tracing the origins of mime to the present and a chart demonstrating exponents of the various styles and schools of mime. With over 60 illustrations, this worldwide study is indispensable for the student, teacher, or fan of mime.