The Man behind the Magic: The Story of Walt Disney [Hardcover]

Katherine Greene (Author), Richard Greene (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 15, 1991 | Age Level: 11 and up

For generations he set the standard for family entertainment. His films--Snow White, Cinderella, Bambi--are perennial classics. Now, Walt Disney's remarkable story is told for children from his childhood on a Missouri farm to the building of the Disney empire. 8-page color insert. Balck-and-white photographs.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6-12-- This interesting biography portrays Disney's life as one of vision, disappointment, and phenomenal success. He built an entertainment empire that began with innovative animation techniques and continued, even after his death, with the construction of Walt Disney World and the Epcot Center. This young man from Missouri had a tendency to push both himself and his staff, which led to serious personnel and financial problems in his rocky road to success. This chronological biography documents his career, concentrating more on the man than his "magic." In contrast, Barbara Ford's book (Walker, 1989), capitalizes on the Disney creations, giving more in-depth information about Mickey Mouse, Snow White, Donald Duck, and gang. Both works present a true-to-life picture of the genius of this talented man. However, the black-and-white photographs are more extensive and interesting in this work, and an additional eight pages of full-color photographs from animated movies further enhance it. --Judie Porter, Media Services Center, Portsmouth School Department, RI
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 11 and up
  
• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Viking; First Edition edition (July 15, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0670822590
• ISBN-13: 978-0670822591
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #686,510 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #54 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( D ) > Disney, Walt

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars some really nice photos, May 3, 2001

By 

microjoe - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Man behind the Magic: The Story of Walt Disney (Mass Market Paperback)

The authors of this biography do not bash Walt like some do just to get press sensationalism. They do not candycoat him either, and the book is very fair. First released in 1991, this book has a few really nice stories and interviews that were new to me. It also has some of the best photos of any of the bios out there, in small b/w spread throughout the book. The photos could be bigger though and the only big color photos were animation art rather than the other great photos that are in the book of Walt at home, play, & work. For someone that has to have every book on Walt this should be in your library.

If you are a diehard Disney history buff who wants a longer read after this book, then try the Bob Thomas book "Walt Disney an American Original" next or the Thomas book on Walts brother Roy Disney called "Building a Company", I could not put it down.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good book for the Disney Fan, April 26, 2002

By 

Ed Badger - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Man behind the Magic: The Story of Walt Disney (Mass Market Paperback)

A great book to read if you're looking to read about Walt. It'll keep your interest. No Disney Nut is complete without it

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating for readers of all ages., December 3, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Man behind the Magic: The Story of Walt Disney (Mass Market Paperback)

Written in a clear and sparkling style, this book should appeal to readers of all ages who are interested in the origins of the Disney phenomenon. Also, a great gift for families who enjoy visiting the Disney amusement parks.