The Anime Encyclopedia

The Anime Encyclopedia 

By Jonathan Clements & Helen McCarthy

(Stone Bridge Press)  ISBN 1-84576-500-1

Although a bit of a reach for this particular forum, I thought I’d put in my tuppence-worth in regard to this splendid reference tome that thudded onto my doormat yesterday.

This is a revised and expanded edition of a very useful thing: a comprehensive, informative and passionate lexicon of all things to do with Japanese cartoons. If you’re a new convert, an expert, a nostalgic dabbler (Yay, Marine Boy!) or even a curmudgeon who thinks he has no interest, this is the book for you.

Subtitled ‘A Guide to Japanese Animation since 1917’, this hefty (nearly 900 pages) paperback covers film and television features, providing technical details and a synoptic overview of everything from A15 Anthology to Zorro the Magnificent with thematic entries, a huge index, 150+ illustrations, and screen captures culled from the more than 3,000 reviews. Separate listings of studios, creators and anime history are included. And there’s even a parental advisory for each entry — to prevent any surprise or misunderstandings when Gran visits!

Thoroughly readable, this work glows with the writers’ enthusiasm, making it a pleasure to consult. My review copy went straight to my reference shelf and yours should go next to your TV/home entertainment system.

Text © 2006 Muramasa Industries Ltd. & Helen McCarthy.
Original illustrations © 2006 Steve Kyte.