"They Thought it was a Marvel"

This compelling investigation into animation's murky origins challenges conventional narratives about who truly invented the moving picture art form. Tjitte de Vries meticulously examines the competing claims between France and the United States, questioning whether the pivotal breakthrough occurred in 1906 or 1908, presenting readers with a historical mystery that reshapes our understanding of early cinema history. The book dives deep into archival evidence and competing national narratives that have long clouded the true story of animation's emergence as a distinct visual medium.

What makes this work stand out is its refusal to accept simplified origin stories, instead treating the birth of animated film as a complex international phenomenon with multiple contributors. Animation enthusiasts and film history buffs will appreciate how de Vries transforms what could be dry academic debate into a gripping detective story about technological innovation and cultural memory. The book ultimately reveals how national pride and historical preservation have shaped—and sometimes distorted—our collective understanding of this revolutionary art form's true beginnings.