Best Walt Disney Biography

[babieemelly]

I have an Amazon.com gift card and I really wanted to get a Disney biography. Right now I'm deciding between "Walt Disney: The Triumph of an American Imagination" by Neal Gabler and "Walt Disney: An American Original" by Bob Thomas. Any suggestions? Which of these would you choose, or are there better ones out there? Thanks so much for any info you may have!

 

[disney junky]

I have read them both. Gabler is extremely detailed. I found the book a bit difficult to get through because of the length to which he went to research his subject. Thomas is a much lighter read, offers a more positive view of Walt, more the image we'd like to assume. I'd say that the Thomas book takes about one quarter the time to read as the Gabler book. Anyone else?

 

[mmfan53226]

I am reading the book from Gabler and it is taking me a while to read, very in depth. It is interesting though. I have read that the Gabler book has gotten some flack for inaccurate information. I haven't seen anything on the Thomas book.

Krystine

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

I have read them both. Gabler is extremely detailed. I found the book a bit difficult to get through because of the length to which he went to research his subject. Thomas is a much lighter read, offers a more positive view of Walt, more the image we'd like to assume. I'd say that the Thomas book takes about one quarter the time to read as the Gabler book. Anyone else?

I agree 100%. I think I read the Thomas bio in 3 sittings, it was a fun, fast read. The Gabler book is a real chore to get through. As a matter of fact, I still haven't finished it, after owning it for 6 months now. I just can't seem to commit to it and probably never really will.

 

[LukenDC]

I read the Gabler book and highly recommend it. It is very well written and meticulously researched.

After reading the Gabler book, it was apparent that Walt's vision continues to shape the Disney films and theme parks. For example, I learned that Walt was a proponent of cinematic experiences that would involve several of the viewers' different senses. While his dream did not come to full fruition during his lifetime, one can experience what Walt was referring to at several of the 3-D productions in the parks.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I enjoyed the Gabler book, but it is very long and detailed as others have said. Make sure you peek through it before you buy it to be sure you'll like it. I got mine for XMas 06 and still haven't finished it yet (but that's because I always have several books going at once and my nighstand it overloaded, LOL).

 

[CathrynRose]

No suggestions...BUT, on this note.....

My son just got assigned to do a Biography Report on anyone of his choosing.

We talked, and it didnt take long to come up with Walt Disney. My son said, this will be good - I already know a whole lot.

Then he said - but I have to come up with 'source cards', and I already got a lot of it up here (pointing at his head)

I said - we'll put down: Disney Studio's Attraction: One Man's Dream.

Ill let you know how it turns out.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

I recommend Gabler's bio. It is a detailed read, although a bit tedious in stretches.

 

[aplejax76]

I have a question. My ds (4th gr.) has to read a biography and he picked Walt Disney. Does anyone know of a book for his age?

 

[powellrj]

my DS has been reading the Neil Gabler book and has really enjoyed all of the information. He has also read Illusion of Life, but its more about animation, but he still loves it.