What is the best biography about Walt?

[Spunky946]

I have not read one and was wondering what the Walt fans would recommend.

Thanks.

 

[RandFamily]

I loved Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination by
Neal Gabler. The early sections of the book - like when they were making Snow White were so compelling I couldn't put it down. It's not only a biography - it's also a history of animated film-making in many ways. Excellent!

 

[baloony]

I totally agree with the pp. I just finished reading it last week. An excellent read. Lots of facts but not thrown at you to the point where you are confused. Very well paced. I also couldn't put it down.

 

[merina888]

I've read a few different ones and all have some redeeming feature. I've read Walt Disney: An American Original by Bob Thomas and thought it was pretty good. I also have his biographies of Roy Disney and Michael Eisner.

 

[Spunky946]

Thanks. I'll have to look at both of those.

 

[Zeppelin]

I loved Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination by
Neal Gabler. The early sections of the book - like when they were making Snow White were so compelling I couldn't put it down. It's not only a biography - it's also a history of animated film-making in many ways. Excellent!

read this and loved it....the family, especially Dianne Disney Miller, was outspoken against the book but i found nothing wrong with it- in fact it dispelled some mythical smears against Walt...

Walt was a bit of a hard-**** on himself and his employees- definite A-type personality- but that's why everything about Disney is so fantastic...comes across in the book how he was always setting the bar higher and higher and higher...

 

[Figment43]

Walt Disney: An American Original by Bob Thomas

I really like that one. I still page through it from time to time.

 

[cbg1027]

I've only read one, the Bob Thomas book, but it was a great read.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

All of these are very good If you want a 1 pager, google up Eric Severid's Eulogy for Walt, yes its sad....but in one page he explained the mans life and achivements.

Have a great read!

AKK

 

[DiSZYme]

Thanks for this post and the answers. I was just wondering about a biography and skimming amazon.com reviews, but never thought to just ask here
I think I'm going to order used copies of both the Gaebler and the Thomas books.
Additionally, does anyone have any favorite 'behind the scenes' books that they'd like to recommend? TIA

 

[jazz0007]

I don't usually like biographies but I read the Bob Thomas one and it was very good! I whipped through it with interest held. Although.....it was Disney....maybe that's why....hmmmmm. LOL

 

[SuzanneSLO]

I also enjoyed Walt before Mickey: Disney's Early Years 1919-1928 by Timothy Susanin. Incrediblly detailed information about his time in Kansas City, the bankruptcy and his early years in Los Angeles. -- Suzanne

 

[JoshuaShaw]

I'll repeat the Neal Gabler suggestion; wonderful book.

Slightly related, I'd also recommend The Hand Behind the Mouse by John Kenworthy. It's a biography about Ub Iwerks and large portions of the book are dedicated to his time with Walt Disney Studios and his relationship with Walt. It's a great read.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

I'll repeat the Neal Gabler suggestion; wonderful book.

Slightly related, I'd also recommend The Hand Behind the Mouse by John Kenworthy. It's a biography about Ub Iwerks and large portions of the book are dedicated to his time with Walt Disney Studios and his relationship with Walt. It's a great read.

YEAP THIS!

 

[sephorachick]

I have not read one and was wondering what the Walt fans would recommend.

Thanks.

The Bob Thomas book was a great read

 

[tofubeast]

Another thumbs up for Neal Gablor. Fascinating read.

 

[Missytara]

Ditto on the Neal Gabler book. It is a long read, but really wonderful stuff and fantastic pictures.

It is a great book to read on a vacation or during the winter months, when you snuggle up in bed early and can polish off several pages a night.

 

[mking624]

I have only read Walt Disney: An American Original by Bob Thomas. I really enjoyed it.