New “Legends” Book Series Profiles Icons of Animation

Sept. 2, 2011 - PRLog -- The work of animators has brought joy, laughter, and excitement to countless audiences ever since this lively art first flickered onto movie screens in the early 20th century. Today, those responsible for many classic and popular characters, films, and television shows hold an honored place in American pop culture. A new, first-ever biography series now chronicles the amazing lives and work of eight icons fitting this description in “Legends of Animation” (Chelsea House Publishers) by author Jeff Lenburg.

As Lenburg stated, “The subjects I chose to include in this series are among the most honored and recognized from the worlds of film and television animation and their classic characters are known and loved around the world and the most imitated and admired today.”

Each title in the eight-book series surveys the life of each animated selected from animation’s more-than-100-year history, whose technical wizardry and creative inspiration have made him a legend. Emphasis is given to each animator’s professional achievements, impact on popular culture, and the innovations pioneered.

The first four volumes, now in bookstores, cover such subjects as Tex Avery (of Warner. Bros. and MGM screwball animation and creator of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Droopy);  Walt Disney (the most honored animator/producer of the 20th century and the father of Mickey Mouse); William Hanna and Joseph Barbera (of Tom and Jerry, The Flintstones, Yogi Bear and Scooby-Doo fame); and Matt Groening (of "The Simpsons"). Featured in the second set of four volumes, due out this November, are: Walter Lantz (best known as the father of Woody Woodpecker); John Lasseter (the computer cartoon whiz behind "Toy Story," "Monsters, Inc.," "Finding Nemo," "The Incredibles," "Cars," and others)’ Hayao Miyazaki (Japan’s premier anime storyteller behind such anime classics as "Kiki's Delivery Service," "Howl's Moving Castle," and "Spirited Away"), Genndy Tartakovsky (creator of such cult television cartoon favorites as "Dexter's Laboratory," "Star Wars: Clone Wars," and "Samurai Jack").

The series, Lenburg added, goes behind the scenes discussing each animator's personal and educational background, early work, styles and influences, key films and television productions, origins of their characters, and much more.

Handsomely illustrated with full-color and black-and-white photographs and illustrations, including personal and family photos and animation art, from sketchings, to drawings, to film stills, to animation cels, Lenburg said the “Legends” series brings to life “the mirth and magic of these masters that continues to flourish today and are sure to interest animation fans of all ages.”

“The Legends of Animation" series by Jeff Lenburg is available and sold individually or as a set through local and independent bookstores, including Amazon,com, Barnes and Noble, and national wholesalers, including Ingram Book Group and Baker and Taylor, or can be purchased from the publisher on the web at http://www.infobasepublishing.com. An ebook of each title is also available directly from the publisher.

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Jeff Lenburg is an award-winning author of more than 30 books, including two national bestsellers. His work includes many critically-acclaimed celebrity memoirs and biographies, entertainment histories, and popular references.