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Rating: 
Summary: I hate bad textbooks
Review: I am using this textbook in a Computer Animation course I am taking. During the course of most of the assignments, I found myself asking "is equation X correct?" It turned out that I was making a subtle mistake, but having to wonder about whether or not there is a mistake in the book is the problem. For example, if the book had made some attempt to explain the equation or where it came from, I might have asked, "What did I do wrong, because it's obvious the equation is correct."This book isn't all bad, though. It does contain lots of useful information. It is perhaps a decent reference book, but I didn't find it very useful for learning the concepts.
Rating:
Summary: I hate bad textbooks
Review: I am using this textbook in a Computer Animation course I am taking. During the course of most of the assignments, I found myself asking "is equation X correct?" It turned out that I was making a subtle mistake, but having to wonder about whether or not there is a mistake in the book is the problem. For example, if the book had made some attempt to explain the equation or where it came from, I might have asked, "What did I do wrong, because it's obvious the equation is correct." This book isn't all bad, though. It does contain lots of useful information. It is perhaps a decent reference book, but I didn't find it very useful for learning the concepts.
Rating:
Summary: I hate bad textbooks
Review: I am using this textbook in a Computer Animation course I am taking. During the course of most of the assignments, I found myself asking "is equation X correct?" It turned out that I was making a subtle mistake, but having to wonder about whether or not there is a mistake in the book is the problem. For example, if the book had made some attempt to explain the equation or where it came from, I might have asked, "What did I do wrong, because it's obvious the equation is correct." This book isn't all bad, though. It does contain lots of useful information. It is perhaps a decent reference book, but I didn't find it very useful for learning the concepts.
Rating: 
Summary: Deft Introduction to Animation
Review: I'll tip my hand--I'm also a student of the author.
That said, there are some objectively excellent qualities to this book. For starters, the book is undeniably thorough. It includes a brief history of the genre of computer animation (a welcome touch) and a chapter on background information usually covered in any introductory graphics course.
The math used in the book is considerable, and some students will probably find themselves overwhelmed with calculus and linear algebra. (If so, graphics may not be the field for you!) As a courtesy, Dr Parent included appendices with background mathematics and physics which will help fill in the gaps and calm some of the more distraught readers. Code is also provided inline as an assist to the student, which may clarify some of the math involved. (A trifling complaint is that the code is not object-oriented.)
Readers who do not have a math background needn't worry if they are not planning on implementing any of the algorithms described in the book. The math is provided as necessary for implementation purposes. Students who do plan on implementing the algorithms would do well to have taken a numerical methods course; some knowledge of linear algebra and calculus is necessary as well.
On the whole, this book is an excellent introduction to many animation techniques and algorithms. Many of them are complex and will require a lot of effort to understand and implement, so students should be prepared to spend a bit of time going through it. They'll be happy to find that the book is laid out well and very readable.
And references are provided at the end of every chapter--there's plenty of material for students who are looking for more detailed information about any of the topics.
Rating: 
Summary: Cool stuffs inside!
Review: This book discusses various interesting topics in 3D computer animation, most importantly, in terms of programming algorithms. It reveals some secrets behind this state-of-art industry!
Rating:
Summary: Cool stuffs inside!
Review: This book discusses various interesting topics in 3D computer animation, most importantly, in terms of programming algorithms. It reveals some secrets behind this state-of-art industry!
Rating:
Summary: Broad overview with excellent clarity and depth
Review: This book serves as an excellent guide to the technical and aesthetic challenges within the large field of computer animation. The greatest strength is the author's ability to compress an extensive amount of information into core equations and knowledge. Each chapter imparts a mastery of basic concepts and an introduction to more advanced areas of study. Also of note are the extensive, quality references listed at the conclusion of each chapter. The author's experience in the field of computer graphics (dating back to the birth of the field in the late 1960's) shines through in the high quality and candid nature of his exposition. Although I'm a little biased because of being taught by the author, I have no hesitation in recommending this text to students and professionals who desire a broad and technical look at the field of computer animation.
Rating:
Summary: Broad overview with excellent clarity and depth
Review: This book serves as an excellent guide to the technical and aesthetic challenges within the large field of computer animation. The greatest strength is the author's ability to compress an extensive amount of information into core equations and knowledge. Each chapter imparts a mastery of basic concepts and an introduction to more advanced areas of study. Also of note are the extensive, quality references listed at the conclusion of each chapter. The author's experience in the field of computer graphics (dating back to the birth of the field in the late 1960's) shines through in the high quality and candid nature of his exposition. Although I'm a little biased because of being taught by the author, I have no hesitation in recommending this text to students and professionals who desire a broad and technical look at the field of computer animation.
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