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Walt Disney: A Life from Beginning to End
Walt Disney * * *Download for FREE on Kindle Unlimited + Free BONUS Inside!* * * Read On Your Computer, MAC, Smartphone, Kindle Reader, iPad, or Tablet. The name Disney is celebrated throughout the world because of its association with blockbuster animated films and most especially iconic cartoon characters. Just about everyone on the planet, regardless of time, place, or culture, has at one time or another become acquainted with Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and everybody’s favorite anthropomorphic dog, Goofy. These are the characters that we know and love. Inside you will read about... ✓ Humble Beginnings ✓ Serving in World War I ✓ Disney, Iwerks, and Innovation ✓ The Lucky Rabbit and Mickey Mouse ✓ The Road to Success ✓ Disney During World War II And much more! In recent years Disney has become set to become even larger by adopting a new host of characters from George Lucas’ Star Wars franchise. It seems that the name Disney, even 50 some years after Walt Disney’s death, is destined to get even bigger. But as much as we can associate the name Disney with these incredible films, it is amazing how little most people know about Walt Disney himself. Few know of Disney’s humble upbringing in rural America, learning to draw farm animals and flowers. Very few know the origin of Mickey Mouse, and even fewer know of the role that Donald Duck played during the war effort of World War II. Come along as we present to you a tale just as fascinating as any plot sequence to have ever graced Walt Disney’s storyboard. Series Biographies of Business Leaders Book 2
106 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 6, 2018
285 people are currently reading
531 people want to read
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Hourly History
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
November 6, 2020
Un personaje tan conocido, y, a la vez, tan desconocido para mí. Aparte del mito (ya totalmente descartado) sobre su criogenización en nitrógeno líquido, poco más sabía sobre su vida y hechos. Pero esta entrega de Hourly History tampoco ha cumplido mis expectativas. ¿Motivo? Pues que más parece un panfleto propagandístico sobre tan eminente figura, y no pasa ni de perfil por las muchas controversias que suscitó este gran innovador. Nada sobre si realmente acusó a sus empleados en la caza de brujas fomentada por MacArthur, ni sobre ningún otro tema espinoso, entre ellos el maltrato y menosprecio que muchos trabajadores dicen haber experimentado bajo su tutela. Ni sobre la supuesta manipulación que el FBI ordenara para sus películas. Nada.
Que Walt Disney es un icono de la historia y de la cultura estadounidense (y mundial) está claro. Que su vida haya sido intachable no lo está. Pero, al menos, para esta pequeña edición de su historia parece que ha sido mejor “no meneallo”, destacando, y a vuela pluma, sus grandes logros, que no han sido pocos.
Ello no es óbice para, desde aquí, expresar mi admiración por semejante figura. Me quito el sombrero ante sus logros, y, por supuesto, he disfrutado como el que más con la mayoría de sus producciones. Una eminencia que, si no hubiese existido, habría que haber inventado. Y que perdurará mientras siga existiendo el séptimo arte.
Que Walt Disney es un icono de la historia y de la cultura estadounidense (y mundial) está claro. Que su vida haya sido intachable no lo está. Pero, al menos, para esta pequeña edición de su historia parece que ha sido mejor “no meneallo”, destacando, y a vuela pluma, sus grandes logros, que no han sido pocos.
Ello no es óbice para, desde aquí, expresar mi admiración por semejante figura. Me quito el sombrero ante sus logros, y, por supuesto, he disfrutado como el que más con la mayoría de sus producciones. Una eminencia que, si no hubiese existido, habría que haber inventado. Y que perdurará mientras siga existiendo el séptimo arte.
February 13, 2018
*Kindle Freebie as of 2-12-18* Part of my own Kindle Cleanout
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I've always been a Disney kid as long as I can remember. My first experiences that come to mind are watching the Little Mermaid and seeing Lion King at the Silver with mom, my brother plus my cousins and Aunt.
Ariel probably inspired my now red hair come to think about it:-D.
My cousins, Stephanie, and I would play as Disney characters as often as we would Barbies and Power Rangers (we even got my brother to play little Mermaid with us hehe). Disney just hooked us back then like nothing else it seemed.
When I got older, the magic still thrilled me but I also became curious about the History as well. Disney and Walt himself plus the others involved made for some interesting stories.
My two favorites are the ones behind the creation of Snow White and Mickey Mouse. Also funny come to think of it how some of Walt's early stuff didn't go so well when you think of how huge Disney still is today.
Makes you wonder what Walt would think of certain movies the company has done lately too. (Would he have liked Marvel for instance?)
This was a fun book to read. I was skeptical at first when I saw the short length but alot was packed in there and it was done in a way that was very engaging and not rushed at all.
I didn't know that Walt was betrayed twice in business dealings.. that was a surpise.
