Mickey Mouse: The Evolution, The Legend, The Phenomenon! (Welcome Book) [Paperback]

Robert Heide (Author), John Gilman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2, 2003 | Series: Welcome Book

Musician, magician, actor, dancer, singer, detective, plumber, firefighter, lover, and so much more. Mickey Mouse may have begun as an unlikely puckish hero, but this favorite star of movies, television, books, and comics has evolved into a worldwide cultural icon. From musical mouse-terpieces and groundbreaking films, through chameleon-like changes and comebacks, this book addresses the personality and staying power of an international hero and all-around good guy. Never-before-published artwork from The Walt Disney Archives and private collections is showcased alongside classic illustrations-more than 300 images in all.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Disney Editions (June 2, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786854073
• ISBN-13: 978-0786854073
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,119,010 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #77 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( D ) > Disney, Walt

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Underdog Hero Creates Mouse Mania!, September 18, 2001

By 

Donald Mitchell "Jesus Loves You!" (Thanks for Providing My Reviews over 110,000 Helpful Votes Globally) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Mickey Mouse: The Evolution, The Legend, The Phenomenon! (Hardcover)

Mickey Mouse is one of the best recognized and well regarded symbols in the world. Children are even more willing to get inoculations if Mickeys face is on hand. Due to an aggressive merchandising bent, this Disney character has been transformed into almost every possible physical expression. The only things that I havent seen done with Mickey are to turn him into buildings. Perhaps that will be next.

This book provides a primarily pictorial presentation of that history, from the original drawing by Ub Iwerks back in the 1920s through to the latest fashion in Mickey Mouse watches today. In between, you will see Mickey during his cartoon career (including a list of his appearances) beginning with his speaking role in Steamboat Willie on November 18, 1928, through the three different versions of the Mickey Mouse Club (I was disappointed that there were no large photographs of Annette!), his role as a greeter as the Disney theme parks (youll be fascinated by how the costume evolved), to his evolution as a drawn figure (pupils within pupils made him more appealing).

The book is loosely themed around Mickeys initial appeal as a brainy, underdog hero . . . a sort of mouse David versus Goliath. There are brief references to the other Disney characters, including Minnie, Donald Duck, and Pluto.

Clearly, the pictures the thing in this book. You will see ads, balloons, comic strips, lots of watches, wordworking projects, flower and topiary representations at the theme parks, movie posters, movie stills, story boards, every conceivable kind of merchandise, photographs, conceptual art (including Andy Warhol), Mickey Mouse ears, magazine covers, and sketches.

Although the book has some exposition, it is on the light side. Serious fans of Mickey would want to know a lot more. So the ideal recipient for this book would be a young person who likes Mickey, but doesnt know very much about him.

Fans of Minnie will be very disappointed. She is almost totally ignored in the book. Since my daughter likes Minnie much better than Mickey, this would be a poor choice as a gift for her.

Those looking for the ultimate visual experience with Mickey will also find this book to be disappointing. Although it has a lot of attractive material, it could have had much, much more.

Like most compromises, the book fails to fully satisfy. I graded the book down accordingly although it is perfectly executed for its concept of providing a little background with a lot of images of Mickey.

After you finish enjoying this book, think about who you favorite cartoon character is. Why do you like that character? What traits of that character do you wish that you embodied? What other traits would make that character even more desirable?

Look for role models wherever you can find them!

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mickey Mouse : The Best Cartoon ever, May 8, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Mickey Mouse: The Evolution, The Legend, The Phenomenon! (Hardcover)

I love the book it really tells how Mickey Mouse becomes a figure of American Icon and All around the world. Great Pictures, Great Story of a Great Mouse

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Item for Collectors, July 28, 2006

By 

E. Reingold "Avid Reader" (Renton, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Mickey Mouse: The Evolution, The Legend, The Phenomenon! (Welcome Book) (Paperback)

My friend is "nuts" about Mickey Mouse and this was the one of the best Mickey gifts ever.