Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monsters: Defending the Earth with Ultraman and Godzilla [Hardcover]

August Ragone (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2007

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.

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

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (November 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811860787
• ISBN-13: 978-0811860789
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #240,536 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #15 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Arts & Literature > Movie Directors
  • #81 in Books > Arts & Photography > Photography > Cinematography

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative& Interesting about the creator of Ultraman, December 2, 2007

By 

Matt Chevreaux "Kaiju keeper" (Auburn, Calif.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monsters: Defending the Earth with Ultraman and Godzilla (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 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-have, July 8, 2008

By 

Martin Arlt "Mad Scientist" (Ann Arbor, MI USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monsters: Defending the Earth with Ultraman and Godzilla (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.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a GIFT., March 27, 2008

By 

Jeremy (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monsters: Defending the Earth with Ultraman and Godzilla (Hardcover)

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... A must have!