But the truth of the matter is that the magic that Mr. Disney had already bestowed is probably more than enough to last us all for several lifetimes to come.
Would recommend:)
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I've always been a Disney kid as long as I can remember. My first experiences that come to mind are watching the Little Mermaid and seeing Lion King at the Silver with mom, my brother plus my cousins and Aunt.
Ariel probably inspired my now red hair come to think about it:-D.
My cousins, Stephanie, and I would play as Disney characters as often as we would Barbies and Power Rangers (we even got my brother to play little Mermaid with us hehe). Disney just hooked us back then like nothing else it seemed.
When I got older, the magic still thrilled me but I also became curious about the History as well. Disney and Walt himself plus the others involved made for some interesting stories.
My two favorites are the ones behind the creation of Snow White and Mickey Mouse. Also funny come to think of it how some of Walt's early stuff didn't go so well when you think of how huge Disney still is today.
Makes you wonder what Walt would think of certain movies the company has done lately too. (Would he have liked Marvel for instance?)
This was a fun book to read. I was skeptical at first when I saw the short length but alot was packed in there and it was done in a way that was very engaging and not rushed at all.
I didn't know that Walt was betrayed twice in business dealings.. that was a surpise.
But the truth of the matter is that the magic that Mr. Disney had already bestowed is probably more than enough to last us all for several lifetimes to come.
Would recommend:)
August 4, 2019
The books in this series are good little reads, much like it say's in the title approximately an hour. You don't get the in depth information about the event or person but what you do get is a fairly concise account that may lead you to read further books about the subject. I have used this series to get a basic outline of the chosen subject, which I generally find enough and don't want the more detailed schooling etc.
Walt Disney is an household name but other than being a source of my childhood enjoyment knew very little of how it all began etc. This book covers Walt's early work and breakthroughs to success but seemed a little rushed when it got to the end of his life. I would also question whether the book was written by someone with rose coloured glasses as some of the passages are contrary to other books etc.
Walt Disney is an household name but other than being a source of my childhood enjoyment knew very little of how it all began etc. This book covers Walt's early work and breakthroughs to success but seemed a little rushed when it got to the end of his life. I would also question whether the book was written by someone with rose coloured glasses as some of the passages are contrary to other books etc.
May 17, 2021
“Walt Disney led a life that was just as epic as the stories he helped to bring about.”
“I believe in being an innovator.”
“I only hope that we don’t lose sight of one thing—that it was all started by a mouse.”
Since I am going to Disney World next month, I decided to read a biography about Walt Disney. This one was very interesting and informative and I learned a lot of cool stuff about Walt Disney. He had a lot of hardships on his quest for success and to fulfill his creative vision. My only complaint was that, like many Hourly History biographies, it was over too soon and there were some key details of his life left out - like the death of his mother and the effects it had on him. And it didn’t even mention Disney World, only Disneyland. But other than that, it was a quick, easy, and interesting read.
“I believe in being an innovator.”
“I only hope that we don’t lose sight of one thing—that it was all started by a mouse.”
Since I am going to Disney World next month, I decided to read a biography about Walt Disney. This one was very interesting and informative and I learned a lot of cool stuff about Walt Disney. He had a lot of hardships on his quest for success and to fulfill his creative vision. My only complaint was that, like many Hourly History biographies, it was over too soon and there were some key details of his life left out - like the death of his mother and the effects it had on him. And it didn’t even mention Disney World, only Disneyland. But other than that, it was a quick, easy, and interesting read.
April 5, 2023
Nice Short Read
Found on Kindle for free. A very informative short biography on the life of Walt Disney. Great for nice and light reading.
Found on Kindle for free. A very informative short biography on the life of Walt Disney. Great for nice and light reading.
February 20, 2018
Who else is a Disney fan? (Please raise hand in comments)
I've grown up on Disney movies and still watch Disney movies to this day. I especially loved when he fought tooth and nail for Mary Poppins. That was a big movie I watch growing up along with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Beauty and the Beast.
I am even collecting all of the live action films as they come out.
If you're like me and a huge Disney fan I would recommend reading this book. It's a great look at how one of the best moments from childhood got start and the hardships Disney had to go through to make it to today.
A huge thank you to TL for recommending this to me.
I've grown up on Disney movies and still watch Disney movies to this day. I especially loved when he fought tooth and nail for Mary Poppins. That was a big movie I watch growing up along with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Beauty and the Beast.
I am even collecting all of the live action films as they come out.
If you're like me and a huge Disney fan I would recommend reading this book. It's a great look at how one of the best moments from childhood got start and the hardships Disney had to go through to make it to today.
A huge thank you to TL for recommending this to me.
November 5, 2019
I'm at Disney for the week, so figured this was appropriate. I loved the movie Walt Before Mickey and this provided filler for the time before and after the film. I would one day like to read a more detailed biography of Walt, as this was concise and meant as a brief introduction into a very creative life.
