The Man behind the Magic: The Story of Walt Disney (Paperback)

by Katherine Greene (Author), Richard Greene (Author) "It was a gloomy Thursday in March, 1928, and twenty-sex-year-old Walt Disney and his wife Lilly were about to return home to California from New..." (more)
Key Phrases: Walt Disney, Kansas City, Snow White (more...)

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. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description
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. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Viking Juvenile (October 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0670884766
• ISBN-13: 978-0670884766
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #848,885 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars interesting but not the best, May 3, 2001

By	microjoe - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

This book is fairly interesting but, but it is a "lite" version of Walts life. The authors do not bash Walt like some do just to get press. 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 or you can only afford one biography on Uncle Walt, then try the Bob Thomas book "Walt Disney an American Original". It does not bash Walt either or candycoat him, and is written in a better manner that draws you along. Let me put it this way, the Thomas book on Walts brother Roy Disney has more details on Walt than the book on this page and is much better written than this book. Get that book as well, it's called "Building a Company" and I could not put it down.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	Ed Badger (Hudson, nh USA) - See all my reviews

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

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

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

By A Customer

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.