HarperDesign Int’l is set to release a comprehensive world history of animation titled, ANIMATION ART. The 382-page book will hit shelves on Oct. 26, 2004 and sell for $45. Originally commissioned by Flame Tree Publishing in the U.K., the book was edited by animation historian Jerry Beck, serving as the general editor with animation veteran Will Ryan serving as consulting editor.

The book that covers the world of animation from Emile Reynaud to SHREK 2, includes forewords from DreamWorks Animation head Jeffrey Katzenberg and independent animation legend Bill Plympton. Writers for the book include several ANIMATION WORLD MAGAZINE writers such as Harvey Deneroff, Frank Gladstone, Jim Korkis, Tom Knott, George Maestri, Michael Mallory, Mark Mayerson, Jan Nagel, Fred Patten, Chris Robinson, Adam Snyder and Pat Raine Webb as well as AWN’s managing editor Rick DeMott. Other animation insiders who wrote for the book include Ryan Ball, David Gerstein, Andrew Leal, Harry McCracken, Ray Pointer, Keith Scott and Graham Webb.