Customer Rating:  
Summary: Poor focus, superficial
Comment:
If you are utterly new to the field of animation, this may be of use. But, as I have more than just a passing knowledge of the topic, this was a disappointing book. Firstly, and I admit that this is a subjective view, I did not like the layout. The text is scattered hither and yon, boxes and call-outs lie scattered across the page, and for some bizarre reason paragraphs of text have 'window-like' ornaments on them, scroll bars and so on - what am I meant to do? Click on the paper with my finger? Such 'decorations' detract from the content.
As for the content, the book does not seem to know where to begin. We are told about using animated text for titles, before we are introduced to paper and pencil character drawing. I wonder which is the more fundamental. Also, the history of animation is introduced half-way through, but at the start of the book the reader is introduced to 'equipment' - with no mention of pen and paper, let alone of puppets or marionettes - indeed there is a strong bias toward computer-aided animation rather than the more general task of bringing life to the inanimate. this book should have been retitled 'the complete computer animation course'.
Finally, there is no hint of kinesiology, physiological modelling (how to create credible skeletons, walk-cycles, etc), no mention of theories of drama or emotion, no study of physiognomy, this is not a 'complete' course in animation.
Customer Rating:
Summary: BEST ANIMATION REFERENCE BOOK!!!
Comment: This book is great to use mainly as a reference since it touches on all types of animation 2D, 3D, claymation, stop motion and many others discussing the different software technologies that can be used to create animations with sounds and effects. I would not use this book to strictly learn animation since it's such a broad subject and can't be learned with just this book as the title suggests, but I gave it 5 stars since the information will save you alot of time and research, since it covers anything an aspiring animator would think of asking an experienced person in this field.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Better Appreciation for Animation
Comment: I thought I'll read this book and be able to start animation. I've had the book for about a month and haven't finished it yet. It has a lot of good information but I've concluded that the learning curve is too great and have given up on my quest. I have a grewater appreciation for what goes into those snippets on UTUBE. The book itself is colorful, well printed and bound. I'm going to slack on trying to make my own animated video.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Overview of all things animated
Comment: This was a required text for my Animation 101 course. I knew nothing about animation, but I do now! This book is great for beginners as it starts with the history of animation from cave drawings to the first animated short and moves to cel animation before ending at computer animation. It thoroughly goes through all the different types of animation; cel, stop motion, go motion, cut out, claymation, computer, etc. It's also nice because it shows the benefits of storyboards and having the right equipment for doing certains types of animation.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Easy to understand
Comment: I am new to animation and this was only the 4th book I bought. At last I have bought a book that is not collecting dust on the bookcase. I have read this book cover to cover and know now why I was interested in the subject. Why would I want to go and do one of those numerous 'courses' that various institutions offer. This was far more enjoyable and may I take this opportunity to thank Chris Patmore, the Author. Because each page was so interesting it did not feel like I was learning. Second time around I read the book in front of PC and tried out each chapter - everything worked like a dream.
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