The Illusion of Life Disney Animation SIGNED Limited Edition Frank & Ollie 1st For Sale

Signed, Numbered, First Hyperion Edition, slipcase, Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnston.THE ILLUSION OF LIFE: Disney Animation
Frank Thomas & Ollie Johnston
First Hyperion Edition — Signed & Numbered Limited Edition #410 of 3,500WHAT YOU ARE offerDING ONThis is the holy grail of Disney animation reference books — the First Hyperion Edition of The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston, two of Walt Disney’s legendary “Nine Old Men.” This is the rare signed and numbered limited edition, copy #410 of only 3,500 produced worldwide. Both authors have since passed — Frank Thomas in 2004, Ollie Johnston in 2008 — making signed copies permanently finite. No more will ever exist.THE SIGNATURESThe book contains the stunning tipped-in folding signature sheet unique to this limited edition — a full-spread featuring photographic portraits of both Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston surrounded by their original character sketches, with each author’s original ink signature below his portrait. This is not a bookplate. This is not a sticker. This is an intentionally designed, beautifully executed signature presentation bound directly into the book.CONDITION — BOOKThe book itself is in mint/near mint condition. The burgundy cloth covers are exceptional, with the gilt Pinocchio animation sequence embossed on the front board crisp and fully intact. The spine gilting is sharp and unfaded. The ribbon bookmark is present. Interior pages are pristine — bright white, no foxing, no tanning, no markings of any kind. The limitation page clearly shows No. 410 in period ink. Both signature pages are flawless.CONDITION — SLIPCASEThe slipcase requires honest disclosure, and I believe in full transparency.The front of the slipcase — featuring the iconic Pinocchio/Geppetto window illustration — is in excellent condition and displays beautifully.The back panel of the slipcase shows wear consistent with storage and handling over its 30-year life. Specifically: there are visible surface scuffs and light scratches across the back cloth, faint crease lines in the fabric, and light general discoloration on the back panel in a couple of spots. At the bottom corner near the ribbon bookmark tail there is minor cloth separation with a small amount of fraying. This is cosmetic wear to the back of the slipcase only — the structural integrity of the slipcase is fully sound and the book is held securely.For a book displayed spine-out on a shelf, as most copies of this edition are, the back panel wear is completely invisible. Photos of all damage areas are included in this listing — what you see is exactly what you get, nothing hidden.WHAT MAKES THIS EDITION SPECIAL • One of only 3,500 signed/numbered copies ever produced
• Signatures of both authors on the beautifully designed tipped-in portrait sheet
• 575 pages with approximately 500 full-color illustrations and thousands of black-and-white drawings
• Covers the complete history of Disney animation and the famous 12 Principles of Animation
• Printed in Italy on premium stock
• First Hyperion Edition (1995) — distinct from the earlier Abbeville Press editionsSHIPPINGThis book is large, heavy, and irreplaceable. It will be packed with obsessive care in a double-walled box with ample padding. Fully insured for the sale price. Signature confirmation required on delivery. I do not cut corners on shipping collectibles of this caliber.QUESTIONSAsk anything before offerding. I will answer promptly and honestly. Additional photos of any specific area available on request.