The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation

by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston

Book Overview

The most complete book ever written on Disney character animation from the 1920s through the 1970s--by two long-term animators and Disney Legends.

This delightful inside story describes the evolution of the animation art from and the ways Disney characters got their unique personalities.

Authors Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston worked with Walt Disney and other leading figures across five decades of Disney...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0786860707
• ISBN13: 9780786860708
• Release Date: October 1995
• Publisher: Disney Editions
• Length: 576 Pages
• Weight: 6.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 10.5" x 11.3"
• Age Range: 10 to 14 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 9

Customer Reviews

Used book in great condition

I bought this book for my granddaughter who is interested in animation. It was just as advertised, packed well, and arrived in a very short time. The book is a gem to those who want to learn about animation or how Disney and his workers were able to make such good use of their craft.

goldmine in need

this book is really very much demanded by the young animation student like my-self.so the publisher should try to reprint this kind of a goldmine of animation.and i am sure as the animation world is expandind day by day it will be demanded more and more.our library has a couple of book and some of the animators possess them but still every animator should carry this Bible the lifelong.

Now I Know Why This Book is So Hard to Find

Finally, I found a used copy of this book in Chicago. I had heard it was the "Bible" of animation, but I was skeptical; I have seen too many glorified advertising campaigns sold in coffee table format. (Did we really need any background information on "Hercules?") But now that I actually own a copy and have been reading it - I am really blown away by how much I didn't know I didn't know. This book gives a perspective on animation I have been searching for for a long time. Short of plunking down $10,000 to attend animation school, this book has helped me understand what is necessary to look for from an artistic angle when I am drawing. Over and over I have been told to draw more, but from what perspective, with what emphasis, to what end? All of that is covered in such an elementary way that I can't believe I never got it before now.This book is worth all of the praise I have been hearing about it. It was also worth every ounce of energy I have used trying to find a copy to purchase. As for the negative comments I have heard about the reprint Hyperion version of this book, for me it simply doesn't matter. Can I see a difference in the plates? Sure I can. Is the information presented any less valuable or understandable? No. And that's the bottom line for me.Amazing book. I can't believe it is out of print.