A Mouse Divided

How Ub Iwerks Became Forgotten, and Walt Disney Became Uncle Walt

By: Jeff Ryan

Narrated by: J. D. Jackson

Almost everything you know about Mickey Mouse is wrong: He wasn’t Disney’s first star; Steamboat Willie wasn’t his first movie; Mickey wasn’t a nice guy - and Walt Disney didn’t invent him.

In 1928, two very different best friends invented Mickey Mouse. And the success tore them apart. Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks’ friendship is a story of betrayal, love, war, money, power, tragedy, intrigue, humor, despair, and hope. You’ll love them both - when you don’t want to drop anvils on their heads. Discover the men behind the mouse and the mystery behind the magic.

A Mouse Divided is a stirring depiction of two underdogs. One invented Mickey Mouse - and one said he did. You’ll love Walt Disney more than you ever thought possible - until you don’t. And you’ll sympathize with Walt’s friend-turned-rival Ub Iwerks, always in Walt’s shadow.

This true story of how the Disney empire was made is a captivating, addictive listen, endlessly fascinating and revealing. And it’s never been fully told - until now.

©2018 Jeff Ryan (P)2018 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"This is a fascinating story about the early years of what would become the Disney empire. Walt's a big part of it, but others - particularly Ub Iwerks - played critical roles, which are thoroughly explored in this breezily readable book. Disney fanatics - you know who you are - will love it." (Dave Barry)

Bouncy, clever writing carries thorough research

A truly well written book. The author's use of puns, word play, irony and symbol seem effortless but elevate the writing beyond fact. "Clever" writing can be annoying, but Ryan's prose never seems forced or stilted. I entered the text thinking it might be nice to read about Mickey before a Disney vacation, but I ended up learning so much more about Iwerks, Disney, Bugs Bunny, labor unions, animation, war propaganda, camera technology, Snow White brand hams, Nazi Germany, and American mythology. I actually listened to the last chapter over again after I finished. It is quite well done, balancing research and storytelling perfectly.

Learned a lot from this book

I enjoyed this history. I learned a lot about UB.
The picture of Walt is more realistic then most warts and all.

Informative about the industry in general.

I did not realize how much the studios overlapped creators, artists, and general staff. It is amazing to me Disney’s effect in the industry. Walt set the standard of production to strive for. I enjoyed seeing marks made by Ub that are still evident today.

Needs more Ub

Not as much about Ub Iwerks as I had hoped. its much more Disney focused than I would have thought.

very good

very good. made me want to go back and rewatch a bunch of the classics.