Autographed Limited-Edition Book: Hand-Signed by Disney Animators Frank Thomas & Ollie Johnston
This entry showcases a primary-source masterpiece of animation art, cinematic history, and Disney heritage: an original hand-signed, limited-edition copy of The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation, authored and autographed by two of Walt Disney’s legendary "Nine Old Men," master animators Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston. Published in a special deluxe edition by Hyperion, this numbered volume stands as the definitive bible of traditional hand-drawn character animation.
Hired by Walt Disney Studios in the mid-1930s, Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston spent over four decades shaping the golden age of American animation. As key members of the inner circle dubbed "The Nine Old Men," the duo animated timeless characters across milestone features including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, Bambi, Cinderella, Peter Pan, Lady and the Tramp, and The Jungle Book. Their landmark book The Illusion of Life codifies the twelve basic principles of animation that remain foundational to animators worldwide.
Bound in a burgundy cloth cover with gold-foil stamped Pinocchio marionette graphics, this deluxe edition is housed in its original matching cloth clamshell slipcase featuring Geppetto painting Pinocchio. Inside the preliminary pages, dedicated signature spreads feature printed pencil character sketches surrounding photographic portraits of the two animation legends.
Positioned beneath his portrait and character sketches, Ollie Johnston has rendered a bold signature in green marker ("Ollie Johnston"), while Frank Thomas has signed in black ink ("Frank Thomas") on his corresponding page. The limitation page confirms this volume is individually hand-numbered 1410 from a limited edition of 3,500 copies. Preserved in pristine condition with its original clamshell case, this double-signed book serves as an essential centerpiece for Disney collectors, animation scholars, and film history archivists.
Book & Presentation Specifications
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SPECIAL HYPERION LIMITED EDITION: Individually hand-numbered 1410 from an edition of 3,500 copies; specially bound in burgundy cloth.
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DELUXE CLAMSHELL SLIPCASE: Includes original matching burgundy cloth slipcase featuring gold-foil titles and a full-color Pinocchio inset graphic.
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PRISTINE DISPLAY CONDITION: Preserved in fine condition with crisp binding, clean cloth covers, and flawless interior pages.
Autograph Specifications & Provenance
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HAND-SIGNED BY THOMAS & JOHNSTON: Authentically autographed on internal signature pages by Disney legends Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston.
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OFFICIAL DISNEY AUTHOR ISSUE: Created and issued as an official hand-signed limited-edition program authorized by Disney and Hyperion.
