Because no handbook for the safe use and care of stage rigging exists, knowledge of that craft often has been passed on by word of mouth. Some of this information has been misleading, some even false. Glerum corrects many misconceptions that have infiltrated the oral tradition, providing sound and safe techniques for doing stage rigging and in the process producing a scholarly work that is also a much-needed practical reference. More than 100 excellent drawings and photographs supplement the text.   Glerum divides his book into four parts, each of which includes system descriptions, component descriptions, maintenance instructions, operation instructions, and safety inspection procedures. Part 1 on hemp rigging describes single- and multiple-line systems. Part 2 is the counterweight section, and part 3 covers motorized rigging. Part 4 is devoted to specialized problems and their practical solutions.