John W. Dower Books

Want to be the next Andy Serkis as Gollum in Lord of the Rings ? Or Zoe Saldana in Avatar ? How about Seth MacFarlane in Ted ? Or do you want to star in video games such as Fortnite, Call of Duty or Halo ?If so, this book will tell you everything you need to know about acting for motion capture.This is the first book to provide an invaluable resource for the education of the next generation of performers in this exciting medium. Over the last 10 years, a revolution has occurred in digital production - video games have overtaken the film and TV industries in terms of production and revenues. Many video games derive their digital animation from human performance by means of motion and performance capture. Actors such as Andy Serkis and Troy Baker have won critical acclaim for their digital performance in games and film.The book includes contributions from practitioners working across the globe, actor Kezia Burrows; software developer Stéphane Dalbera; director Kate Saxon; a group of Japanese games directors; Jeremy Meunier, Head of Motion Capture at Moov studios, Montreal; Marc Morisseau, motion editor for Avatar ; and a Chinese Motion Capture suit manufacturer.

The book offers a comprehensive history of the American occupation of Japan, highlighting its profound impact on Japanese society over six years. It explores the complex interactions between the occupying forces and the Japanese people, revealing unexpected consequences for both sides. Dower's extensive research is complemented by striking documentary photographs, providing a nuanced perspective on the era, from high-level decisions regarding Emperor Hirohito to the everyday experiences of individuals across the social spectrum.

Focusing on Japanese perceptions of the United States, the book explores pivotal moments in their relationship, such as the impact of Hiroshima and the American occupation. It delves into how these events shaped Japanese lives and memories, providing a compelling examination of the complex historical narrative between the two nations. Through this lens, it reveals the intricate ways in which this shared history continues to influence contemporary views and sentiments.

Drawing on a range of sources, from manga comics to MacArthur's report to Congress, this work traces the impact of defeat and reconstruction on different aspects of Japan's national life. schovat popis

"'The Violent American Century' addresses the U.S.-led transformation in war military strategy and war making that followed 1945. World War II marked the apogee of industrialized 'total war.' Great powers savaged one another. Hostilities engulfed the globe. Mobilization extended to virtually every sector of every nation. Air war, including the terror bombing of civilians, emerged as a central strategy of the victorious Anglo-American powers. The devastation was catastrophic almost everywhere, with the notable exception of the United States, which exited the strife unscathed and unmatched in power and influence. The death toll of fighting forces plus civilians worldwide was staggering. 'The Violent American Century' addresses the U.S.-led transformations in war conduct and strategizing that followed 1945--beginning with brutal localized hostilities, proxy wars, and the nuclear terror of the Cold War, and ending with the asymmetrical conflicts of the present day. The military playbook now meshes brute force with a focus on non-state terrorism, counterinsurgency, clandestine operations, a vast web of overseas American military bases, and--most touted of all--a revolutionary new era of computerized 'precision' warfare. By contrast to World War II, postwar death and destruction has been comparatively small. By any other measure, it has been appalling--and shows no sign of abating. The winner of numerous national prizes for his historical writings, including the Pulitzer and the National Book Award, Dower draws heavily on hard data and internal U.S. planning and pronouncements in this concise analysis of war and terror in our time. In doing so, he places U.S. policy and practice firmly within the broader context of global mayhem, havoc, and slaughter since World War II--always with bottom-line attentiveness to the human costs of this legacy of unceasing violence"-- Publisher's description

Focusing on the brutality of World War II in the Pacific, the author examines the conflict from both Japanese and American perspectives in a critically acclaimed work. His exploration continues with an analysis of Japan's post-war recovery, highlighting the challenges faced by the nation under U.S.-led occupation. Both books reveal the complex dynamics of war and its aftermath, showcasing the historian's deep insights into the human experience during and after conflict.