Disney Animation: The Illusion of Life [Hardcover]

Frank Thomas (Author), Ollie Johnston (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 575 pages
• Publisher: Abbeville Pr; Collectors edition (June 1981)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0896592332
• ISBN-13: 978-0896592339
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,978,909 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Now I Know Why This Book is So Hard to Find, June 23, 2000

By 

D. Allen (Austin, Texas United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Disney Animation: The Illusion of Life (Hardcover)

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.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Used book in great condition, October 11, 2009

By 

Sylvia A. Cunningham (Missouri) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Disney Animation: The Illusion of Life (Hardcover)

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.

5.0 out of 5 stars A classic, any fan of Disney, art/animation/illustration students should give it a look, August 23, 2011

By 

Jersey Reader "JR" (Sunnyvale, CA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Disney Animation: The Illusion of Life (Hardcover)

THE BEST. Worth every penny. If you're a fan of Disney films you would do yourself a huge favor to look at this treasure trove of info. Written by two of Disney's best animators, both legends. Great color photos and the corner of this book's pages has a cool flip book feature to it. Try to snap it up at a reasonable price, though and try to get an older copy. Big and heavy so be prepared to make room for it.