Recommendations for Disney Biography

[APB513]

I would like to read a biography about Walt Disney but there are so many out there. Can someone recommend a good one?

Thanks

 

[DustyShadows]

So I admit... I have never actually read a biography of Walt Disney BUT... I know that Neil Gabler came out with one last year that was hailed as one of the most complete ever written. From what I remember, Gabler was given access to the archives and other documents that past biographers have not had access to. Hope this helps!

 

[ashleybegins]

Yes, read Neil Gabler's.

 

[apecharge]

I have read Bob Thomas' "An American Icon". It is a very good read about Walt Disney. It is the "official" biography financed by his family. I enjoyed it, while others said it wasn't as indepth as others. I would still recommend it though.

 

[Kristineamb]

Neil Gabler came out with one last year that was hailed as one of the most complete ever written. From what I remember, Gabler was given access to the archives and other documents that past biographers have not had access to.

I am reading this one right now...I must say I am a little disappointed...it is very detailed, lots of dates, names, etc...very business oriented....would have liked more information on personal/family life but thats me....

 

[graygables]

I have read Bob Thomas' "An American Icon". It is a very good read about Walt Disney. It is the "official" biography financed by his family. I enjoyed it, while others said it wasn't as indepth as others. I would still recommend it though.

Back when I was young and in college the first time, I wrote a term paper on Walt Disney (even went to the Burbank studios and got to meet his grandson!). The Bob Thomas biography was my bible for that paper. I recently re-read it (yeah, the copy I hijacked from the library all those years ago and thought was lost...) and it was just as good. Very enjoyable.

 

[apecharge]

Yes, it is a great read. But I may have messed up the title. I think it is actually called "An American Original". But either way, it is written by Bob Thomas and is very good.

 

[grinningghost]

"An American Original" is a very thorough biography, but my personal favorite book about Walt is "How To Be Like Walt" by Pat Williams. It is, from start to finish, absolutely outstanding. I re-read it often.