Animation and America [Paperback]

Paul Wells (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 29, 2002

The 'cartoon' is synonymous with the United States - the all conquering Disney studio, the anarchic antics of Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, the satiric vision of The Simpsons - but rarely is this taken seriously as an important aspect of artistic and cultural achievement, nor as a vision of America itself. In Animation and America, Professor Paul Wells looks at animation in the United States afresh, discussing the distinctiveness of the cartoon form, and the myriad others types of animation production, insisting upon the 'modernity' of the form, and its crucial importance as a barometer of the social conditions in which it was made, and which it reflects. The book does not work as an orthodox history of animation in America, but rather uses animation as a way of discussing personal, social and political change, concentrating on the ways in which the form continues to grow, experiment, and remain subversive while gaining increasing popular acclaim and recognition. Now in the vanguard of visual culture per se, animation occupies an important position in representing both the outcomes and impacts of new technologies - as it has always done - but also has laid the foundations for a new understanding of social and artistic practice.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This readable, analytical, and rather full treatment touches on the artistry and the commercial and technical aspects of animation -- Choice

From the Back Cover

The "cartoon"-in the output of the all conquering Disney studio, the anarchic antics of Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck in Looney Tunes, and the satiric vision of the Simpsons on television- is synonymous with the United States, but the genre rarely is taken seriously. Nevertheless, cartoons are important artistic and cultural achievements, and are an essential ingredient in how America is viewed, both by itself and by others. In Animation and America, Paul Wells looks afresh at this unique art, discussing the distinctiveness of the cartoon form, as well as myriad other types of animation production. Insisting upon the "modernity" of the genre, Wells examines its importance as a barometer of the social conditions in which it is made and which it reflects. This book is not a standard history of animation in America, but rather uses animation as a way of discussing social and political change. Wells concentrates on the ways in which the form continues to grow, experiment, and remain subversive-and, increasingly, gaining acclaim and recognition. Now in the vanguard of visual culture, animation occupies an important position in representing both the outcomes and impacts of new technologies, and it also has laid the foundations for a new understanding of social and artistic practice. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Rutgers University Press (July 29, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813531608
• ISBN-13: 978-0813531601
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #156,772 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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