Disney A to Z: The Official Encyclopedia [Hardcover]

David Smith (Author)

Book Description

More than 6,500 entries and hundreds of photographs combine to provide a comprehensive reference on the world of Disney, providing authoritative coverage of the history of Disney, park attractions, television shows, songs, animated features and shorts, films, and much more.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

With 6500 entries, Disney A to Z: The Official Encyclopedia, edited by Dave Smith, chief archivist for 25 years at the Walt Disney Archives, it hardly seems possible that anything has been left out. Each of the 128 Donald Duck cartoons is described; the voices of the cartoon characters are identified; the tale of how Mortimer came to be called Mickey is related; and a selected bibliography is included, going back to 1942 books. There are b&w photos throughout, plus an eight-page color insert. (Hyperion, $29.95 576p ISBN
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

With the public's never-ending interest in Walt Disney the man, the company, and the phenomenon, there is no lack of published materials on the subject. This official Disney Archives publication, however, is unique in its treatment of multiple aspects of the Disney empire. Compiled to help archivists answer telephone questions, the articles are generally brief but offer significant technical information like release and opening dates for films and lists of cartoons in series. Walt Disney, Mickey Mouse, and recent company films merit longer discussions. Entries are arranged alphabetically and cover the company's TV and movie releases; key company personnel; an abundance of information on parks, resorts, and attractions; and even stores and parades. Biographies provide titles and dates of Disney productions or dates of employment but no personal information. Smith, founder of the Disney Archives and coauthor of The Ultimate Disney Trivia Book (Hyperion, 1993), has crafted a trivia-seekers' treasure. For most public and academic collections in the performing arts.
Kelli N. Perkins, Herrick P.L., Holland, Mich.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 576 pages
• Publisher: Disney Editions; 1St Edition edition (August 30, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786862238
• ISBN-13: 978-0786862238
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.3 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #792,891 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great resource!, January 16, 2007

By 

M. King (Louisville, KY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Disney A to Z: The Official Encyclopedia (Third Edition) (Hardcover)

This is a wonderful resource for a one-stop look at "all things Disney." However, be forewarned that this book does have its mistakes and is not completely thorough, so don't expect something exhaustive...but this is pretty close to it. Descriptions tend to bounce back and forth between incredibly descriptive to incredibly nondescriptive. A tv show that lasted literally only a month will sometimes have a much longer description than a park attraction that had been up for years. There are other mistakes that veteran Disney lovers will also note. For example, the encyclopedia lists "Pecos Bills" eatery (Frontierland) in Disney World as serving some Mexican fare. However, that is incorrect...the Mexican fare is served at "El Pirata y El Perico" eatery (Adventureland), but this eatery is not even listed in the book at all. The two do share an outside dining area. It lists "Caribbean Plaza" (home to the Pirates of the Caribbean ride) in Disney World as "near Adventureland", when it's actually a part of Adventureland and borders Frontierland. Those are just a couple of examples of little mistakes throughout the book. That said, it is a wonderful compilation of everything Disney and is a great gift for any Disney lover!

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Disney A to Z" is a "Must Own" for any Disney Fan, March 5, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Disney A to Z: The Official Encyclopedia (Hardcover)

I can safely say this book is a "must have" for any fan of Disney. <P> The book, "Disney A to Z: The Official Encyclopedia," truly lives up to its billing. Beginning with "Ames, Willie" (television star of "Runaway on the Rogue River") and ending with Zort Sorts (an educational 16mm film about an environmentally helpful alien), this thorough book leaves no stone unturned. <P> Whether you want to know more about Disney's early years (see Kansas City, Iwerks, Alice Comedies, or Oswald the Lucky Rabbit), or wish to learn about Disney in the 90's (see Ovitz, Captain John Smith, Disney's America, or BoardWalk), it is all here. <P> What's your favorite thing about Disney? Movies? You'll find entries about "Snow White" and "AIDS: What Do We Tell Our Children." Music? The Sherman Brothers are listed, as are Alan Menken and Howard Ashman. Restaurants? "Disney A to Z" has brief descriptions of Ohana and Club 33. <P> If you would like to lear

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great source of infomation!, May 12, 2007

By 

Patrick Pedneault (Toronto, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Disney A to Z: The Official Encyclopedia (Third Edition) (Hardcover)

This book is a great resource for all Disney fans. All the characters, all the movies (unfortunately, the Mephisto movie made in collaboration with Salvador Dali is not in the book) and all the attractions, parks, properties and influentials employees are mentioned. Maybe just not as exhaustive as I would like it; it is, however, a great resource.