Book excerpt: The first English-speaking book on Japan's Master of Monster Movies, "Mushroom Clouds and Mushroom Men" examines the life and fantasy films of this acclaimed and legendary director. Known primarily for directing the original "Godzilla," Ishiro Honda has been an overlooked figure in mainstream international cinema. "Mushroom Clouds" covers all 25 of his fantasy films as well as giving objective and critical analysis of his filmmaking methods, themes, concepts as well as his relationships with actors and staff. Making us of extensive interviews from Honda's colleagues and family members including a wealth of source material never before available outside Japan, "Mushroom Clouds and Mushroom Men" is an affectionate tribute to the most-prolific and influential director in the history of fantasy films.