When the book arrived I first thought that I had been sent the wrong one - the package seemed far too small. But the parcel did indeed contain the book I had ordered - much smaller than I had expected for a book with such a comprehensive sounding title (and large price tag).

The book is arranged alphabetically and offers a curious mixture of entries - some about films, some about effects artists and some about effects techniques.

The films chosen to be featured are an odd selection. Films such as the recent 'Mousehunt'are included whilst effects classics such as 'Gone with the Wind' (important for its Technicolor Matte Paintings) are not.

The technical descriptions are rather confusing, miss out much important information, are incorrect in some cases, and completely igonre some relatively important processes (Sodium Vapor Travelling Mattes, for example) altogether.

There is a smattering of black and white photographs.

The writing itself feels as if it is written by some kid from high school (although the biography at the back of the book assures us that the author has written a number of other earnest but unrelated sounding titles). I feel that this book has been written by a jobbing author who has spent a few months researching an unknown subject and written about it without any real understanding.

This is a pitty as I feel the subject deserves better.