Walt Disney: An American Original (Disney Editions Deluxe) (urspr publ 1994; utgåvan 1994)

I really enjoyed this book! Thomas was able to interview those closest to Disney, including Walt himself, as well as read important documents, correspondence, and transcriptions in order to give a well-rounded and detailed account of Walt's life. Of course, I would love an even more detailed biography (360 pages isn't enough!). And while Thomas clearly admired Walt and wanted to do right by him, he does not hide the fact that Walt was a difficult man to work with. Shoot, I would definitely not want to work with him!

Through quotes gathered from speeches, memos, meeting minutes, and interview transcripts, I was able to get a sense of how dedicated Walt was to the idea of "Disney" and family entertainment. He had so many goals, and although he didn't live to see all of them completed, he still achieved so much, as we all know. I admit I teared up a little when Thomas reached Walt's death. ( )

One of the best biographies on the man, by far. Despite it being by Hyperion Press, this book was absolutely fantastic to read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, from a self-proclaimed Disney expert's view. ( )

GREAT CONDITION! ( )

Bob Thomas has written many biographies of Hollywood celebrities. His treatment of Walt Disney is fair, balanced and examines both the negatives and positives Walt Disney's life. In this update of his 1976 work he admits he hedged on only one detail; Sharon Disney, Walt and Lillian Disney's youngest daughter, was adopted. His reason was to respect the sensitivity of the Disney family and I think it was a gracious accomodation over a minor point. Sharon Disney Lund died in 1993. Overall, I like this book and I reccommend it. ( )

This biography suffers, in part, from being being written to soon after Disney's death. Disney was and is a controversial figure. His influence was and is enormous and whether that be good or bad remains hotly debated. This biography does not fully, squarely address those issues. Rather it is itself rather Disneyeque in its attempt to present a santitized, simplified, idealized view of an interesting man. ( )