The Illusion of Life
Disney Animation
Frank Thomas And Ollie Johnston
A massive 575-page book written by two of the animation masters from the heyday of Disney animation, considered indispensible for anyone in the animation field. Extensive coverage of Disney films, with character drawings, sketches, and a great deal of insight into the process of creating quality animation.
All this comes packaged in a beautifully printed coffee-table format book. As one Usenet animation fan said, "It's a great reference and good for your muscletone."
The Animator's Handbook
Step-by-Step Techniques of Drawn Animation
Tony White
Tony White, a student of Richard Williams, and award-winner in his own right, presents a guide to character animation techniques. Good introduction to traditional 2D animation techniques, but the priniples of characterization and imparting life to characters also apply to 3D character work.
An often-recommended book for beginning animators.
Animation From Script to Screen
Shamus Culhane
One of the indispensible books in animation. Culhane manages to explain those techniques of animation which give it the veneer of magic. He explores the properties of animated characters, the illusion of weight, stretch and squish, talks about characterization and timing, and more.
More detailed review to follow...
336 pages. Trade Paperback
St. Martin's Press
Disney's Aladdin: The Making of an Animated Film
John Culhane
Not yet reviewed.
119 pages, Hardcover
Hyperion