I love biographies. Neil Gabler’s Walt Disney: The Triumph the American Imagination is not small exception. This is not a small book, by any standard – in fact, the book is 633 pages of text and contains more than 200 pages of bibliography, notes and acknowledgements.
Walt Disney was born in 1901 and he died in 1966 and over the years there are numerous articles and books that have been written about him. His life and his work continue to inspire generations 4 decades after his death. Gabler’s book captures this legacy and views Disney in a far more complex manner than other authors before him. He examines his vision of America, his commercial brand of popular culture and the artistic inspirations.
The Disney Corporation closely guards the legacy of the man known as Walt. They protect the information about his private life and his files and his work. Gabler received the authorization and the cooperation of the Disney Corporation and their only request was that he must write a serious book and Gabler delivers.
One of the interesting facets that Gabler debunks is the popular culture myth that Disney had his body cryogenically preserved, whereas in truth — …Disney’s final destination was fire, not ice; he was cremated…
In his book, Gabler works diligently to separate the fact from the legend and does his best to discover the truth about myth making in our lives. Gabler wrote that: no one gains full access; I was warned by numerous individuals who had tried unless one is serving the company’s agenda. Still, Gabler’s work is a journey through the power of the American imagination and his very engaging and conversational style of writing is easy to hang on to as you delve through over 600 pages.
If you’ve ever been curious about Walt Disney, if you’ve ever been enchanted by his vision, his work and the magic that continues to be his legacy and gift to our own children – then check out this book. It’s definitely worth a read or three.
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