This book is a must for anyone interested in animation history, because it focuses primarily on Hollywood cartoons produced during the years surrounding World War II. All the major studios, from Disney to Warners produced animated cartoons that in some way or another touched on the European conflict, and stepped up production when the war approached their native soil.

The cartoons would often be morale boosters for those who had family fighting the war, and topical humor would be found in cartoons poking fun at Hitler, Mussolini and Hirohito, although many would also make light of situations on the home front - women in the work force, rationing, war bonds, etc.

Complete essays discussing different periods of WWII give examples of the rise of wartime references and their eventual disappearance when the war ended. A very thorough list of cartoons is featured with plot summaries and notes of what type of topical references appear in the films.

Reading this book gives one a surprising look at the social impact of cartoons produced during these years, and since many of these cartoons contain what are considered nowadays racial caricatures, it is certain to make you look at cartoon animation in a whole different perspective from much of the tripe that passes for animation today. If you own books by Leonard Maltin or Jerry Beck, this is a perfect companion.

Early one morning at the start of WWII, the disney household received a phone call that 700 army troops had set up camp at the studio to protect the nearby airfield. The war hurt the disney company due to the deep financial losses in overseas theatrical releases of their films. Despite these issues that could have caused resentment of the wars interference in Disney growth and success, the company dove in to do their part to support the war effort. Whether it was in producing great war time propaganda comedy shorts such as "Der Fuhreres Face", or forward looking inspiration like "Victory Through Airpower", or animated shorts that promoted war bonds, the studio worked overtime to use their talents in a very unique way. But one of the most personal efforts they produced was the creation of artistic logos using the hundreds of animation characters in the Disney stable, so that armoured units, air wings and squadrons, individual planes, and infantry units could all use their animated heroes in their design. This book chronicles the war effort by the studio, the tremendous cost the war had on the studio and setback on their growth, as well as reproducing the actual desings in page after page of color photos. A wonderful book for the disneyphile, OR for those that are interested in unit design artwork from planes, etc. from WWII.

Your book is intersting but contradictory to the bagua locations that Karen Carter and Lillian Too wrote. In fact the direction patterns are confusing the bagua locations are not clear. Is the placing of the bagua orientted to the entry from the front door like what Carter is saying or is it based on the compass directions of how your apartment is located. Your book mostly apply for a residential place and not to an apartment setting like the one that I have.

After reading Webster's book on feng shui tips for the home and seeing how well things worked, I bought this book. It really explains things thoroughly. After reading it, I had a very good understanding of feng shui and we really use it to bring us most positive results. The two books really compliment each other. Webster really knows the art and as important, knows how to convey this knowledge. Its a good buy!

An absolutely wonderful book full of useful information. The author has put together an easily read text with practical advice. Not confusing like most feng shui books. It is THE best beginner's book on this subject that I have found. Once you have assimilated the basics, then you can go on to the more detailed tomes.