In the words of Walt Disney, "Animation can explain whatever the mind of man can conceive." Part biography, part history, part artistic commentary, this volume looks at several major figures in the field of animation and discusses how their contributions to the art of animation have affected the course of the industry--and in many cases, had a direct effect on popular culture as a whole. These gifted artists are divided into several classifications: Idealists (Art Babbitt, John Hubley); Mavericks (John Kricfalusi, Terry Gilliam); Technicians (the Fleischer Brothers); Influences (Frank Tashlin, Matt Groening, Ray Harryhausen, Ed Benedict); Trailblazers (Lotte Rieniger, Lillian Friedman); Teller of Tales (Henry Selick); Teachers (George Newall, Tom Yohe, the FMPU); and Storytellers (Joe Grant, Bill Scott, Michael Maltese). Each animator is represented by a list of his or her key films and awards.