Book Review: The Illusion of Life

“The Illusion of Life” by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston is a must-have book for anyone interested in pursuing animation or any other allied art form.

This book is considered the bible of animation, covering the history of animation and providing a detailed look at the techniques used by Disney animators.

Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston were two of the legendary animators who worked at Disney Studios during its golden age. They were responsible for creating some of the most iconic animated characters in history, including Snow White, Bambi, and Pinocchio. “The Illusion of Life” is their tribute to the art of animation, and it is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to learn about the history and techniques of animation.

The book is divided into three sections. The first section provides a brief history of animation, from its earliest beginnings to the present day. The second section covers the 12 principles of animation, which are the building blocks of animation technique. These principles include squash and stretch, anticipation, and timing, among others. The third section focuses on character animation, providing detailed guidance on how to create believable characters with realistic movements and expressions.

One of the great things about “The Illusion of Life” is that it is written in a clear and engaging style. Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston’s love of animation comes through on every page, and their enthusiasm is infectious. The book is filled with anecdotes and personal stories that make it not only informative, but also entertaining to read.

Another great thing about “The Illusion of Life” is that it includes numerous examples of the techniques used by Disney animators. The book is filled with sketches and drawings that illustrate the principles of animation, and these examples make it easy to understand how these techniques are applied in practice.

Overall, “The Illusion of Life” is an essential book for anyone interested in animation or any other allied art form. Its comprehensive coverage of the history of animation and the techniques used by Disney animators make it an invaluable resource for students and professionals alike. It’s clear and engaging style make it a pleasure to read, and its examples and illustrations make it easy to understand and apply the principles of animation.

In conclusion, if you are interested in animation or any other allied art form, “The Illusion of Life” is a book that you should definitely add to your book collection. Its comprehensive coverage of the history and techniques of animation make it an essential resource for anyone looking to learn about the art of animation.