Terrytoons: The Story of Paul Terry and His Classic Cartoon Factory

The book is an extremely detailed and well-researched account of the life and film legacy of cartoon animation-pioneer Paul Terry. Creator of Farmer Alfalfa, Heckle & Jeckle, and Mighty Mouse. An incredible wealth of fascinating information about the Terrytoons Studio. The studio that has long been ignored and dismissed by film historians. From the early years of the twentieth century to mid twentieth century, Terry produced thousands of theatrical cartoons that were incredibly popular with audiences (despite the scorn of critics). His films were not as artistic as Disney or other studios, but he was a survivor. When television arrived, he recognized the value of his backlog of films and also realized TV would soon put an end to the theatrical cartoon market. So, he sold his films and the cartoon studio to CBS for 3.5 million dollars in 1955. Making him the shrewdest of all the other animation pioneers.

I would have given this book 4 or even 5 stars if the book wasn't so difficult to read. The book is only 6x9, but every page has not one, not two, but three slim columns that are about an inch-and-a-half.Although it's usually not a problem in books, this one has a problem of possibly being too thorough and choppy. Pages and pages of each chapter are devoted to footnotes, and it takes to chapter 3 to finally get to Paul Terry's birth. The text itself reads like little newsbites and comes across as somewhat incohesive.That being said, the book DOES have much information not found elsewhere, and is really the only book of its kind on the subject. It's just a shame that Hamonic didn't use a co-author or editor to help him get it into a more readable style.

Any serious student of animation history will be over the moon when they discover this long-awaited, well researched gem - I know I was. There's a burning desire for students and scholars to learn more.Which is exactly why, as has been pointed out in another review, that the decision to format this book in the way they have is SO mind bogglingly befuddling! Why? Why? Why?!All the joy and excitement and interest are immediately squashed upon opening and attempting to navigate the text. Quite simply, it's un-readable.I can't imagine the thought process of anyone passing off on this format. There has to be a logical reason, I'm just at a loss as to what it was. Would have been better as a book on tape (seriously)!So, buyer beware - wish I'd been warned.

A good book overall.It starts and stops whenever he breaks the narrative with a biography but once you get used to it, it's ok. Very in-depth research. Was interesting to read the additional histories of all the artists along the way.Not a big fan of the three column per page layout. Would have liked to have seen more artwork.A good read.

Book came as described......in very poor conttition....which is why I bought it....the content is of great interest of most animation history buffs

excellent biography, very entertaining and well written. Paul Terry and his Terrytoons deserved this book!

An unparalleled and thoroughly detailed exploration of Mr. Terry in all his facets. Meticulously researched and well written, Mr. Hamonic here fills a lacuna in the early history of animation, drawing on a wealth of information that spans innumerable sources. A definite must-have for the library of anyone with a serious interest in Paul Terry or the history of film animation in the first half of the 20th century.

Terry-toons is an amazingly thorough biography of Paul Terry as well as a detailed history of the Terrytoons studio. The level of references and documentation is fantastic!Everything you ever wanted to know about Terry and his animation is right here in one volume. I just wish that this were available as a larger-format hardcover; I would likely purchase that as well if the publisher produces one in future.