Walt Disney: An American Original (Commemorative Edition)

De: Bob Thomas, Christopher Miller, Jeff Kurtti, Marcy Carriker Smothers, Rebecca Cline

Narrado por: Jason Culp, Xe Sands, Christopher Miller, Jeff Kurtti, Marcy Carriker Smothers, Rebecca Cline

The Walt Disney Company honors its 100th anniversary in 2023. As part of the festivities, this must-have biography tells the story of Walt Disney's life— told as no other book can!

Walt Disney is an American hero. From Mickey Mouse to Disneyland, he changed the face of American culture. His is a success story like no other: a man who developed animated film into an art form and made a massive contribution to the folklore of the world. After years of research, respected Hollywood biographer Bob Thomas produced a definitive biography of the man behind the legend of Disney: the unschooled cartoonist from Kansas City who went bankrupt on his first movie venture and developed into the genius who produced unmatched works of animation, and ultimately was the creative spirit of an international entertainment empire that has enchanted generations.

Walt Disney: An American Original is a fascinating and inspirational work that captures the spirit of Walt Disney. This Commemorative Edition includes: new introductions from Jeff Kurtti and Marcy Carriker Smothers and endnotes to add further context and connect Walt's story to today.

Searching for more ways to connect with the Disney Parks and films? Explore these books from Disney Editions:

Delicious Disney: Walt Disney World: Recipes & Stories from The Most Magical Place on Earth

A Portrait of Walt Disney World: 50 Years of The Most Magical Place on Earth

Birnbaum's 2023 Walt Disney World: The Official Vacation Guide

Birnbaum's 2023 Walt Disney World for Kids: The Official Guide

Art of Coloring: Walt Disney World

Maps of the Disney Parks: Charting 60 Years from California to Shanghai

Poster Art of the Disney Parks

Holiday Magic at the Disney Parks: Celebrations Around the World from Fall to Winter

The Haunted Mansion: Imagineering a Disney Classic

The Disney Monorail: Imagineering a Highway in the Sky

©2023 Bob Thomas, Christopher Miller, Jeff Kurtti, Marcy Carriker Smothers, Rebecca Cline (P)2023 Disney Editions

Incredible Story

Among other things that stand out, here is a man who just endured and kept going in spite of obstacles. Far from perfect he just worked hard and kept working and changed the world.

A Windiw into Walt

I truly enjoyed learning about Walt's life and his visions, and how he created the wonderful world of Disney that he left us his legacy for all of us!

Incredible Historic view of WED

This was one of the most comprehensive books on the life of Walt Disney and the Disney Dynasty. Incredible read. A must for any Disney lover.

The variation in narration was off-putting though the Walt Disney Story is amazing!

I had previously read Disney’s Land by Richard Snow which was excellent. This was an overall biography of the remarkable life of a man we all felt belonged to us.

Excellent information

And so well written. Hard to put it down! The author keeps in interesting from beginning to end.

As a Disney fan… I learned so much.

I’m a former employee of Disneyland and an Uber fan. I saw this book on the shelf in one of Disneylands shops and had to listen to it. The detail of Walt’s life is abundant and very entertaining. Recommended to anyone interested in Walt’s life… especially recommended to Disney Adults.

Great book

Great detail without being boring at all the way the story is told really flows nicely

Almost Made Me Cry (Just a little)

This biography was surprisingly honest with who Walt was and it was interesting to see how he saw and thought of things. From his life growing up to his last moment he was always being inspired and working and that influenced me quite a bit while listening. I felt like I got to know him and when it finally got to his final moment I teared up a bit and it made me realize that the Disney studio wasn't always the huge corporation it is now; it was once a man's dream and it sounded like a fun and imaginative place.

If you want to get inspired, feel some optimism and learn more about how Walt went about his work I HIGHLY recommend this. It's as fun and intriguing a ride as any in Disneyland.

a great audio book

I loved it but the narrator gets the title wrong at least twice its walt disney an American original not walt disney an American story but other than that it's great

Thank You Walt

I’m forever grateful for having read this book and to the legacy of Walt Disney. He is a national treasure and the book is an inspiring tribute to how much of an impact this man had on the world. The creativity, imagination, and innovation that came from Walt and his company has made such a positive impact on the culture that is hard to comprehend and compare. He is an example of do what you love and you’ll never work again. He gave and all these years later, we continue to benefit. His life was one amazing accomplishment after another and seems overwhelming. Not only about Walt but all of the talented around him and his ability lead. This book makes it all connect and make sense.