Bigger and Better: Revised Editions of “Magoo” and “Rankin-Bass”

Just in time for the holidays… I’ve received hard cover revised editions of two essential animation books. Both were must-have’s in their original printings. Now both are even better.

First up, animator Darrell Van Citters has added 40 more pages to his labor of love, Mister Magoo’s Christmas Carol: The Making of The First Animated Christmas Special. I first raved about this book back in 2009. This new edition comes in a slipcover, and is a limited edition of 250 copies (I hear he’s got less than 100 left – order it now!). Darrell has expanded every section, with additional text incorporating research he uncovered while writing his companion blog; more rare artwork, recently unearthed; and revised layouts making this a richer experience. Literally the final word on the subject – Van Citters’ Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol Commemorative 50th Anniversary Edition is a must for all UPA fans and vintage TV buffs.

Rick Goldschmidt – the Rankin-Bass expert-of-experts – has gone overboard (in a good way) by expanding his already essential 176-page 1997 labor-of-love, The Enchanted World of Rankin-Bass, into a monster 296-page (120 additional pages!) limited edition. This 15th Anniversary Edition is for anyone who worships at the altar of Rudolf, Frosty and Mad Monster Party. It contains 84 new color pages of rare photos and artwork, including original concept sketches and storyboard artwork – and beautiful tribute pieces by Bruce Timm, Mike Fontenelli, Patrick Owsley, Mark Christiansen, Matt Pott and others. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Order it now!