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Mickey Mouse: Emblem of the American Spirit
Mickey Emblem of the American Spirit tells the compelling story of how Walt Disney’s beloved graphic alter ego, the most enduring pop icon ever created, was born, how it soon took on a life of its own, and became an instantly recognizable figure virtually everywhere on earth.
It is an extensive illustrated “biography” and pop culture study of the diminutive cartoon star whose unprecedented success laid the foundation for everything the Walt Disney Company has achieved over the years.
Mickey Emblem of the American Spirit chronicles the life and times of Disney’s cheerful signature character, beginning with his lively syncopated debut in 1928 in Steamboat Willie at the tail end of the Jazz Age and into the Depression, and traces his impact on the realms of high art, literature, even politics — in peace and in war — both in the United States and abroad.
With over 300 images — many rarely or never before seen, most in full color —, Mickey Emblem of the American Spirit is a worthy companion to Christopher Finch’s classic volume, The Art of Walt Disney . Join Garry Apgar and The Walt Disney Family Foundation Press for a fascinating look at the multiple ways Walt Disney’s iconic Mouse has impacted our lives, individually and as a society.
It is an extensive illustrated “biography” and pop culture study of the diminutive cartoon star whose unprecedented success laid the foundation for everything the Walt Disney Company has achieved over the years.
Mickey Emblem of the American Spirit chronicles the life and times of Disney’s cheerful signature character, beginning with his lively syncopated debut in 1928 in Steamboat Willie at the tail end of the Jazz Age and into the Depression, and traces his impact on the realms of high art, literature, even politics — in peace and in war — both in the United States and abroad.
With over 300 images — many rarely or never before seen, most in full color —, Mickey Emblem of the American Spirit is a worthy companion to Christopher Finch’s classic volume, The Art of Walt Disney . Join Garry Apgar and The Walt Disney Family Foundation Press for a fascinating look at the multiple ways Walt Disney’s iconic Mouse has impacted our lives, individually and as a society.
- GenresNonfiction
336 pages, Hardcover
First published April 29, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 5, 2017
A meticulously researched and richly illustrated book on Mickey Mouse. Apgar puts the mouse into a cultural perspective: he analyzes Mickey's cultural background, his rise to fame, his worldwide impact, his role in the arts, and as a cultural symbol of not only the Disney corporation, but also of America in general. Apgar gives countless examples of articles, essays, films, novels, paintings and other artworks in which Mickey turns up. This string of examples at times floods the argument, and especially in the last three chapters it becomes unclear what Apgar actually tries to say. Moreover, his style is not all too engaging, and tends to be dry and academic.
An example of Apgar's original approach is his research on the use of the expressions 'Mickey Mousing' and 'Mickey Mouse orchestra', their origins and subsequent use. He also manages to show the reader how the perception of Mickey changed over time.
For Disney fans the first six chapters are the most essential, as these also tell the history of Mickey and consequently the Disney studio itself. Most admirable is Apgar's appendix of notes, which allows the reader to go for the original sources themselves for every quotation found in this book.
An example of Apgar's original approach is his research on the use of the expressions 'Mickey Mousing' and 'Mickey Mouse orchestra', their origins and subsequent use. He also manages to show the reader how the perception of Mickey changed over time.
For Disney fans the first six chapters are the most essential, as these also tell the history of Mickey and consequently the Disney studio itself. Most admirable is Apgar's appendix of notes, which allows the reader to go for the original sources themselves for every quotation found in this book.
February 18, 2016
Fantastic academic tome on Mickey Mouse. Covers the history of the Mouse in greater detail than I've seen anywhere else.
Looks at the historical, sociological, political, cultural and artistic affect Mickey Mouse had.
The book is very dense and very well-written. Parts were very hard to get through because of my lack of knowledge, but I still learned quite a bit.
A book that will be a staple of research for decades, if not centuries.
Looks at the historical, sociological, political, cultural and artistic affect Mickey Mouse had.
The book is very dense and very well-written. Parts were very hard to get through because of my lack of knowledge, but I still learned quite a bit.
A book that will be a staple of research for decades, if not centuries.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews