Historical Dictionary of Animation and Cartoons

Animation was once a relatively simple matter, using fairly primitive means to produce rather short films of subjects that were generally comedic and often quite childish. However, things have changed, and they continue changing at a maddening pace. One new technique after another has made it easier, faster, and above all cheaper to produce the material, which has taken on an increasing variety of forms. The Historical Dictionary of Animation and Cartoons is an introduction to all aspects of animation history and its development as a technology and industry beyond the familiar cartoons from the Disney and Warner Bros. Studios. This is done through a chronology, an introductory essay, photos, a bibliography, and over 200 cross-referenced dictionary entries on animators, directors, studios, techniques, films, and some of the best-known characters.

Dobson, an independent scholar in Scotland who researches animation studies and television, offers a historical dictionary of animation and cartoons that introduces all aspects of their history and development. The volume contains a chronology, introductory essay on issues surrounding animation, photos, and about 300 entries on animators, directors, producers, studios, techniques, films, types, pioneers, and animated characters that have played a significant role internationally, with entries on different countries and areas of the world, but an overall focus on Western animation and the US and Great Britain. Areas outside cinema and television are included, such as computer animation. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

The Historical Dictionary of Animation and Cartoons is an introduction to all aspects of animation history, its development as a technology, and the industry beyond the familiar cartoons from the Disney and Warner Brothers Studios.