In continuation of last week, I am going to give my last 5 of my personal favorite books on Disney.
Designing Disney’s Theme Parks: The Architecture of Reassurance by Karal Ann Marling
This book is pretty much a masterpiece in for any Disney Theme Park enthusiast.
“Uniting a roster of authors chosen from wide-ranging disciplines, this study is the first to examine the influence of Disneyland on both our built environment and our architectural imagination. Tracing the relationship of the Disney parks to their historical forebears, Designing Disney’s Theme Parks: The Architecture of Reassurance charts Disneyland’s evolution from one man’s personal dream to a multinational enterprise, a process in which the Disney “magic” has moved ever closer to the real world. This is a unique perspective on one of the great post-war American icons.” Barnes & Noble
Walt’s People: Talking Disney with the People Who Knew Him by Didier Ghez
Not a single book but a series of 12, these books include some of the best-collected interviews with those who worked with Walt personally.
Disney War by James B. Stewart
This is the book to get if you want to read about the rise and fall of Michael Eisner within the Disney Company.
‘When you wish upon a star’, ‘Whistle While You Work’, ‘The Happiest Place on Earth’ – these are lyrics indelibly linked to Disney, one of the most admired and best-known companies in the world. So when Roy Disney, chairman of Disney animation, abruptly resigned in November 2003 and declared war on chairman and chief executive Michael Eisner, he sent shock waves throughout the world. DISNEYWAR is the dramatic inside story of what drove this iconic entertainment company to civil war, told by one of America’s most acclaimed journalists. Drawing on unprecedented access to both Eisner and Roy Disney, current and former Disney executives and board members, as well as hundreds of pages of never-before-seen letters and memos, James B. Stewart gets to the bottom of mysteries that have enveloped Disney for years. In riveting detail, Stewart also lays bare the creative process that lies at the heart of Disney. Even as the executive suite has been engulfed in turmoil, Disney has worked – and sometimes clashed – with a glittering array of Hollywood players, many of who tell their stories here for the first time.” Amazon
Walt Disney Imagineering: A behind the Dreams Look at Making the Magic Real by The Imagineers
These 2 books are jewels within themselves. They both include never before seen documents, photos and stories told by Imagineers.
“How can you make dreams come true? Or transform a fantasy into a colorful, exciting world that visitors can move through, touch, and enjoy? Such fabulous work is the daily business of Walt Disney’s Imagineers, a core group of creative and highly skilled professional wizards who combine imagination with engineering to create the reality of behind the dreams that comprise the Disney theme parks. In this sequel to the best-selling Walt Disney Imagineering: A Behind-the-Dreams Look at Making the Magic Real, the Imagineers serve up another dose of magic with an even closer look at who they are, what they do, and how they do it, illuminating their theories and explaining the tools they use, and where and how they use them. Contained within this deluxe tome are rough drawings, conceptual models, and behind-the-scenes stories showcasing Disney’s newest attractions and innovations from the inside out. There’s also an exclusive peek inside the Research and Development Lab to see what new magic will soon be appearing. The Imagineers tell their own stories, as well as how they got there, what they do on a daily basis, what they show their friends in the parks, and how you can learn what it takes to become an Imagineer. Presented in a large, lavish format, this book is sure to be a must-have for every Disney collector.” Barnes & Noble
Walt Disney’s Nine Old Men and the Art of Animation by John Canemaker
This is a pure treasure for Disney enthusiast. If there was anything you wanted to know about the 9 Old Men, then look no further than this book.
“Noted film historian John Canemaker brings to life the team whose combined individual genius defined the art of character animation. Think of your favorite moments and characters in Disney films from the thirties to the seventies and chances are most were animated by one of Walt Disney’s “Nine Old Men.” Through the span of their careers, these nine highly skilled animators exhibited an unparalleled loyalty to their employer. This book explores their artistic breakthroughs, failures, and rivalries, and their individual relationships with each other and with Walt.” Barnes & Noble
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