In a word, yes. Unprecedented cooperation for a a non-Japanese publication. Founded in 2000, Eiji Project is a cooperation between the Tsuburaya Family, Tsuburaya Productions (and related subsidiaries) and Toho Co., Ltd. to collectively promote the entire body of work of Eiji Tsuburaya, through various Japanese media outlets. My book is the first Eiji Project work published outside of Japan.

Under the auspices of the Eiji Project, Toho allowed us absolute latitude in photo selection and count without interference or censure. Culling photos from several sources (including private collectors), the editors at Chronicle Books made the final selection of photographs, taking into consideration the preferential recommendations of myself and Tsuburaya Productions.

Being a Chronicle Books publication, "Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monsters" is jam-packed with photographs and other illustrations, many of them are behind-the-scenes photos, with some amazing never-before-published stills (even in Japan). If the galleys are any indication, the book will clock in at approximately 200+ pages.

In addition, there are also essays from several writers (Norman England, the late Guy Tucker, ect.), as well as pieces by Akira Tsuburaya (Eiji's youngest son), Shogo Tomiyama of Toho. This is an unprecedented work, and I am proud to have been selected by the Eiji Project and Chronicle Books to author it. It was a fun project to work on, and I hope that all of you will enjoy it! :)
August Ragone
Author, Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monsters
Director, SHOCK IT TO ME! Classic Horror Film Festival
Castro Theatre, San Francisco • October 12-14 2007


Coming May 2007 from Generation Kikaida