Book cover of Before the Animation Begins: The Art and Lives of Disney Inspirational Artists

Book description

Born from daydreams, meditations on color, character and form, and sheer inventiveness, Disney's pioneering animated films begin in the imagination of the "inspirational sketch" artist. Allowed to work with an unprecedented degree of creative freedom, these talented painters, designers, and illustrators attempt to conjure the "look" of a film -…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Before the Animation Begins as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I have always been fascinated by the artists who created Disney’s shorts and animated features. I was also looking for a book showcasing pre-production artwork I had never seen before.

John Canemaker’s seminal book, which explores the lives and careers of Disney’s “concept artists,” made my dreams come true. It is a volume that is both an absolute delight to read (Canemaker is one of the very best writers alive) and a feast for the eyes. This is the book that inspired me to write my own art books.

From Didier's list on Disney history.

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Book cover of The High House

The High House by James Stoddard,

The Victorian mansion, Evenmere, is the mechanism that runs the universe.

The lamps must be lit, or the stars die. The clocks must be wound, or Time ceases. The Balance between Order and Chaos must be preserved, or Existence crumbles.

Appointed the Steward of Evenmere, Carter Anderson must learn the…

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