Here is the long overdue first biographical reference and first book of its kind to chronicle the amazing careers of nearly 300 of animation's most honored and recognized animator-directors and animator-producers from around the world. Publication coincides with the 100th anniversary celebration of the very first American animated cartoon, Humorous Phases of Funny Faces, released on April 16, 1906. From Max Fleischer (Betty Boop, Popeye) to Brad Bird (The Simpsons, The Incredibles), Ralph Bakshi (Fritz the Cat) to Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away), they are all here. With more than 70 never-before published photos and illustrations, including a full-color section of animation art, culled from private collections and many animators' personal collections, this book is an invaluable guide to the people who have shaped cinematic and television animation for decades to come.

The seven-time Oscar-winning team of William Hanna and Joseph Barbera created or produced some of film and television's most beloved cartoon characters, including Tom and Jerry, the Flintstones, Yogi Bear, Jonny Quest, the Jetsons, and Scooby-Doo. They also pioneered and revolutionized television animation with a less-expensive style of animation that allowed them to produce the hundreds of memorable cartoon series still shown today around the globe. Through the 1960s and 1970s, Hanna-Barbera was a top producer of television animation, and the team also produced numerous animated features and television movies. The 50-year partnership between William Hanna and Joseph Barbera resulted in the creation of some of the most memorable and popular characters in 20th-century animation and pop culture. Readers will gain an understanding of how this multiple award-winning team worked together to become animation legends.