In the words of Walt Disney, "Animation can explain whatever the mind of man can conceive." Part biography, part history, part artistic commentary, this volume looks at major figures in the field of animation and discusses how their contributions have affected the course of the industry--and, in many cases, popular culture as a whole.

These gifted artists are divided into several classifications: Idealists (Art Babbitt, John Hubley); Mavericks (John Kricfalusi, Terry Gilliam); Technicians (Max and Dave Fleischer); Influencers (Frank Tashlin, Matt Groening, Ray Harryhausen, Ed Benedict); Trailblazers (Lotte Rieniger, Lillian Friedman); Teller of Tales (Henry Selick); Teachers (George Newall, Tom Yohe, the FMPU); and Storytellers (Joe Grant, Bill Scott, Michael Maltese). A selective list of each animator's key films and awards is included.