Tex Avery

France: Demons & Merveilles, 1993. First Edition. This is animator Preston Blair's own copy signed and inscribed by the author, Pierre Lambert on the half title: "For Preston Blair, I am very happy to give you a copy of the Avery book. In my book, I explain that Tex Avery was very lucky to meet you because you are the 1st Avery animator and a great artist. I will be happy to meet you in the future. A French fan, Best regards, Pierre Lambert, February 10th, 1994." Text in French. Oversize, 13 1/4” x 10”, 224 pages. Lavishly illustrated throughout in full-color with production drawings, cels, background paintings, model sheets, and photographs. This art book chronicles the animated films directed by Fred "Tex" Avery during his glorious years at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer from 1942 to 1955. Fine copy in a fine bright dust jacket. Preston Blair (1908 - 1995) began his career in animation with Walter Lantz and Charles Mintz in the 1930s before joining the Walt Disney Studio later in that decade. He animated characters for Fantasia (notably Mickey Mouse and Hyacinth Hippo) and also worked on Pinocchio (1940) and Bambi (1942). He left Disney for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer after the 1941 strike. There he joined Fred "Tex" Avery's unit. He is famed for his animation of the sexy nightclub star Red in six of Tex Avery's M-G-M cartoons. In the 1960s he animated at Hanna-Barbera on The Flintstones and in subsequent years was involved in the development and production of animated films and commercials. In addition, Mr. Blair authored a number of art and animation instruction books published by Walter T. Foster. This book is from Preston Blair's estate and includes a certificate of authenticity.