August 17, 2019
Quick read on Walt's life.
This is a great book for those that are looking to understand the life of Walt a little more. I think this series would be great for students.
This is a great book for those that are looking to understand the life of Walt a little more. I think this series would be great for students.
February 13, 2020
This is a short book, but we learn about the milestones in Walt Disney's life. It does not tire the reader with unnecessary details. It's definitely worth reading.
April 30, 2020
An interesting snap shot of Walt Disney.
October 17, 2020
It’s difficult to cover Walt Disney in 48 pages. Hourly History did an okay job. My criticism is that there were multiple errors such as Beauty in the Beast instead of Beauty and the Beast. That’s just sloppy. Otherwise, I’m fascinated with Disney and how a young man managed to become so successful with just a drawing of a mouse. He weathered many setbacks but remained persistent. Much to admire.
September 5, 2019
Giving to Children of all ages...
Who hasn’t heard the name “Walt Disney “must be from another planet or recently birthed. Walt Disney existed on this planet for 65 years. His contribution to not only us here in America but throughout the world was, and continues to be, nothing less than phenomenal. Though he did not live long enough to see Disney World open, his visions, his forward thinking, his fortitude, and his own interest in giving the world laughter and joy will go on for generations to come.
Take just a few minutes (perhaps 60) to read about Mr. Disney’s early years, his trials and trivia elation, and as many success is. You might just discover something you didn’t know.
Who hasn’t heard the name “Walt Disney “must be from another planet or recently birthed. Walt Disney existed on this planet for 65 years. His contribution to not only us here in America but throughout the world was, and continues to be, nothing less than phenomenal. Though he did not live long enough to see Disney World open, his visions, his forward thinking, his fortitude, and his own interest in giving the world laughter and joy will go on for generations to come.
Take just a few minutes (perhaps 60) to read about Mr. Disney’s early years, his trials and trivia elation, and as many success is. You might just discover something you didn’t know.
October 5, 2018
Abbreviated Disney history with some inaccuracies
I enjoyed the brevity of this biography. Being a Disney fan, I have read much about Walt Disney but welcome new opportunities to learn more. This book is ok for someone to glean a few facts; however, there is some erroneous material. The claim that Disney never spoke a profane word is contrary to the many materials I've read. Some of the finance discussions are questionable and contrary as well. A quick read but needs some more facts/fact checking.
I enjoyed the brevity of this biography. Being a Disney fan, I have read much about Walt Disney but welcome new opportunities to learn more. This book is ok for someone to glean a few facts; however, there is some erroneous material. The claim that Disney never spoke a profane word is contrary to the many materials I've read. Some of the finance discussions are questionable and contrary as well. A quick read but needs some more facts/fact checking.
May 1, 2019
I enjoyed reading the book and finding out more about how Walt Disney got started and how his successes grew to the point that they did before his death. Although a short read, the book did a good job of not only covering his creativity and hard work, but also of how some timely breaks and opportunities came along during some of the periods that he was struggling.
I'd recommend the book to anyone who knows the name of Walt Disney and would like to learn a timeline about him and the establishment and progress of his accomplishments in a condensed story.
I'd recommend the book to anyone who knows the name of Walt Disney and would like to learn a timeline about him and the establishment and progress of his accomplishments in a condensed story.
July 29, 2018
Interesting Life
I enjoyed reading about Walt Disney's early life and his struggles to turn his artistic talents and visions into an iconic business. The book ended too soon, however, with very little said about the 50s and 60s. The story needs more development on how Walt and Roy Disney formed and grew the Disney Company in my opinion. Otherwise, the book is well written and quick to read.
I enjoyed reading about Walt Disney's early life and his struggles to turn his artistic talents and visions into an iconic business. The book ended too soon, however, with very little said about the 50s and 60s. The story needs more development on how Walt and Roy Disney formed and grew the Disney Company in my opinion. Otherwise, the book is well written and quick to read.
February 21, 2018
Don't waste your time
When I saw the estimated reading time was 30 minutes that was a sign. If you don't know anything about Walt Disney, this will let you know enough to decide if you want to find out more. But this book dies not leave me with the impression the author did any real research into Walt's life.
When I saw the estimated reading time was 30 minutes that was a sign. If you don't know anything about Walt Disney, this will let you know enough to decide if you want to find out more. But this book dies not leave me with the impression the author did any real research into Walt's life.
February 11, 2018
Cool
I was so excited when I got this book in my email that I downloaded it and started it straight away. Like many, I was raised on Disney films so I found this small book very interesting. Thanks Hourly History.
I was so excited when I got this book in my email that I downloaded it and started it straight away. Like many, I was raised on Disney films so I found this small book very interesting. Thanks Hourly History.
