This is a valuable addition to debates around the under-theorised subgenre of animated documentary. It traces the historical emergence of a graphic (and aural) vocabulary for this subgenre, dating from the early twentieth century within a variety of national and institutional contexts. It convincingly demonstrates the deep historical roots of the range of animation within newer online, interactive and immersive forms of documentary.

Craig Hight, Associate Professor in Creative Industries, University of Newcastle, Australia

A “tour de force” through the wide history of the animated documentary. This is the book I have been waiting for!

Gunnar Strøm, Professor emeritus, Volda University College, Norway and author of 'The Animated Documentary' (Animation Journal 2003)

Formenti's The Classical Animated Documentary and its Contemporary Evolution is an essential point of reference and is surely destined to be a seminal text for many years to come. For anyone wanting to understand animated documentary, Formenti's words guide the reader expertly through the often-uncharted realm of animated documentary, providing crisp insights regarding the history of the form, conceptual debates and stylistic evolution, as well as hinting at what the future may hold for animated documentary.

Chris Pallant, Reader in Screen Culture, Canterbury Christ Church University, UK

Formenti's research is extensive and she captures the evolution of how the animated documentary has developed in its classic and contemporary forms, thus managing to focus on topics, texts and authors in a coherent and profound way … this is an original text of great cultural and historical value, rich in content and perspectives.

Cinergie (Bloomsbury Translation)