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Walt Disney: An American Original (Commemorative Edition)

By: Bob Thomas, Christopher Miller, Jeff Kurtti, Marcy Carriker Smothers, Rebecca Cline
Narrated by: Jason Culp, Xe Sands, Christopher Miller, Jeff Kurtti, Marcy Carriker Smothers, Rebecca Cline
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Publisher's summary

The Walt Disney Company honors its 100th anniversary in 2023. As part of the festivities, this must-have biography tells the story of Walt Disney's life— told as no other book can!

Walt Disney is an American hero. From Mickey Mouse to Disneyland, he changed the face of American culture. His is a success story like no other: a man who developed animated film into an art form and made a massive contribution to the folklore of the world. After years of research, respected Hollywood biographer Bob Thomas produced a definitive biography of the man behind the legend of Disney: the unschooled cartoonist from Kansas City who went bankrupt on his first movie venture and developed into the genius who produced unmatched works of animation, and ultimately was the creative spirit of an international entertainment empire that has enchanted generations.

Walt Disney: An American Original is a fascinating and inspirational work that captures the spirit of Walt Disney. This Commemorative Edition includes: new introductions from Jeff Kurtti and Marcy Carriker Smothers and endnotes to add further context and connect Walt's story to today.

Searching for more ways to connect with the Disney Parks and films? Explore these books from Disney Editions:

Delicious Disney: Walt Disney World: Recipes & Stories from The Most Magical Place on Earth

A Portrait of Walt Disney World: 50 Years of The Most Magical Place on Earth

Birnbaum's 2023 Walt Disney World: The Official Vacation Guide

Birnbaum's 2023 Walt Disney World for Kids: The Official Guide

Art of Coloring: Walt Disney World

Maps of the Disney Parks: Charting 60 Years from California to Shanghai

Poster Art of the Disney Parks

Holiday Magic at the Disney Parks: Celebrations Around the World from Fall to Winter

The Haunted Mansion: Imagineering a Disney Classic

The Disney Monorail: Imagineering a Highway in the Sky

©2023 Bob Thomas, Christopher Miller, Jeff Kurtti, Marcy Carriker Smothers, Rebecca Cline (P)2023 Disney Editions
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What listeners say about Walt Disney: An American Original (Commemorative Edition)

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The variation in narration was off-putting though the Walt Disney Story is amazing!

I had previously read Disney’s Land by Richard Snow which was excellent. This was an overall biography of the remarkable life of a man we all felt belonged to us.

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A Windiw into Walt

I truly enjoyed learning about Walt's life and his visions, and how he created the wonderful world of Disney that he left us his legacy for all of us!

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Incredible Historic view of WED

This was one of the most comprehensive books on the life of Walt Disney and the Disney Dynasty. Incredible read. A must for any Disney lover.

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Great book

Great detail without being boring at all the way the story is told really flows nicely

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Incredible Story

Among other things that stand out, here is a man who just endured and kept going in spite of obstacles. Far from perfect he just worked hard and kept working and changed the world.

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Excellent information

And so well written. Hard to put it down! The author keeps in interesting from beginning to end.

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As a Disney fan… I learned so much.

I’m a former employee of Disneyland and an Uber fan. I saw this book on the shelf in one of Disneylands shops and had to listen to it. The detail of Walt’s life is abundant and very entertaining. Recommended to anyone interested in Walt’s life… especially recommended to Disney Adults.

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a great audio book

I loved it but the narrator gets the title wrong at least twice its walt disney an American original not walt disney an American story but other than that it's great

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Thank You Walt

I’m forever grateful for having read this book and to the legacy of Walt Disney. He is a national treasure and the book is an inspiring tribute to how much of an impact this man had on the world. The creativity, imagination, and innovation that came from Walt and his company has made such a positive impact on the culture that is hard to comprehend and compare. He is an example of do what you love and you’ll never work again. He gave and all these years later, we continue to benefit. His life was one amazing accomplishment after another and seems overwhelming. Not only about Walt but all of the talented around him and his ability lead. This book makes it all connect and make sense.

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Walt Disney never said never

I Love Disneyworld and it is a great story of the man behind the mouse

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