Bob Thomas (1) (1922–2014)

From his humble beginnings to his groundbreaking achievements in animation, film, and theme park creation, “Walt Disney: An American Original,” explores Disney's innovative spirit, determination, and the challenges he faced in building an entertainment empire. It’s a chronological journey from Missouri to Disneyland and a highlight of all his creative genius and business acumen emphasizing his guiding desire to have people experience happiness. This is the life of a visionary displayed in a very accessible and well written chronicle.… (mehr)

I found this to be a very interesting biography on Walt Disney. I knew a lot about the theme parks and Disney animation, but was surprised at how little I knew about the man's life, particularly his early years.

The preface to this book contains very out-of-context discussions from Diane, Walt's oldest daughter, including quotes along the lines of how Disney's reputation was being questioned and negative things were being said about him. Without context, those quotes made the book start off with a defensive posture, which I found odd for an official biography published by the official Disney publishing company (Hyperion).

Understand that this book is a very uncritical biography. I don't think that takes away at all from the book's impact or importance. In this day and age, it's very easy to do additional research to figure out all that was left unsaid in the book.… (mehr)