Reference Manual, published 2003. Pinnacle Edition is the most powerful and feature rich PC based video editing and DVD authoring solution available (manufacturer).

Instant Maya 4 is now available for retail purchase. Can’t keep track of the documentation you received with your commercial copy of Maya Complete or Maya Unlimited? Now you can pick up an extra copy of the perfect documentation manual to help support your learning process. This book is an excellent resource to have on your bookshelf if you are Maya user.

With this book you will explore:
Polygonal Modeling
NURBS Modeling
Subdivision Surfaces
Animation
Character Set-up
Rendering
Dynamics
Painting
Expressions
MEL

The expert author team, all members of the Java development group, demonstrate how to build web sites using several cool Java applets. All Java applets in the book will be found on the CD-ROM, ready to plug into a home page

Due to the technical nature and mathematical complexities involved in creating realistic effects, digital effects have traditionally been in the hands of high powered computers and progammers. With the continued evolution of powerful graphics software, however, non programmers and designers can create exciting commercial quality digital effects. This book provides insights into both the technical and aesthetic challenges of creating awesome digital effects. By using example animations and breaking down the various steps involved in their creation, the author provides the problem solving skills and techniques needed to create your own stunning effects. There are a variety of software programs available for digital animation creation and readers can apply the skills they learn here to most of these programs. The example program used throughout the book, however, will be Maya. Maya is one of the most complete, production ready programs available, and its open architecture allows artists and programmers to add functions easily.

Learning to use every aspect of Alias Wavefront’s Maya can be challenging. Maya is a powerful, complex tool, but some artists devote themselves to using only one or two features, like modeling, particle animation, lighting, or animation. The authors of Mastering Maya Complete 2 have tried to cover every aspect of the program within this book, and the result is a balanced overview of the entire program that lays a solid foundation for anyone climbing the Maya learning curve.
The book contains six major sections: fundamentals, modeling, animation, Maya’s scripting language, rendering, and advanced Maya effects. Individual chapters delve into the details of Maya’s feature set, mostly with tutorials demonstrating their use. Sidebar tips appear on almost every page, and the authors have made liberal use of screen shots.

The opening chapter sets the tone for this voluminous book as an introductory tutorial to building a complete scene. A simple model is created and textured, lights are added, and the model becomes animated and rendered. While this section isn’t heavy on detail, the project is complete and offers a whole overview of the Maya project cycle. The rest of the book covers features like the modeling tools, animation tools, and advanced effects in greater depth.

Although the application and subject are technical by nature, Mastering Maya Complete 2 is clear and concise. Each chapter is a set of tutorials that demonstrate specific features, and new users of Maya should have no trouble following the book while working with the program. –Mike Caputo

Digital Character Animation 2, Volume I: Essential Techniques [Paperback].

This “art” book on digital animation with 3D tools will have a long shelf life as it focuses on concepts and techniques rather than specific tools. Using terrific examples, Maestri covers animating bodies, hands, faces, and heads; posing; and walking. Highly recommended.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Adeline Yen Mah:
Watching the tree
Falling Leaves

Sue Townsend:
Adrian Mole and the Weapon of Mass Destruction

Anita Shreve:
Light on Snow

Interested party will have to pay for delivery but that’s all.