The Art of Three-Dimensional Computer Animation, Rendering, and Modeling

This is a Book that will teach you 3d, From origin to cool timelines. basic concepts and goes advanced from there HOWEVER there is a new version coming out. the 3rd edition will be out later this year. Maybe you want to wait for that one since it will be completley updated :) It is Teaching me much, as other's Have said it is not a tutorial book. But I personally think if you want to actually Learn 3d animation you have to know the Concepts not just How to Follow Directions. Also A little Side note learn how to draw if you don't yet. If this is your dream arm yourself with every aspect of it. Traditional and 3d. It Can't possible hurt to know as much as you Can. Good Luck.Jennifer

You want one book that will teach you every concept in 3D? This is the book. Well written, Good diagrams. Just get this book, already!

Mr. Kerlow has written an excellent fundamentals book that hits the target for beginners who are trying to get a grasp of the scope of CG and a great reference book for veterans as well. The book takes the big picture view of the field and gives great examples of technique and theory as well as the down and dirty uses in the field. If you are starting out in CG, a seasoned veteran or just curious about the field of digital animation this is the first book to purchase.

I am a complete novice to high-end 3D imaging (previous experience - Web3D, Bryce) but after this book don't feel myself as such anymore. Not good if you need a crash course on some software package but for fundamental understanding of general and advanced concepts it is something incredible no less. Being myself a person who prefer to learn software by trying and playing with it rather then by reading books i found it very frustrating when i wanted to do the same with some advanced 3D tools (Lightwave to be exact). After this book i feel that i got enough understanding of the 3D fundamentals to learn any package. At least i know where to begin now. Software-independent approach did not prevent this book from having many examples from the real world packages so a lot of the information is easily applicable but the insider understanding you get of many many aspects involved in 3D art process is what truly invaluable. Finally, all that jargon mambo-jumbo explained!

This book is includes excellent resources for the advanced as well as the lower intermediate user. If you already have some knowledge of 3D terminology this book will greatly expand on it. A lot of valuable information written by someone who knows how a student thinks.