A comprehensive and authoritative history of Japanese anime, from cartoons of the 1920s and 30s to the present day international success of filmmakers such as Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli.

This comprehensive history of Japanese animation draws on Japanese primary sources and testimony from industry professionals to explore the production and reception of anime, from its early faltering steps, to the international successes of Spirited Away and Pokémon.

"This study is authoritative and detailed, and will be essential reading for anime fans and scholars alike." - The Guardian

"Historian Jonathan Clements traces the evolution of anime by exploring the history of its production and reception over the past 100 years, identifying periods in which cultural and technological developments ushered in new ways of thinking about the basic concept of 'moving pictures.'" - The Japan Times

"…a fascinating read." - The New York Times

"Anime: A History questions the stories we think we know of anime's rises and falls, its heroes and breakthroughs." - Manga UK

"One of the most important and comprehensive books on anime ever written for the western market." - Neo Magazine