The History of Animation
From Disney, to anime, to the Czech New Wave-
This is my favorite subject, and I'll be adding books as I discover them. Some of these are a pain in the ass to get your hands on, but no pricetag can stop me.
created by ThePageWizard
last updated June, 2026
Comments
What an amazing list! I can't believe I didn't know there was a book about Lotte Reiniger because of course there is! Have you seen the documentary about her that Katja Raganelli made in the 90s?
Another book you may want to add if you're taking recs is The Art and Flair of Mary Blair. I've been dying to get my hands on a copy of that one, and she was such an important part of animation history at Disney. Love her work 😩
I haven't! I've seen the short film of her displaying her animation process, but I didn't know she had a documentary.
And you're so right about needing Mary Blair's book; it's on my list of the many expensive books I need that I have zero space for. I have bought a children's book based on her life as a gift for a 3-year old, but that's about it. There's so many I need on this list, but damn these books ain't cheap.
I was also eager to track down a copy and the Walt Disney Family Museum sells it new, at list price, so don't fall for expensive resellers or amazon!
oh, this looks so cool! thank you for compiling!
Hopefully I can infect everyone with the animation disease 🧙♂️
THIS IS SUCH A COOL LIST!!
Ooo I love this list! Have you read The Lady from the Black Lagoon by Mallory O'Meara? Based on this list, I think you'd really like it! link to book
Need to add Birth of an Industry by Nicholas Sammond!
