The Anime Encyclopedia, 3rd Revised Edition: A Century of Japanese Animation

First published in 2001 by Jonathan Clements and Helen McCarthy, The Anime Encyclopedia was conceived as a comprehensive reference guide to a medium that was, at the time, rapidly transitioning from a niche subculture to a global phenomenon. The third revised edition serves as a massive update to this project, reflecting the seismic shifts in the industry through the early 2010s, including the rise of digital distribution and the international saturation of titles.

The design of the volume is rooted in the tradition of exhaustive academic cataloging, prioritizing utility and accessibility for both scholars and casual viewers. Clements and McCarthy aimed to balance historical context with critical analysis, creating a standard-setting text that documented thousands of films and series. Upon its release, the third edition was lauded by critics and the animation community for its rigorous scope and the authors' ability to navigate the complex, often ephemeral history of Japanese studios and creators.