Ray Harryhausen: Titan of Cinema

'Jason and the Argonauts', 'Clash of the Titans' and 'The 7th Voyage of Sinbad' count amongst some of the greatest movies of all time- all containing ground-breaking special effects and holding onto their timeless appeal today. 'Ray Harryhausen: Titan of Cinema' has been written to mark the 100th birthday of the master of stop-motion animation, and I can think of no better way of celebrating his legacy than this wonderful publication.Written by his daughter, Vanessa, the book examines his incredible life and career through 100 objects selected from his substantial collection of latex models, artwork and photography. The book traces his very earliest attempts at animation in the mid-1930s, through to his legendary contribution to cinema. The Skeletons from 'Jason' are present, as are Talos, Medusa, Kali, Bubo the Owl and so many more iconic creatures. What makes this book unique is Vanessa's perspective on her father's work- she would regularly watch her father sketch or design these memorable creatures at home, before joining him on-set to watch his movies being shot. The book also details his (very active) retirement years, where Ray rightfully enjoyed adoration from fans across the globe. I must admit to shedding a tear towards the book's conclusion, as Vanessa detailed her parents' sad passing, and the legacy now cared for by the Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation.The book is illustrated with incredible, previously unseen photography from Ray's archive, and is packed with recollections from guest contributors who knew Ray best. I own several books on Harryhausen's work, but I must say that this is the jewel in the crown, and would heartily recommend this to anybody who has even the slightest interest in cinema, animation and art history. 10/10

Wonderful book about a revolutionary Animation Giant.I thoroughly recommend this book.

Written by his daughter to coincide with an exhibition of his life and work at Edinburgh Gallery of Modern Art, this is a beautifully illustrated book, and much more than just a catalogue of the exhibits. Highly recommended.

Great book, very informative and full of excellent art work and photos.I had a brilliant correspondence with the seller rewbs-books and can not recommend this seller enough with their help, thank you.

This is a top notch book, perfect gift for any fan of Ray Harryhausen. His daughter Vanessa brings a great perspective to her father's work and the items she has spoken about have never before seen photos and stills from the vast archive that is the Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation.

Another winner from the undisputed king of animation, full of interesting pictures and text about the man and his creations, if your a fan of Ray's work then this is a must have book for you, stick it on your Christmas list, you won't be disappointed.

A great book from a great man! An absolute must have for fans! 5/5

To mark what would have been stop-motion maestro Ray Harryhausen’s 100 birthday, and to tie in with the major career retrospective exhibition of his work which is running until next September at National Galleries Scotland, daughter Vanessa selects 100 pieces from his extensive vault.If asked, few people could claim that their father’s job was ‘monster maker’, but that’s exactly the reality of Vanessa Harryhausen, who grew up while her parent was meticulously wrestling with mythological beasts. While there are such obvious favourites included in this book as Medusa and a Skeleton Warriors, one of the joys of this book is the appearance of lesser-known pieces such as Cerberus and a giant crab, their reason for inclusion being that they mean something to Vanessa, and she shares her first-hand memories of her attachments to these relics, often with family snaps.The items have been drawn from the collection of the Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation. There are earlier versions of finished models, sketches, restored models and others that have sadly near-perished over the years. I hope to visit the exhibition when travel plans allow, and this is a wonderful primer, prepping you on what’s in store.A lush bestiary of Dynamation’s fantastic beasts. Where to find them? Scotland. And here’s your guide book, complete with personal photos and anecdotes that are as animated as the monsters on screen.