This September, Stone Bridge Press will publish the Anime Encyclopedia: A Guide to Japanese Animation Since 1917, the most complete reference book of its kind in any language, including Japanese.  Authors Helen McCarthy, former editor of Anime UK, and Jonathan Clements, former editor of Manga Max, profile some 2,000 animated films and television series in this 592-page volume.  Each entry includes titles in Japanese and English, key personnel, a critical commentary, running times, parental guidelines, sex/violence ratings, and cross references.  This trade paperback edition of the Anime Encyclopedia will retail for $24.95, a relatively modest price considering its size and scope.

 

Protoculture Addicts' recently published Anime: A Guide to Japanese Animation (1958-1988) is an invaluable reference work, but unfortunately the book does not cover post-1988 anime.  The Stonebridge Press volume has the advantage of chronicling the past dozen years, which have been a very fertile period in the world of anime.  The Anime Encyclopedia is a crucial reference title that every retailer who sells anime should endeavor to keep in stock through the holiday season and beyond.  The Anime Encyclopedia will be solicited in the August Previews and the September edition of FM International's Request Line.