Paul Wells – författare

WINNER 2014 – Ottawa Book Award for Non-FictionThe definitive portrait of Stephen Harper in power by this country’s most trenchant, influential and surprising political commentator. Oh, he won, but he won’t last. Oh, he may win again but he won’t get a majority. Oh, his trick bag is emptying fast, the ads are backfiring, the people are onto him, and soon his own party will turn on him. And let me tell you, it couldn’t happen to a nicer guy . . .Despite a constant barrage of outrage and disbelief from his detractors, Stephen Harper is on his way to becoming one of Canada’s most significant prime ministers. He has already been in power longer than Lester B. Pearson and John Diefenbaker. By 2015, and the end of this majority term, he’ll have caught up to Brian Mulroney. No matter the ups and downs, the triumphs and the self-inflicted wounds, Harper has been moving to build the Canada he wants—the Canada a significant proportion of Canadian voters want or they wouldn’t have elected him three times. As Wells writes, “He could not win elections without widespread support in the land. . . . Which suggests that Harper has what every successful federal leader has needed to survive over a long stretch of time: a superior understanding of Canada.”In The Longer I’m Prime Minister, Paul Wells explores just what Harper’s understanding of Canada is, and who he speaks for in the national conversation. He explains Harper not only to Harper supporters but also to readers who can’t believe he is still Canada’s prime minister. In this authoritative, engaging and sometimes deeply critical account of the man, Paul Wells also brings us an illuminating portrait of Canadian democracy: “glorious, a little dented, and free.”

First Published in 1998. Understanding Animation is a comprehensive introduction to animated film, from cartoons to computer animation. Paul Wells'' insightful account of a critically neglected but increasingly popular medium:* explains the defining characteristics of animation as a cinematic form* outlines different models and methods which can be used to interpret and evaluate animated films* traces the development of animated film around the world, from Betty Boop to Wallace and Gromit. Part history, part theory, and part celebration, Understanding Animation includes: * notes towards a theory of animation* an explanation of animation''s narrative strategies* an analyis of how comic events are constructed* a discussion of representation, focusing on gender and race* primary research on animation and audiences. Paul Wells'' argument is illustrated with case studies, including Daffy Duck in Chuck Jones'' Duck Amuck, Jan Svankmajer''s Jabberwocky, Tex Avery''s Little Rural Riding Hood and King Size Canary '', and Nick Park''s Creature Comforts. Understanding Animation demonstrates that the animated film has much to tell us about ourselves, the cultures we live in, and our view of art and society.

First Published in 1998. Understanding Animation is a comprehensive introduction to animated film, from cartoons to computer animation. Paul Wells'' insightful account of a critically neglected but increasingly popular medium:* explains the defining characteristics of animation as a cinematic form* outlines different models and methods which can be used to interpret and evaluate animated films* traces the development of animated film around the world, from Betty Boop to Wallace and Gromit. Part history, part theory, and part celebration, Understanding Animation includes: * notes towards a theory of animation* an explanation of animation''s narrative strategies* an analyis of how comic events are constructed* a discussion of representation, focusing on gender and race* primary research on animation and audiences. Paul Wells'' argument is illustrated with case studies, including Daffy Duck in Chuck Jones'' Duck Amuck, Jan Svankmajer''s Jabberwocky, Tex Avery''s Little Rural Riding Hood and King Size Canary '', and Nick Park''s Creature Comforts. Understanding Animation demonstrates that the animated film has much to tell us about ourselves, the cultures we live in, and our view of art and society.