This text discusses the contribution of animation to American history and culture. The author stresses that animation is a broader concept than simply that of "cartoon" and analyzes both its specific qualities and the way in which these films can reflect and comment upon the times in which they were made. The book does not follow a "studio" focused approach; instead its discussion of issues is placed in a socio-political context and ranges chronologically from the pioneering works that preceded Disney to the contemporary animation of "The Simpsons", "Toy Story", "Chicken Run", "Dinosaur" and "The Mummy Returns".