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Ray Harryhausen: Titan of Cinema
100 objects selected by the animator Ray Harryhausen's daughter - packed with personal stories that have never previously been heard or published.
A fascinating examination of the work of the pioneer of the special effects that we see in modern cinema Contributions from experts in the field and in conjunction with the Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation.
A broad readership drawn from those who appreciate art, film, science fiction and fantasy.
Tells the story of the man who changed the face of modern cinema - the pioneer of stop-motion animation Steven Speilberg and Tom Hanks are among his legion of fans Entries often include earlier versions of finished models and sketches of scenes that illustrate how Harryhausen worked and developed his models.
Accompanies a major exhibition at the National Galleries of Scotland from May -September 2020.
Special effects superstar Ray Harryhausen elevated stop-motion animation to an art during the 1950s to 1980s. With material drawn from his incredible archive, his daughter, Vanessa, selects 100 creatures and objects that meant the most to her as she watched her father make world-famous films that changed the course of cinema. The book includes many newly restored works and items that have never previously been seen. In addition to Vanessa's reflections, many of those who worked with Harryhausen or were inspired by him add their own memories and comments. Ray Harryhausen's work included the films Jason and the Argonauts, the Sinbad films of the '50s and '70s, One Million Years BC and Mighty Joe Young, and a wider portfolio including children's fairy tales and commercials. He also inspired a generation of film-makers such as Peter Jackson, Tim Burton, George Lucas, and Steven Spielberg, and his influence on blockbuster cinema can be felt to this day.
A fascinating examination of the work of the pioneer of the special effects that we see in modern cinema Contributions from experts in the field and in conjunction with the Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation.
A broad readership drawn from those who appreciate art, film, science fiction and fantasy.
Tells the story of the man who changed the face of modern cinema - the pioneer of stop-motion animation Steven Speilberg and Tom Hanks are among his legion of fans Entries often include earlier versions of finished models and sketches of scenes that illustrate how Harryhausen worked and developed his models.
Accompanies a major exhibition at the National Galleries of Scotland from May -September 2020.
Special effects superstar Ray Harryhausen elevated stop-motion animation to an art during the 1950s to 1980s. With material drawn from his incredible archive, his daughter, Vanessa, selects 100 creatures and objects that meant the most to her as she watched her father make world-famous films that changed the course of cinema. The book includes many newly restored works and items that have never previously been seen. In addition to Vanessa's reflections, many of those who worked with Harryhausen or were inspired by him add their own memories and comments. Ray Harryhausen's work included the films Jason and the Argonauts, the Sinbad films of the '50s and '70s, One Million Years BC and Mighty Joe Young, and a wider portfolio including children's fairy tales and commercials. He also inspired a generation of film-makers such as Peter Jackson, Tim Burton, George Lucas, and Steven Spielberg, and his influence on blockbuster cinema can be felt to this day.
- GenresArtNonfiction
208 pages, Paperback
First published June 30, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 20, 2023
Gorgeous sumptuous book full of photographs and illustrations and quite one of the nicest books on Ray Harryhausen the master of special effects and friend to Ray Bradbury and others.
Written by his daughter it is full of information.
Highly recommended.
Written by his daughter it is full of information.
Highly recommended.
January 31, 2021
For someone who remains obsessed with the amazingly talented filmmaker - who I had the good fortune to meet in person in the early eighties - this is a wonderful tribute and walk back through the memories. I only wish I could journey to Scotland and visit the exhibition upon which this book is based in person. Enjoyable!
August 27, 2025
A beautiful album and tribute to a legend of cinema.
October 4, 2023
I’ve been dipping into this over the last couple of weeks after picking it up at an exhibition of work by the amazing Ray Harryhausen in Edinburgh last year.
Compiled by his daughter, Vanessa, 100 of Ray’s possessions have been chosen to show the breadth of his art, sculpture, movie work, interests, family and friends. It would be a love letter anyway, but from his daughter this truly shines through.
For me it brought back the wonder of that exhibition (and excitement of seeing some of the skeletons, obviously), but as a sometime illustrator I was also pleasantly surprised to see just how great an artist he was as well. AND that his daughter lives in Scotland, basically on a farm (probably puts our wee smallholding to shame…).
I loved the little asides from Vanessa, showing, I think, that she never quite got used to the fame of her dad (or the people who came to visit - although having Ray Bradbury as an ‘uncle’, and John Landis as a regular visitor, appeared to be the norm.
It’s made me want to watch all of his movies again in order (which I AM going to do).
Compiled by his daughter, Vanessa, 100 of Ray’s possessions have been chosen to show the breadth of his art, sculpture, movie work, interests, family and friends. It would be a love letter anyway, but from his daughter this truly shines through.
For me it brought back the wonder of that exhibition (and excitement of seeing some of the skeletons, obviously), but as a sometime illustrator I was also pleasantly surprised to see just how great an artist he was as well. AND that his daughter lives in Scotland, basically on a farm (probably puts our wee smallholding to shame…).
I loved the little asides from Vanessa, showing, I think, that she never quite got used to the fame of her dad (or the people who came to visit - although having Ray Bradbury as an ‘uncle’, and John Landis as a regular visitor, appeared to be the norm.
It’s made me want to watch all of his movies again in order (which I AM going to do).
January 3, 2022
I got this from the Ray Harryhausen exhibition at the National Gallery in Scotland. I travelled to Edinburgh specifically to go to the exhibition and it was fully worth it. This book brings together the highlights of Harryhausen's life and all of his creativity, including things that inspired him too. If you have any interest in Harryhausen or stop-motion, this is a crucial addition to your collection.
September 19, 2022
I have been a fan of Ray Harryhausen for decades. Whenever I saw a late night film on the telly with his name mentioned I had to watch it. His art in the stop-motion animation was astonishing to my young eyes and I love all the films he is associated with, especially the early black and white films. This is a fabulous book from Vanessa Harryhausen filled with so much info and images bringing back some wonderful memories. A total joy to read.
July 1, 2021
I attended a lecture by him at the BFI South bank many years ago.It was unforgettable, especially when he showed us the animated objects.This book,issued in conjunction with an exhibition of those artworks is to a great extent about these objects.
June 21, 2021
A must read for anyone that loves Ray Harryhausen and his creations.
December 27, 2022
A surprisingly intimate look at the man the myth the legend RH.
January 12, 2023
This is probably more accurately described as a memoir of Vanessa Harryhausen, but the pictures and the behind-the-scenes are cool.
March 7, 2023
I know Harryhausen is dead but I still cried when it got to the part when Vanessa mentions it.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews