Book Description

An inspiring biography of one of the mostinfluential and beloved figures of the 21st century, based on more than a thousand interviews.

"I've read every book that has ever been written about Walt Disney, going back to some that were published in the 1930s. [How to Be Like Walt] is by far the most enjoyable to read of them all!"
Tim O'Day, Disney Scholar
"How to Be Like Walt is a fitting tribute to Walt's memory and an important contribution to the Disney legacy . . . Now more than ever, we need people with the qualities Walt had: optimism, imagination, creativity, leadership, integrity, courage, boldness, perseverance, commitment to excellence, reverence for the past, hope for tomorrow, and faith in God."
Art Linkletter

How to Be Like is a "character biography” series: biographies that also draw out important lessons from the life of their subjects. In this new book-by far the most exhaustive in the series-Pat Williams tackles one of the most influential people in recent history.

While many recent biographies of Walt Disney have reveled in the negative, this book takes an honest but positive look at the man behind the myth. For the first time, the book pulls together all the various strands of Disney's life into one straightforward, easy-to-read tale of imagination, perseverance, and optimism. Far from a preachy or oppressive tome, this book scrapes away the minutiae to capture the true magic of a brilliant maverick.

Reviews (3)

I want John Canemaker's privileges
Once again John Canemaker has made me envious of his access to such beautiful artwork. The behind-the-scene stories of the personalities who created the characters we grew up with is wonderful. A gorgeous book with illustrations that make it worth the money all by themselves.

Nine Lives
So much has been written and said about several of these nine legendary Disney animators that I very much doubted a lot of new ground was going to be broken, especially in a Hyperion release, but Canemaker rises to the task here, and then some. I was most interested in artists like Les Clark and Johnny Lounsbery, who have received less attention than some of the others. Canemaker not only brings them vividly to life with meticulous research, but he also manages to bring new information and fresh insight to all nine of his fascinating subjects. No matter how well you thought you knew the Nine Old Men and their work, there's plenty here for you. This book reveals the lives and personalities of these men, analyzes their contributions extraordinarily well, and also their working and personal relationships with each other, and presents great new visual material from their lives in and away from the studio. The Kimball stuff is a special treat.

Who could have imagined that Marc Davis' early life was as interesting as his work? Or that Kimball and Kahl were even crazier than you thought (and even more brilliant)? Ot that the master, Frank Thomas, actually struggled with his draftsmanship? Canemaker captures the promise of each of these men's pre-Disney careers and the spark in the work that caught Walt's attention is always evident. He also captures the human quirks that played a tremendous role in the golden age of the studio and often found its way onto the screen as well.

Much of this information and all of Canemaker's excellent insight would not have come to light without his diligent effort and research, and the result is a well-written, revealing, tasteful, and very visual masterpiece.

PS We lost the great, one-and-only Ward Kimball recently...only Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas are still with us now. God bless you both.

Discovering the Genius Of Exactly What Made Disney "Disney"
John Canemaker has given readers the Disney animation book that's been missing for decades. Only it's the Readers Digest version. Canemaker is forced to compact nine amazing biographies into one book. Each of his nine subjects - the core group of gifted animators who defined the look and feel of Disney animation from the 1930's through the 1970's - is deserving of far more time and space than a single volume can deliver. Nevertheless, he's done an amazing job, and he introduces us to these men with the same careful critical objectivity he did in "Before the Animation Begins", Canemaker's marvelous 1996 book focusing on the great Disney visual development and story artists.
The author gives us the best un-fairy-dusted glimpse of the real day-to-day workings of Disney's shop since animator Jack Kinney's 1988 "Walt Disney And Assorted Other Characters" (admittedly limited in objectivity, but still enormously entertaining in its candor.) It's impossible not to feel the same admiration and passion as the author. Even in his harsher analysis of temperaments and turmoil the author is writing about the best of times among a group of very real artistic heroes who were such extraordinary people that you'd have treasured any time you could have spent in their company. Sadly, Canemaker only gets to brush on topics such as how the old generation influenced the new. Many of the current generation of Disney artists are interviewed for this book and they have a great deal of insight to contribute (both Andreas Dejas and John Lasseter in particular)and one wishes that the author had been afforded the luxury of a more critical analysis of the older generation's influence on this generation -- both by their presence and their absence; e.g. - in the best chapter in the book, Milt Kahl is characterized as having had the greatest influence on the look of Disney characters. Questions about what affect Kahl's abrupt departure in 1976 had on the next generation - whether by way of his absence or his reluctance to be a true mentor - deserve more space than alotted. Similarly, the reader wants to know more about how veteran Eric Larson was treated by Disney executives who handed over "The Small One" to the ambitious Don Bluth, who later broke ranks and left the studio to start his own production company leaving the studio talent pool seriously decimated.
Canemaker is both the obvious choice and greatest risk for authoring this important animated version of "The Lives of the Artists" (Cainmaker states it was his hope to emulate Vasari's work) as he is admittedly very close to two of his subjects - animators and authors Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston. Similarly, Ward Kimball and the late Marc Davis were friends of the author's, but he pulls fewer punches in his sharp but loving focus on the latter two. Even so, it would be hard to imagine any other author would have such an unprecedented level of trust from his subjects and their parent company, and thus such privileged access. And though his focus seems less sharp in the chapters on Thomas and Johnston, any biographer suffers from similar lapses when focusing on a living subject, particularly one whom they and the vast majority of the public hold in great affectionate esteem.
The book makes it clear that the memories of the living affect a much harsher view of the dead from among this old boy's network of disparate personalities who helped to define something as far reaching in popular culture as Disney's animated characters. Withered rivalries and carefully aged egos still pepper the perspective here and it only adds to the books ability to evoke something real, and not just the Halceon days of animation. The fact that the dead can't defend themselves even through living relatives and numerous ex-wives is a minor and admittedly unavoidable flaw, and in his preface Canemaker attempts to acknowledge it with a quote from a letter from Thomas to the author re undertaking the project. Even with obvious affection personal favorites, the author has done a terrific job of sharing insights into the passions of each of these nine men whose personalities were made immortal once filtered through such old friends as Captain Hook and Cruella DeVil.
It's to Canemaker's credit that we long for even more on each of these animators -- particularly Kahl and Larson -- and more examples of what made them great animators. Which brings us to the book's only glaring flaw: the illustrations. There simply aren't enough examples of scenes and sequences attributed to each artist -- particularly raw pencil drawings -- and the quality of photo reproductions from finished film frames and other archival material seems oddly yellow or green in tint and not up to the usual Disney publishing standards. e.g. a series of frames showing the Duke from "Cinderella" rolling his monocle between his fingers is so dark that you can barely see the referenced movement it serves to illustrate. This is greatly disappointing. Granted that many such sequences are found in Thomas & Johnston's "The Illusion of Life", but the book is out of print, and the vast resources of the Disney Animation Research Library as well as Mr. Canemaker's personal collection must be able to yield fresher and more fitting illustrations than what's found here. Again, Kahl's chapter gives us more to feast on than others, but it still isn't enough. After all, this is a visual medium we're discussing and a picture here only serves to give us reason to read another thousand written words. But, be that as it may, the book is both a MUST READ and a MUST HAVE for anyone interested in film history, animation, acting and/or Disneyana, and one hopes that Mr. Canemaker's upcoming book on Disney artist Mary Blair heralds a series of more extensive and more intimate (and hopefully much better illustrated) biographies on Kahl, Davis, Reitherman et. al. A long awaited and fine accomplishment, and easily the best book from Disney's publishing arm in 2001. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Disney Fans Must Have
This is a must have for the Disney fan. This book gives in depth detail into the man who created the "happiest place on earth", from the people who knew hime best. His family, friends, and employees. I have read many books on Disney, and this ranks in the top 2(along with Imaganineering). It tells the stories of his triumphs as well as his tragedies. I highly recommend this book.

NIce story about a true genius
This book is not a complete and detailed biography, but is a nice tribute to Walt Disney. It has a lot of photos, and the most interesting parts of the book are "personal side" sections.

Proof That Walt Disney Was The Original Dream Worker!
Walt Disney is well on his way to becoming the most written about creative talent in American film.
This is the 100th anniversary of his birth and thankfully any examination of his life can still include careful interviews with people who knew him and worked with him. The book is less an in-depth biography and more like spending a long afternoon hearing how it was from those who knew him best and who can praise him at the same time they acknowledge his frailties. It's an earnest and heartfelt look at the heart and soul of the man, and the authors do their level best to take a frank and thoughtful approach while still being entertaining. Like everything else Disney, it's best to give in to the fact that you're about to be put under a spell. The sooner you give in, the more fun you'll have.
Though some may find it less satisfying than a more critical analysis, this reader is tired of deconstructing American icons and welcomes this lovely look at a historical figure whose impact went well beyond his filmmaking. Disney is arguably the greatest influence on American popular culture and family entertainment in the past 100 years. Most admirable is the way the authors address some of the detractors who've criticized Walt Disney over the years for such things as anti-Semitism or racism. Albeit sentimental, the authors maintain fairly good objectivity. Walt Disney remains enigmatic even to those closest to him. Thankfully, the recollections by family and friends are edited into the layout without making the entire book seem like a posthumous testimonial dinner.
Granted this Disney Editions publication doesn't come without its ulterior motives. With the kind of control Disney has always had over any thing profiling the company one doubts that a harsh light will ever shine on their founder in one of their own pubications. But dreams and dreamers always look better in a soft light, and who but a bitter DreamWorker would ever want to bother trying to detract from such happy success? (And if ever proof was needed that certain ex-studio head turned competitor NEVER was and NEVER WILL be the next Walt Disney, this delivers it!) Though you wish the current Disney brass would pay more attention to the underlying principals of what makes Disney 'Disney' that are spelled out in this book. Hey, we can dream, too, can't we?
Still, this deliciously illustrated oversized scrapbook-styled remembrance of Walt more than makes up for its obvious propaganda focused origins. Imagine(eer) that!
Even though the book serves primarily as a companion to the documentary film of the same title, it's a wonderful read. A gentle reflection with rich illustrations -- some seldom and never before seen photographs -- and a rich and handsome design. Endlessly entertaining. A lovely tribute worth adding to your library. ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Walt Disney Bible
This is truly a Bible if you are interested in Walt Disney's life. It doesn't hide any details from his life, and you can see from this official book that he wasn't a saint as a human being, and you can also see what a genious he was. It is amazing to see all the psychological virtues that this man had to keep his employees giving the best they can, and even more, without praising them.
This book explains his detailed personal and professional life.
I read many other biographies and I believe this is the most credible one. An honest story about this genius, who was also nothing but a human being, having all the flaws that come with being a human.
A must have for everyone (not only Disney fans)!!!

It Made Me Believe!
This was the most inspiring biography I have ever read. I bought it while on vacation at Disneyworld in Orlando this past November with my girlfriend and family, and I couldn't stop reading it. I found the most interesting period of his life to be the years between 20-35, when no one would give him a chance. I am a fiction writer who has written seven novels in the past decade (my 20s), and each of them has been rejected so many times I don't even want to think about it. I can not tell you how difficult it is to put everything I am as a human being into something I believe in and to face as much disinterest from agents, publishers, editors, magazines, and universities as I have.

Many of Disney's friends gave up on him. Even his family began to think he was crazy.

To read that Walt Disney went through a very similar period in his life to what I'm currently going through was like giving me a light at the end of a very long, dark tunnel. It made me hope. And when a book can do that, you know it is something special, man. Walt Disney truly was an American original; more than that, though he was a person who inspired dreams, goodness, and optimism even in the face of terrible adversity.

Stacey

Walt Disney an American
Disney might have done more to win World War 2 than any other general, president, or any otherworld leader combined. His company was teaming with life while on the verge of bankruptcy. Through his cleverly perceived ideas, he was able to capture the essence of American patriotism and spirit all while rallying Americans to pay their taxes and send their sons to war in the pursuit of freedom.
Walt Disney: An American Original provides an in-depth look at the life of an American icon. It portrays him in both a negative and positive light telling of his successes but also of his failures. This unbiased book leaves no stone unturned and all ground covered. Though LONG and TEDIOUS at times, this book is perfect for anyone looking to make an in-depth look at an "American original."
A man plagued with troubles from the beginning, Disney truly was a hero. From losing his first major successful cartoon to a competing company, a serious polo accident giving him severe arthritis, and a bout with smoking that would eventually cost him his life. This book goes to show that the greatest figures didn't have everything going for them, but learned to overcome the obstacles to obtain their dream.
He was a cold and angry individual. Often you didn't know if he was approachable that day or not. Described by his colleagues as one who values quality over the possibility of making money, it goes to show that people will come and help you succeed if you have a wonderful service to offer them.
Walt Disney: An American Original should be read by anyone inspiring to become an entrepreneur or business leader. Things may not always be easy but as this book plainly details, you may have your ups and downs, but if you believe in your product and work hard you can succeed.

A true original
This was a thoroughly riveting and revealing insight to the great man and his dream.

Awesome Book
I just finished reading this book and thought it was absolutely fantastic. It takes you through the life of Walt and his associates as he/they make 'Disney' a household name. The author speaks of the struggles and triumphs along the way. It was interesting to read how many failures he had before becoming successful. This book traces the origins of Mickey Mouse, many of the GREAT Disney films, and, of course, Disneyland. There's a lot of personal stuff. It starts with his father's birth and works it's way to that sad day when Walt passed away. I found the Disneyland part to be some of the most interesting. Honestly, I found this book to be so entertaining that I read it in a few days. After reading, you will understand why Walt Disney is/was such a great man. This book doesn't sugar-coat the truth. It's a great and interesting read. I highly recommend this one to all. ... Read more

Book Description

Building on the success of such titles as Toy Story: The Essential Guide and Dinosaur: The Essential Guide, the DK creative team has been given unlimited access to Disney's considerable archives to chart the development of the Disney Company, from its early days in the 1920s to the present. Disney: The Ultimate Guide includes a wealth of images -- from specially photographed memorabilia to familiar scenes from favorite Disney moments -- to create a visual experience of the number one name in family entertainment. Disney's most-loved films are the focus of this charming collectible, but all facets of Disney's universe are represented in this wonderful volume. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An excellent visual survey
Disney: The Ultimate Visual Guide will make the perfect family Christmas present for families already interested in Disney's wonders. Disney has touched lives for decades: Disney: The Ultimate Visual Guide provides an excellent visual survey of the extent of the animated creator's works and the logical progression of Disney talents and creations. A fine oversized picture book the entire family will enjoy. ... Read more

Book Description

Selected from the vast archives of the Walt Disney Company, this historic collection includes handwritten letters and notes of Walt's, rare character sketches from the 1930's and 1940's, replicas of Disneyland's opening-day tickets, photos, movie theater programs, comic strips, greeting cards, commissary menus, and other treasures, reproduced in facsimile form.Many of these special features are designed to be removable so readers can touch and hold masterfully reproduced bits of history.In addition, the book comes with a 60-minute CD that features previously unheard audio of Walt Disney , radio commercials from the 1950s, and never-before-released sound tracks from the parks' most popular attraction. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A treasure trove of nostalgia for Disney fans.
What a brilliant book!
For collectors,this book goes so well with any Disney collection such as that Fantasia DVDs,the Walt Disney documentary DVD,Frank and Ollie DVD and others.
If you like documentaries and well put together books,then this is an entertainig and informative book of Disney history,with all sorts of extras from nearly the last hundred years.
This is a book to keep and enjoy for a lifetime.

History of Disney Brought to Life
DISNEY TREASURES is tuly a treasure - filled with beautifully reproduced copies of memorabilia that remove from the book. The experience of holding this book in your hands is really something. The wonderful text and design are a perfect match too in this "museum in a book". Any Disney fan will love this book!

WOW! The coolest Disney book EVER!!!
I wasn't sure what to expect with this book, but man, I was just in awe with every page I turned. I love that it focuses on the Walt era, and with the removable memorabilia replications (hand-written notes from Walt, himself!), it's totally unique.

I HIGHLY recommend this book to any and EVERY Disney fan out there!!!

EXCELLENT book!
What a GREAT Idea! One of the few things to come out with the name DISNEY on it this year that are worth buying!!!

Fine book, original format.
Every Disney enthusiast should have this book. It provides subtle additions to the Disney canon, and does so in such a colorful and captivating way. ... Read more

Book Description

Discover hundreds of Disney connections to Missouri.With more than 200 full-color pages, this richly illustrated work tells the story of young Disney growing up in Marceline and Kansas City.Special introduction by Walt Disney's daughter, Diane Disney Miller. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

I hope more people read this exciting book.
This book was enjoyable. Marie Hammontree described how a person can be a big success while being a little poor. It shows the ups and downs of Disney's life. She describes what it took to get to the top of his career. This book tells who he was inspired by and how they helped him. She told me his problems in his life and how they were solved. It gave me the puzzle pieces to his life so I could better understand it. All in all I think it was a really informative book. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

A true look at Walt
To sum up...WOW! Instead of relying on probably non-existant sources, this book takes a simply approach- Print exactly what others said about Walt, with their name attached to the quote. What a refreshing idea! The book of course has sections written by the author, but the true "guts" of the book are many, many quotes about Walt, expertly grouped by the authors. The book does not shy away from talking about Walt's temper or tendency to micro-manage, that is in there. But neither does it embelish the negatives in an effort to tear the man down. This is a truthful look, and it will make you feel even better every time you view a Disney picture or walk through the gates of Disneyland.

Long Overdue and Just In Time!
After having read exerpts of this book in the June edition of Disney Magazine, I'm looking forward to reading the complete text. It is essential that the remembrances of those who knew and worked with Walt Disney be recorded for future generations. Like Abraham Lincoln before him, Walt Disney's life has taken on legendary proportions even long after his untimely passing. It's important to remember that he was first & foremost, a son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather... and not to forget... the creative genius of the 20th Century. And just in time for the 100th Anniversary of Walt Disney's birth in 2001!

The finest tribute to a great man
I was very happy while reading this book. I found all the things Walt's aquaintances had to say about him very interesting and credible. Very little seemed sugar coated (as Disney personel seem to be sometimes). I would make the assumption that Walt's personality was portrayed correctly by the many people that knew him. Throughout the course of reading this book I kept thinking about the quote that one amazon reviewer said that made me buy this book in the first place, "makes me wish I knew that man."

A wonderful insight into the philosophy of Walt Disney
This book is exactly as one would expect by reading the title. It's just quote after quote from people who knew Walt Disney best. I liked that many of his former employees were interviewed. Since I was familiar with some of the animators, imagineers, and actors it made it a more personal thing for me when reading this book. There are also many pictures that show Walt during all the different periods of his life, though the majority of them are during his successful years heading the Disney corporation. I share the sympathy of another reviewer who said that after reading this book they wished they had known Walt Disney. I think a person who really admires the Disney empire will share the same sentiments about the man who dared to dream.

The "real" Walt Disney
The heart of Walt Disney is perfectly captured in this landmark remembrance. Represented through vintage studio and family photographs, combined with personal, first-hand memories from those who knew and worked with Walt, this book is the perfect cornerstone to any Walt Disney library.

Take your time. You'll want to enjoy this book forever. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Great Disney Book Loaded With Photos and Info !!
This 213 page book is just full of an endless supply of full color photos of everything Disney for the past 100 years. You'll learn all about Walt's early life and how his ideas created worldwide Disney worlds. Each chapter covers a decade from 1901 to 2001 !! Many of these pictures are archival and never made available before. The book provides many memories for "children" of all ages. It's a keeper. Enjoy !

No details
This is a great book about Disney Company. It goes chronologically from 1901 to 1999 and beyond. Every event in the company's history is put in the book, but without much detail.
Since he maintains Disney Archives, Dave Smith could have done a litle better, like he did with Disney's Encyclopedia.

Excellent
This book was excellent! It had terrific pictures and it told from 1901 when Walt was born until 2001. It is a great keepsake. I purchased mine at Walt Disney World during the 100 Years of Magic celebration.

An excellent overview of Walt¿s life and of the Disney Co
I really enjoyed this book. It is packed with lots of great photographs and artwork from Walt Disney and the Disney Company. It also has a really nice overview of the life of Walt Disney and the work of the Disney Company in text.

I appreciated the organization of the book. The book is arranged chronologically, which helped me to understand the flow of events better. This book has a very upbeat, positive tone and paints a very bright and exciting future for the Disney Company.

This book does not contain nearly as much information about Walt Disney as some of the biographies that I have read, but I don't think that was the goal of this book. This book does a very nice job of chronicling the art and the work of this great American icon and then continues the chronology with the work of the Disney Company in the post Walt era.

This book starts with very early Disney and takes the reader all the way through to Fantasia 2000. This is an excellent coffee table book. I highly recommended it to anyone that loves Walt, his work and the continuing work of the Disney Company.

Excellent!!!
Here is the definite Disney chronicle of the century, put together by the world's leading authority on everything Disney - Dave Smith, and his fellow-writer Steven Clark. Follow the fabulous story of Walt Disney and his magic empire year by year, from its humble beginnings in the American Midwest up to its present ever-expanding days. "Disney: the First 100 Years" is a well-written, informative and fun book to read. You get the entire story of the Disney Company on 198 pages (filled with great photos), and will undoubtedly find it fascinating. This book is a must-have for anyone who likes Disney, and honestly - who doesn't? I really recommend this one - buy it! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Good book for the Disney Fan
A great book to read if you're looking to read about Walt.It'll keep your interest.No Disney Nut is complete without it

Disney himself would be dissapointed
A lover of all things Disney, I was looking for a good balanced story of his life.This was not it.The authors did not take the lesson of story boarding to heart.The book it self is written in a style that ammuses, but how can you tell the story of Walt Disney in 170+ pages?Thankfully, the book shys away from bashing Disney or trying to grab headlines with half truths, but one can't help but wonder if the authors could of possibly gone more in depth, more into the man and his world.
I was dissapointed.There are no big insights here.If you are new to the life of Walt, this would be a great starter book, but I would not reccomend it for the die hard fan.

This book is THE bookto get on WALT!
Many years ago, I wanted to find a good book on Walt Disney. This is it!. The writing is interesting and exciting and the stories are fascinating. The Greenes are great storytellers and it is no wonder that they have continued to do work for Disney- they get this guy and they tell the story well- and fairly, which I really appreciate. I strongly recommend this bookto anyone and everyone who wants to know how one dreamer made his way- it'san amazing story! and well told...

interesting but not the best
This book is fairly interesting but, but it is a "lite" version of Walts life.The authors do not bash Walt like some do just to get press.They do not candycoat him either, and the book is very fair.First released in 1991, this book has a few really nice stories and interviews that were new to me.It also has some of the best photos of any of the bios out there, in small b/w spread throughout the book.The photos could be bigger though and the only big color photos were animation art rather than the other great photos that are in the book of Walt at home, play, & work.For someone that has to have every book on Walt this should be in your library.

If you are a diehard Disney history buff who wants a longer read or you can only afford one biography on Uncle Walt, then try the Bob Thomas book "Walt Disney an American Original".It does not bash Walt either or candycoat him, and is written in a better manner that draws you along.Let me put it this way, the Thomas book on Walts brother Roy Disney has more details on Walt than the book on this page and is much better written than this book.Get that book as well, it's called "Building a Company" and I could not put it down.

Fascinating for readers of all ages.
Written in a clear and sparkling style, this book should appeal to readers of all ages who are interested in the origins of the Disney phenomenon.Also, a great gift for families who enjoy visiting the Disney amusementparks. ... Read more

Book Description

The Unofficial Guides® are the "Consumer Reports" of travel guides, offering candid evaluations of their destinations' attractions, hotels, restaurants, shopping, nightlife, sports, and more, all rated and ranked by a team of unbiased inspectors so even the most compulsive planners can be sure they're spending their time and money wisely. Each guide addresses the needs of everyone from families to business travelers, with handy charts that demonstrate how each place stacks up against the competition. Plus, all the details are pulled out so they're extremely easy to scan.

Who better than the Unofficial Guides® to bring you an behind-the-scenes look at how the Disney empire runs? The essays in this fascinating, completely updated guide reveal how the parks were created, how Walt Disney and his successors have run the company, what it's like to be a Disney character, what imagineering is, and much, much more. If you love Disney and Mickey or pop culture in general, Inside Disney is for you.

Other Unofficial Guides® to Disney and the rest of the central Florida parks include The Unofficial Guide® to Walt Disney World®, The Unofficial Guide® to Walt Disney World® for Grown-Ups, The Unofficial Guide® to Walt Disney World® with Kids, Mini Mickey, and Beyond Disney: The Unofficial Guide to Universal, Sea World, and the Best of Central Florida. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

A Fun and Interesting Read
This little book is packed with lots of fun and interesting history and trivia about Disney. It covers everything from parks to rides to hidden Mickeys to the main players such as Walt Disney and Michael Eisner. I've read many books about the parks, Walt, Eisner, etc., and I honestly expected this to be a condensed re-hash of all that. I am pleasantly surprised to find that's not the case. I am also surprised that some of the other reviewers mentioned negativity on the part of the author. I didn't find it negative at all -- and as a Disney enthusiast, I surely would have picked up on that! In contrast, I found it fresh and just an incredibly FUN book. And the price can't be beat!

Interesting Information
For anyone interested in knowing more of the facts, details, trivia and a few stories behind Walt Disney World and the Disney Company this is an interesting book. It does tend to have it's dark side, but since it's an "unofficial" book that is expected. It was easy to get over those parts and move onto reading the more interesting facts and trivia provided.

Little new, with condescension to boot
I came to the book looking for interesting inside tidbits. What I found was a book not well-researched, with a number of outright factual errors, such as the old urban legend that the top of the castle can be removed in the event of a hurricane.
All this is wrapped up in a post-modern smugness that makes the reading experience, while fast-moving, downright unpleasant at times.

AUTHOR DOES NOT MAKE THE CUT
This book COULD have been so much better. This book SHOULD have been a lot better. I am a big Disney World fan, and was looking forward to reading this book when I first saw it, but I was very disappointed in it. The author in this book, Eve Zibart, is not very good. She shares her opinions way too much, which don't even make sense, and she is trying to write this book like she is turning it into her english teacher. The phrases and words she uses are too complicated at times, and again, do not make any sense. You get the feeling she is trying to impress someone with that. Those kind of things are not suited for this type of book. Also, she does not cover nearly as much as she should in a book like this. This book is a great concept, and if done right, would have been very interesting. I was expecting to learn some behind-the-scenes things about Disney World, but throughout the whole book I probably learned one thing. If someone else writes a book with this same concept, I would love to read it, but I do not recommend reading this one.

A cynical book written in magazine style.
I think Zibart misses the point with this book. It reads like a collection of magazine or newspaper articles, and has a highly cynical tone, that masquerades as investigative journalism.

Some portions of the book are interesting, but the most interesting parts are borrowed from widely available sources (she quotes Birnbaum's guide frequently). The review of Eisner era history is perhaps the most informative section of the book.

Zibart doesn't go to Disneyworld to be entertained or to have a good time, she is in search of a story, and she doesn't really find one. Her chapter on Disney's view of history is particularly mean spirited, and deconstructionist in nature. She often gets it wrong, looking for political correctness. She overlooks Disneyland as an historical antecedant to the WDW Magic Kindgom, in terms of ride development and change. She overlooks the value of Disney style entertainment in stimulating interest in history. She also applies a kind of psuedo-psychological analysis of Disney, which ultimately says much more about Ziebarts psychology than Walt's or Eisner's.

She spends far too much time writing about hidden Mickey's when that information is readily available on the Web. She doesn't give credit to her sources either.

There are better insider books available. This fails to be an expose or a well thought out critique. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

A Riveting Account of a Troubled Genius
I love the World That Walt Built beyond all reason. I've studied Disney corporate history, I own stock in the company, and I read anything about it I can lay my hands on.

That said, I know how difficult it is to get a true account of Walt Disney. The company has offered up his image of sainthood for years, making it increasingly difficult to get past that glossed perfection. Disney will do anything to protect its image (understandably so) and this applies lavishly to whitewashing Walt.

I found this book a very moving account of a man brutally abused as a kid, who went through life striving through his unique genius to create and secure the childhood he never had. The book charts Walt's many heights of seeing his various visions to fruition, and the subsequent depression once a dream is realized--the cycle of creativity for us all. And if the book dwells on his considerable darkness, well, there's plenty of room for that. Something needs to balance out the company's, and other writers' God-hype about Walt. His shadow is laid out compassionately in these pages, and Walt Disney stands all the taller for it.

Tabloid Trash!
Plain and simple: Eliot's perspective of this classic American icon resembles more of a supermarket tabloid trash heap than an actual work of literally fact! While I'm certain that "Uncle Walt" was just as human (and erred like the rest of us,) I couldn't imagine him to be the psychological nightmare that Eliot described.

Noone wants to envision Mr. Disney as anything less than the ideal sqeaky-clean role model. But Eliot's depiction of Disney oozes with a distasteful tone which reads as nothing more than a personal vendetta residing deep within his subconscious mind. There's very little information supported by facts or references and it's blatantly obvious at times that Eliot's making this stuff up as he goes along!

If you really want to read a more "authoritative" biography on this great Hollywood legend, look to Bob Thomas' book: Walt Disney: An American Original.

As for "Dark Prince:" it's going to take a lot more than a spoonful of sugar to get this one down!

Utter Discust!!
This Book makes me want to vomit. Not only is it unauthorised, it is untrue. Marc eliot is a well known un-credibul author, If your looking for a book that tells the Truth on Walt, dont pick this one. try "The man behind the myth"

Quite reptillian!!
I cant believe people actually believe this trash. The recipe for writing these kind of books are simple and vulgar. Take a whole bunch of unrelated twisted and distorted truths,sprinkle it with half baked lies, garnish it as an expose and present it as fact. Eliot is another example of a a sad individual who has a serious axe to grind, overtones of a serpentine agenda abound!! Obviously no concept of karmic recompense!!,apparantly is perfectly ok to market lies as truth. By all means take pot shots at the disney corperation if it is justified. But manufacturing lies about an individual to reinvent history while being clever, is at its core quite reptillian. Socialist acedamia wave it around universities as if it were some kind of bible. Pathetic!

Once upon a time...
...there was a shy boy who loved to draw and turned out to be one of the greatest icons of the Twentieth Century. This is the story of Walt Disney told by Marc Eliot. The book tells us about Disney's youth, his relationship with his parents and later his wife (Lillian) and children. It also tells how he started his company and how important his brother Roy turned out to be for Walt's achievements, because Walt Disney wasn't a businessman, but an artist who, ironically, couldn't draw so good himself. I don't claim that Walt Disney had no drawingtalent, but I regard that his greatest "gift" were his fantastic ideas (e.g. about what a story/tale successful makes)and his perseverance. Anyhow, Eliot has written a credible book which is fun and easy to read, although he emphasizes the "negative" trait of Walt's character, but Eliot doesn't judge Disney on that, that's something the reader should do. I found this book refreshing and it made me eager to learn more about a true genius, Walt Disney. ... Read more

Book Description

This classic history of Walt Disney's life and works asks penetrating questions about Disney's achievements and shortcomings, and the enormous popularity of the "Disney version.""One of the best studies ever done on American popular culture...unfailingly, consistently intelligent, and eminently readable."--Stephen J. Whitfield, Brandeis University. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

A TRULY BIZARRE ATTEMPT AT BIOGRAPHY.
Richard Shickel is a very confused man. His book "The Disney Version" is his attempt to totally slam Walt Disney and his audience while he tries to praise his artistic work. This book's primary purpose is basically to show that Walt Disney was this really confused, cynical genius who while bravely delivering artistic masterpieces in the late 1930's he eventually sold his soul to the "devil" (the mainstream American middle class - read "religious, conservative, etc.") and became a cheap purveyor of pop culture junk.

The author has failed miserably in his attempt. In truth, Walt Disney was an genius who managed that most unique of marriages: cherishing traditions of yesteryear and upholding the good things in the past while simultaneously blazing a trail into the future with new innovations and technologies and demonstrating that they CAN GO TOGETHER. Walt Disney was not perfect, but his life is far more worthy of celebration than condemnation.

It should be pointed out that much of the author's shortcomings in this work stem from his obvious "snobbishness" directed at the American small town and middle class cultures. This reviewers recommendation is that the author take his profits from the book and spend one full year immersing himself in movies like "Polyanna", "Follow Me Boys", "Mary Poppins", and "20,000 Leagues Under The Sea" and visiting Disneyland. Maybe he can be cured of this problem.

Excellent read, but how credible is the information?
Schickel does a good research and puts facts down as they are, but he analyzes those facts from his own point of view. He thinks Disney works have manipulated masses who were of an inferior intellect and the company made fortune out of it.
While this may be true, the book could have been more balanced, with an unbiased view, mentioning many favorable things the Company created.

Good, but not great
The book is definitly an in depth coverage of what happened in the early years of the Disney company, but it's definitly more of a history of the company than a biography of Walt.

Are you sure this is a biography?
More of a social history of cartoons and the movies and the common man, than that of an unbiased look at Walt Disney.
I felt that the author believed himself above us common Midwest, small town folks, and felt pity on us that we didn't know that we were stupid and liked such low brow things like Mary Poppins, Snow White and Silly Symphonies. I think he equates pop culture with trash. I guess the millions and millions of people around the world that just want decent entertainment, and not some hidden meaning that needs interpretation, are fools. Or is he just jealous?

This is a critical biography--not a pr piece
I first read this book in 1968. It was a revealing look at why Disney was able to capture the American public and the experiences he had as a child and young man that made him try to control all around him. Disneyland is cited as the ultimate example of Disney control. Since he did not understand the importance of the hotels around the park, others built them. To make up for the mistake he planned his park in central Florida for his total control, including hotels. Disney's films, particularly the nature films, are examples of his attempt to control what was around him. He sent out photographers, poorly paid but with terrific equipment, to film thousands of hours of nature in action. His editors then selected all of the segments in which the animals looked cute or human and created a "nature" film. This was the control of nature. The cartoons are the same. Disney is the character of Mickey Mouse, although he could not draw him. Anyway, there is lots more. After you read the book you will never see Disney work the same way. Still, you can enjoy it as I do, just as a better informed person. I give the book 5 stars--there is nothing better about Disney that I have seen. ... Read more

Book Description

"Documents the stunning accomplishments of Disney's imaginative genius. It is not a flattering portrait." Library Journal ... Read more

Reviews (12)

An inspiring, accurate, fair account of Disney's life.
Leonard Mosely has built a reputation for accuracy and objectivity, and in "Disney's World" he makes no exception. Even in the few instances where a dispute exists relating to the nature of the event, Mosely fairly presents all sides.

In Disney's World, Mosely chronicles the "rags to riches" story of one of America's great empire builders of the 20th century. Faced repeatedly with insurmountable odds and continuing crises, Mosely inspires the reader with Walt Disney's unstopable courage and determination to succeed.

Sources for Mosely's material include actual interviews with members of the Disney family, former employees and associates of Walt Disney,and from available public records. And most importantly, the author was given access to the Disney Archives by the corporation.

As a result, certain previously unknown facts appear in this book. But Mosely is careful to confirm each fact, and notifies the reader if there is a question. Mosely also exposes a dark side to Walt Disney, but presents the facts in a fair and objective manner.

Mosely's "Disney's World" is inspiring, uplifting, factual, and historically interesting. It is a "smooth read", and the reader will have difficulty putting the volume aside.

Walt Disney, the genious and the human
This book is amazing. It is as good as Bob Thomas' Walt Disney: An American Original. In fact, two books are almost similar, except that Mosley emphasizes the human side of Walt's. Bob Thomas describes the human side, but emphasizes the genious side.
When you have both of these books, you have a life of a true genious and just a human being, Walt Disney, in your hands.
Incredible details, personal and professional life...
Just beautful job.

Realistic Disney Biography
This is a great biography of Walt Disney, and in many ways it is similar to Bob Thomas's biography "Disney: An American Original." Both books emphasize Walt's early Midwest childhood, his strict father and good-natured mother, and his experience in WWI in shaping the young man he became. The two biographies are different in their perceptions of Disney, and it could make a difference for you, dear reader, regarding which one you want to read first.

I would describe Mosley's biography as "more realistic" than Thomas's, but I would say that Bob Thomas's was more inspiring to read. Mosley doesn't hesitate to describe Walt as an ill-tempered ringleader who suffered from emotional instability in his early adulthood, whereas Bob Thomas's portrays such behavior in a more favorable light and seems to grant that it is the stuff of genius. One very clear example: Mosley describes Walt's suicide attempt at 31 where Lillian Disney found her husband out cold with sleeping pills and booze, called a doctor, and had Walt's stomach pumped. In Bob Thomas's book, there is no mention of this incident whatsoever.

Both books describe Disney as an inspiration to the people around him, but I think Mosley's goes more in-depth into Walt's character and describes more thoroughly some of the difficulties associated with working with him. What Mosley describes as "overbearing," Thomas would call "entrepreneurial." What Mosley would call "unstable," Bob Thomas would call "emotionally invigorating." The point is: the subject is the same; it's the perception of the subject that's different in the two biographies.

I think both do a great service to the world in representing quite possibly the most influential voice in 20th century entertainment. It's a fascinating reading, and it will excite you to explore your own creativity. Walt Disney was a man that would risk everything to make people laugh, to entertain, to push the medium of film, cartoons, and theme parks to a level unlike anything anyone had ever seen before. He truly was an inspiration, and, of course, I hope this review is helpful to you!

Stacey Cochran

A well rounded biography
Walt Disney's name has become a household word. Wholesome entertainment and DisneyLand and Disney World come to mind. This book is a well rounded look at the man. Neither Saint nor Sinner this book sees Walt as a well rounded human being. Many pictures are included. Many celebrities were interviewed including Hayley Mills. The book seems to be well documented and is quite interesting..

Behind the Mouse
I liked getting a glimpse of the man behind the "imperium of Mickey Mouse". Although I would have liked it to be more personal it's full of informations about Walt, the artist, the visionnaire and the business man. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

If you have dreams,this is the book you should read
There isn't on earth more inspiring person than Walt Disney,he was not only a man with big dreams but he also was a visionare,he was a big child who made all his efforts for made his dream come true.
His work of art is still a big entreteiment for people all over the world.
In this book you can read his biographie and see how a young poor man can built such an empired. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

the amazing book
This book is amazing. John is the best. Better than the rest. Universal stinks!!!!!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Book Description

Walt Disney's animated characters moved across the silver screen with the grace of fine actors. His vision revolutionized everything from television to theme parks. But this book is perhaps the preeminent aspect of his legacy - his philosophies and his dreams. Each anecdote lends sometimes simple, sometimes profound observations on life and all of its triumphs and defeats.

The quotes in this charming volume range from the well known to the obscure. Within the pages of Quotable Walt Disney are anecdotes that not only teach important lessons but also illuminate one of America's greatest creative geniuses. It is the perfect book to uplift, enlighten, and inspire. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Boring and Irritating
Why It's Boring

The quotes are rarely profound, unique, or written well enough to be truly "quotable." For example, "I like symphonic music. A good concert if you're kind of relaxed, it can do something to you. It's sort of an emotional break you get by listening to the music" (p. 98). If you believe that this sentiment is worthy of being presented in gift book form, gussied up with big font and given it's own half page, then order the book now!

Why It's Irritating

In the words of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, "Let me count the ways." Hmm...see how I realize that that expression didn't originate in my own mind? The book did contain some quotes that would be somewhat meaningful, were they not cheap, poorly written imitations of another's work. For example, "I think of a newborn baby's mind as a blank book" (p. 130). This concept was even better when first said by John Locke in the late 1600's. And of course, great thinkers often reprise earlier theories but they don't claim them as their own and dress them up in a gift book.

Perhaps as a society we should stop looking to celebrity-types as "great thinkers" (unless they actually are) and appreciate them for their true contributions and talents. Walt Disney is not to blame though for this embarrassment of a book. It's the fault of the editor who compiled the quotes and the greed of the Disney empire trying to make money from another publication with a limited sense of integrity.

Nice Gift Book That Lets Walt's Words Speak For Themselves
Never before has such an exhaustive compilation of Walt Disney quotes been gathered together, all into one neat little package. This officially sanctioned gift book, researched by the founder of the Disney Archives, David R. Smith, is a well organized look inside the mind of one of America's foremost creative geniuses. Some of the most memorable quotes are surprisingly direct, and it don't take much effort to understand. Walt Disney always seemed to be quite sure of himself, his audience (which became the world), and his product. Perhaps that's why Disney's creations are just as embraced and appreciated as they were generations ago when they first appeared. He created the first true "theme" park, Disneyland, which inspired the number one tourist attraction in the world, Walt Disney World. "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" remains one of the most highly successful films of all time, and was honored by the American Film Institute as one of the 100 greatest films of all time.

This insightful little book makes a nice gift for any Disney fan and is a wonderful reminder of the the main behind the name "Disney".

Read it and you'll find gems
Kids growing up these days lose sight of the fact that Walt Disney was, above all, a man and not just a brand name. He followed his dreams, even though many tried to discourage him, told him his ideas would never work and he stuck with his dreams... even resolutely going through a bankruptcy. The Quotable Walt Disney is just that: quotes. But if you're interested in what made the man who founded an empire (with a little help from a mouse he saw one day) tick...then you need to buy, read and even underline this book. True, these ARE quotes. And, true, as a former journalist (who is now a ventriloquist) I recognize a lot of "statements" in there -- pro forma quotes given to journalists, self-serving statements, etc. But there are also tons of gems. There are inspring quotes you can go back to and read again and again. I'm going to read it again and mark the ones I want to go back to, and paperclip them. Some entail the importance of determination; others such qualities as open-mindedness, the importance of surrounding yourself with capable colleagues, the wonder of finding inspiration for creativity in the least likely places. Yes, this IS a book of quotes. A small book. But it'll save you LOTS of time if you "listen" to Walt in this compact book, rather than having to read the many (and sometimes bad) biographies about him. And amid the formal statements given in countless interviews you'll find true gems. Like any gem, you can look a jewel of quote in wonder again and again. If you apply these gems in your life, it will be worth far more than the price of this quote-filled book.

For Disneyphiles Only
The book is exactly what is claims to be: a collection of quotes attributed to Walt Disney. It is divided into sections according to theme, rather than chronologically, including materials on films and animation, Mickey Mouse, the theme parks, children, family, education, television, art and music, success and failure (there are 16 in all). Some of the quotes are familiar, others less so. Sometimes quotes are repeated in sections.

One of the book's major flaws is lack of context. Quotes are dropped in without explanation. This is quite common for the genre, but it means that the quotes are not useful for anything other than pithy statement unless the reader is already familiar with the context. The quotes do act as quick sound-bites for those interested in a positive look at Walt Disney's rhetoric. I appreciated the correct version of "I make the pictures for entertainment, and then the professors tell me what they mean" (197). Too often the statement gets changed to the plural we, which reconstructs Walt's statements and contributes to the "Cult of Walt Disney." As this example demonstrates, it should be remembered that, despite his claims to teamwork, Walt was interested in representing his vision on screen and elsewhere.

For that very reason, what isn't so useful to this book is its editing of comments and its omissions, both of which ultimately help construct the Cult of Walt Disney. Ellided are the comments about EPCOT (as the community of tomorrow) that state Walt's intention was not to let retirees live in EPCOT, or Walt's belief that EPCOT's residents should not own the land. Of course, these statements were said in a context that talked about urban planning, individuals' committment to community, and the need for control. Still, by editing the comments out, the book presents an overly simplistic picture of a complex man. Also missing are quotes that are critical, like some of Walt's statements during the animator's strike.

It's as if the Quotable Walt Disney simply wants to celebrate the legend and not reveal the man. To be fair, that's what most of these types of books do. But in continuing to reinforce the Cult of Walt Disney, the book avoids presenting Walt Disney as a human being full of incongruities and inconsistencies...it oversimplifies his reactions, influences, and intentions. And by keeping Walt a mythic figure, the Quotable Walt Disney provides a one-sided picture of the man. All on purpose, to be sure, but disappointing nonetheless.

Again, this unbalaced presentation is to be expected from a quote book meant to celebrate Walt Disney, inspire its readers, and reaffirm the ideas that the converted already hold about Walt. But it would have been nice to see more man and less myth in the picture.

For those interested in learning about Walt Disney, I would not recommend this book. It doesn't provide enough information for the basis of the quotes. Instead, read a biography--whether an "official" one like Thomas or 100 Years or the far more satisfying and complex one by Watts. If you're a Disneyphile or looking for a stocking stuffer gift for your favorite fan, sure, pick this up. Just remember that it is exactly what it claims to be: a book of quotations, meant to reinforce the "genius" and legend of Walt Disney and not to suggest the significance and implications of what Walt said.

Just the quotes, man....
Well, as far as quote books go, this is nice to have around the house. Interesting? Yes. Mind shattering or Amazing??? No. At around 10 bucks it's definitely worth the look-through and a cute & fun gift-y thing for your Disneyphile. =) We got this book one weekend and had fun looking through it while waiting in the ride queues. It's also an easy read for the car. You might actually pick up something new.. but not too much you haven't heard before, (assuming YOU are the Disenyphile). ... Read more