The History of Animation: Enchanted Drawings

Hundreds of full-color and black-and-white illustrations and photographs accompany a definitive chronicle of the history of animation, from magic-lantern shows, through the art of Walt Disney and the growth of cartoon characters, to Beavis and Butthead. The first chapter of Enchanted Drawings: The History of Animation begins with a quotation from Arthur C. Clarke: "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." This elegant, richly illustrated book tells the story of animation from its 18th-century beginnings as a magic lantern show (a box with a lamp and a mirror) to the creation of Jurassic Park and The Lion King. "In some ways, I wish Solomon's text had been published years ago, for it is a gateway book that opens doors on Disney, Chuck Jones, Hanna-Barbera, UPA and scores of others. Solomon's starter book turns corners in time, teaching animation landmarks as it goes. Fork left into Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston's life with Uncle Walt in their "Disney Animation: The Illusion of Life" or jog off after Chuck Jones' "Chuck Amuck", or "That's All Folks: The Art of Warner Brothers Animation," each of which details the crazed life of animators working under the gun and escaping into laughter." - LA Times