Principles of Three Dimensional Computer Animation [Hardcover]

Michael O'Rourke (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 2003 | ISBN-10: 0393730832 | ISBN-13: 978-0393730838 | Edition: Third Edition

An authoritative introduction and guide to the latest developments in animation technology.

This revised and updated edition of the standard introduction to computer animation reflects the latest developments in 3D computer animation. It clearly explains the basic concepts and techniques for all those who want to master the technology, while covering new topics to keep readers up to date on advances in the field. 10 color and 200 black-and-white illustrations. "At last! A book that I can wholeheartedly recommend to my students. . . . A key text in my classes."—Michael Scroggins, director, Computer Animation Labs, California Institute of the Arts 10 color and 200 black-and-white illustrations

Editorial Reviews

Review

At last! A book that I can wholeheartedly recommend to my students. . . . A key text in my classes. -- Michael Scroggins, director, Computer Animation Labs, California Institute of the Arts --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

About the Author

Michael O'Rourke is associate professor of computer graphics at Pratt Institute in New York City.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 396 pages
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company; Third Edition edition (January 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393730832
• ISBN-13: 978-0393730838
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,152,000 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 3D Newbie Likes It, February 8, 2000

By 

Roger Kirchner (Sonoma County, California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Principles of Three-Dimensional Computer Animation: Modeling, Rendering, and Animating With 3d Computer Graphics (Norton Books for Architects & Designers) (Hardcover)

I'm entirely new to 3D modeling and animation. I found this book to be exceptionally well written. The author provides a clear and concise explanation of the principles of 3D computer graphics, with easy-to-understand examples throughout. As stated in other reviews, it is not software specific. If you are looking for an introductory but thorough 3D primer, I recommend this book without reservation. It should provide a solid foundation for those who have little or no prior computer graphics experience.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Overview, But Go Elsewhere For Details, November 21, 1999

By 

J. Fogarty (Saint Louis, MO USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Principles of Three-Dimensional Computer Animation: Modeling, Rendering, and Animating With 3d Computer Graphics (Norton Books for Architects & Designers) (Hardcover)

I agree with prior reviews that this book is well written and provides an excellent introduction to 3D computer graphics. If you're new to the field and want to learn about the general terminology and techniques of 3D computer graphics then this would be a top choice. Just don't expect, however, that after finishing you'll be ready to plunge into creating your own rendering engine or even be up to speed on using an existing engine. If you're looking for technical detail, then you'll have to look elsewhere.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clearly, accurately covered concepts--without jargon, July 29, 1998

By 

Anne Morgan Spalter (Providence, RI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Principles of Three-Dimensional Computer Animation: Modeling, Rendering, and Animating With 3d Computer Graphics (Norton Books for Architects & Designers) (Hardcover)

I found "Three-Dimensional Computer Animation" to be a particularly clearly written and clearly illustrated book, especially given the complexity of this field. The book covers the chief concepts in 3D modeling, rendering and animation and provides detailed technical explanations rare in books for artists and designers. Amazingly, O'Rourke does this without relying on jargon or assuming a scientific or mathematical background (or writing an inconveniently long book). Artists and designers working in 3D will find this a valuable resource as they seek to better understand the potential of 3D graphics and to master this new and often demanding medium. "Three-Dimensional Computer Animation" is appropriate for classroom use and also as a guide and reference for working artists, designers, and animators.