Behind-the-scenes hero to anyone who's thrilled by giant monsters duking it out over Tokyo, Eiji Tsuburaya was the visual effects mastermind behind Godzilla, Ultraman, and numerous Japanese science fiction movies and TV showsbeloved around the world. The first book on this legendary film figure in English, this highly visual biography details his fascinating life and career, featuring hundreds of film stills, posters, concept art, and delightful on-set photos of Tsuburaya prompting monsters to crush landmark buildings. A must-have for fans, this towering tribute also features profiles of Tsuburaya's film collaborators, details on his key films and shows (most available on DVD), and features on the enduring popularity of the characters he helped create.
| ||||||||||||
Browse our Bookshelf Favorites store for big savings on popular fiction, nonfiction, children's books, and more. |
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Review
"In Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monsters, San Francisco based writer August Ragone has produced a fond, generously illustrated biography of the tokusatsu (special effects) genius " Time magazine, December 13, 2007
"The difference between this book and other coffee table volumes that have covered daikaiju before, though, is the staggeringly researched detail that Ragone has put into the text itself. This is not just a picture book to flip through, nod approvingly at and stick on the shelf; this is a record easily in scale with the monsters Tsuburaya created a critical and historical look at the creation and output of an industry that spanned (and has continued to span) the decades. —Tooth and Dagger, October 2007
"Anyone with a taste for reading about frantic production schedules and creative jury-rigging solutions will find much to enjoy in Ragone's text." &mdashPowell's Books.com, November 2007
About the Author
August Ragone has written and commented on Japanese film and pop culture for more than twenty years. He lives in San Francisco.
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? |
More About the Author
Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is one of those gem of a book that crosses genres. August Ragone shows us behind he scenes of the man who created Godzilla and Ultraman. Well written at a level anyone can enjoy, and with a host of never seen before pictures (at least in America) of the behind the scenes making of these icons makes this a great read. Lots of information not readily known outside of Japan. Can't wait for volume 2!
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By Martin Arlt
Format:Hardcover
This book is a meticulous, thoughtful, well-written, and beautifully laid-out tribute to a true master of special effects. It is a fascinating look, not only into Tsuburaya's life and career, but also the way the film industry works in Japan. An interesting read for non-fans; a must-have for fans of the genre.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book was purchased as a Christmas gift for my husband, who wanted to stop opening gifts so that he could read it! His love of Japanese movies seems to be growing with every page he reads of this book... and I think I may have "created a monster" - husband is promising to show the baby tons of Godzilla & Ultraman dvds.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
movie monster book
My son-in-law was extremely pleased to get this book as a birthday gift. It arrived in good time and in superb condition.
Published on February 25, 2011 by valleyfaye
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great book - but the design needs help
I found this to be a very enjoyable & informative book--the only thing that takes away from the reading experience is the Author's or Publisher's decision to run the captions for... Read more
Published on October 4, 2009 by Quangaroo
4.0 out of 5 stars
Review on "Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monster"
Written in chronological order, this book depicts the man's life from birth till his demise and beyond. Read more
Published on August 16, 2009 by Ang Kheng Yeong
5.0 out of 5 stars
Ultracool book for anyone interested in japanese popculture
Godzilla, Ultraman, Booska... they all come together in this book. Eiji Tsuburaya is a newly discovered hero of mine. Read more
Published on June 5, 2009 by J. B. De Zwart
5.0 out of 5 stars
Comprehensive, well written, and brimming with photos!
This is a fantastic book for anyone interested in Eiji Tsuburaya and his work. It is full of biographical information and anecdotes about the man that is best known for bringing... Read more
Published on April 15, 2009 by Adam Mann
5.0 out of 5 stars
Oh no, there goes Toyko...
Amazing Book! Super cool photos! EVERY KAIJU / MONSTER FAN SHOULD OWN THIS!
great inside to the japanese film studios as well.
great inside to the japanese film studios as well.
Published on January 22, 2009 by Janie M. Gantt
5.0 out of 5 stars
Tsuburarya IS The Master!
If you like giant monster movies, and want to know more about how they were made, this book is for you. Read more
Published on June 5, 2008 by Michael P. Goobic
5.0 out of 5 stars
Special effects without the blue screen
Tsuburaya Eiji was the Japanese special effects director who was behind so many monster movies that came out from Japan during the 1950s and 1960s. Read more
Published on April 29, 2008 by lordhoot
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful
This is a wonderful coffee-table size book that contains beautiful photos and interesting commentary. If you are a fan of Godzilla and/or Eiji Tsuburaya this is the book to get!
Published on April 16, 2008 by Timothy Mccormick
5.0 out of 5 stars
This is a GIFT.
Phenomenal book. Great quality, design, and content. If you have any remote appreciation for this kind of film making and monster design, this book is an absolute love letter... Read more
Published on March 27, 2008 by Jeremy
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store
If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store.
Learn more
