From the dust jacket:

Special Effects: The History and Technique offers a lavishly illustrated history of movie magic, covering every major production technique from optical and digital effects, miniature photography and animation, to pyrotechnics, animatronics and even sound effects. Detailed technical explanations of how each effect is achieved are accompanied by specially created illustrations. Author Richard Rickitt has interviewed hundreds of respected special effects professionals from around the world, and there are profiles of leading innovators such as James Cameron, George Lucas, Robert Zemeckis and Dennis Muren. Packed with more than 500 images from key films, including rare photographs from the collections of special effects experts, Special Effects is a rich treat for any movie fan.