The Anime Encyclopedia: A Guide to Japanese Animation Since 1917

Rating:
Summary: Vital reference for anime and Japanese culture in general
Review: Why would someone who has seen just one anime film and who specializes in the study of Japanese art rush to buy "The Anime Encyclopedia" and then deem it a vital reference tool? Because this volume, cleanly and clearly organized and written by Jonathan Clements and Helen McCarthy, contains a wealth of information on Japanese culture not readily accesssible elsewhere. Legions of anime fans will acquire this volume, but students of Japanese history, mythology, sociology, anthropology, and art will also find much of value. Needless to say the book is not organized to serve the research orientation of non-anime specialists, but those scholars and students willing to systematically work their way through the vast amount of information offered will find excellent materials like a precis of the Songoku story (the "Journey to the West" of Chinese origin). They will, as well, be able to spot patterns in Japanese fairy tales, learn what constitutes a traditional Japanese hero, and find background information relevant to many pre-modern theatrical productions.

Rating:
Summary: Vital reference for anime and Japanese culture in general
Review: Why would someone who has seen just one anime film and who specializes in the study of Japanese art rush to buy "The Anime Encyclopedia" and then deem it a vital reference tool? Because this volume, cleanly and clearly organized and written by Jonathan Clements and Helen McCarthy, contains a wealth of information on Japanese culture not readily accesssible elsewhere. Legions of anime fans will acquire this volume, but students of Japanese history, mythology, sociology, anthropology, and art will also find much of value. Needless to say the book is not organized to serve the research orientation of non-anime specialists, but those scholars and students willing to systematically work their way through the vast amount of information offered will find excellent materials like a precis of the Songoku story (the "Journey to the West" of Chinese origin). They will, as well, be able to spot patterns in Japanese fairy tales, learn what constitutes a traditional Japanese hero, and find background information relevant to many pre-modern theatrical productions.