March 1, 2018
Walt Disney
Thoroughly enjoyed this story about Walt Disney, and didn't realise the extra efforts and falls he had during his career. His determination and hard work created his success. This is a worth while read for anyone no matter you age
Thoroughly enjoyed this story about Walt Disney, and didn't realise the extra efforts and falls he had during his career. His determination and hard work created his success. This is a worth while read for anyone no matter you age
March 3, 2018
Walt Disney
Who doesn't recognize the name Walt Disney? Or haven't heard of Disney world? This man is known world wide. He has created and changed the way we watch cartoons how we see a fairy tale. This book tells you all about his start and how he created the famous Mickey Mouse.
Who doesn't recognize the name Walt Disney? Or haven't heard of Disney world? This man is known world wide. He has created and changed the way we watch cartoons how we see a fairy tale. This book tells you all about his start and how he created the famous Mickey Mouse.
February 18, 2020
What a master innovator Walt Disney was. Great visionary.
Mickey mouse and Donald duck are the two most celebrated cartoon characters around the world. Add to that Disneyland theme park which was his most important parting gift to the world. Awesome !
Mickey mouse and Donald duck are the two most celebrated cartoon characters around the world. Add to that Disneyland theme park which was his most important parting gift to the world. Awesome !
March 22, 2020
Good read
I enjoyed this, but was surprised by its abrupt ending, a lot of detail about his early life and building his empire. Then a few lines about Disneyland and one sentence about EPCOT and Disney world.
I enjoyed this, but was surprised by its abrupt ending, a lot of detail about his early life and building his empire. Then a few lines about Disneyland and one sentence about EPCOT and Disney world.
December 16, 2018
Short little read about Walt. Perfect to read before going to Disney or the family museum.
February 20, 2019
It was a good sketchy history of him, was hoping for more
April 23, 2019
Always wanted to find out a little bit about Walt Disney and this book filed the bill.
Will read more from Hourly History
Will read more from Hourly History
August 11, 2019
Walt Disney
I never realized what Walt went through to become the successful person that he became. He followed his dream and his dream because a reality.
I never realized what Walt went through to become the successful person that he became. He followed his dream and his dream because a reality.
September 24, 2019
Interesting account, but reads like a school essay.
July 23, 2020
Interesting biography
This was a good biography. It was not too heavy on the
money details. It was an easy and quick read.
This was a good biography. It was not too heavy on the
money details. It was an easy and quick read.
August 31, 2020
Enlightening
Enjoyed reading about Disney’s life and ups and downs. He showed that if you pursue your dreams through the downs anything is possible.
Enjoyed reading about Disney’s life and ups and downs. He showed that if you pursue your dreams through the downs anything is possible.
May 4, 2024
Overall, I don't think I gained that much insight into Walt Disney from this book.
Not so much because it isn't well written, but because it is pretty much what you would expect: Walt Disney was a talented and hardworking guy who was at the right place at the right time.
But a couple of thoughts occurred to me, a small one and a larger one.
(1) It seems Disney's dad was a bit of a loser. He changed careers frequently and had many failed money making schemes. This made me think of the fathers of John Rockefeller and Abraham Lincoln who were also losers in different ways. Does having a "loser dad" help you to become an iconic success? Or maybe just a coincidence...
(2) The more substantial thought is really realizing the extent of Disney's impact on American culture. It occurred to me that some things which I just took for granted as part of the American fabric were really a Disney invention. For example:
-The names of "The Seven Dwarves". Apparently it was Walt Disney who came up with the idea of giving each dwarf a name and personality.
-Disney Princesses. This idea of fairy tale princesses forming a distinct class of female heroines as opposed to just being unrelated characters in different fairy tales.
-Theme Parks. Disneyland was the first park which combined going on rides with interacting with fictional characters. And now you have the phenomenon of "Disney Adults".
The point is that these things and more are so established and part of America that it is easy to forget that they are the influence of one company and the aesthetic and culture they created.
Overall, I still feel I don't understand Walt Disney very well: how he got his ideas, what his story telling or artistic principles were and how they have shaped American culture. Hopefully one day I'll get around to learning more because now I am kind of curious.
Not so much because it isn't well written, but because it is pretty much what you would expect: Walt Disney was a talented and hardworking guy who was at the right place at the right time.
But a couple of thoughts occurred to me, a small one and a larger one.
(1) It seems Disney's dad was a bit of a loser. He changed careers frequently and had many failed money making schemes. This made me think of the fathers of John Rockefeller and Abraham Lincoln who were also losers in different ways. Does having a "loser dad" help you to become an iconic success? Or maybe just a coincidence...
(2) The more substantial thought is really realizing the extent of Disney's impact on American culture. It occurred to me that some things which I just took for granted as part of the American fabric were really a Disney invention. For example:
-The names of "The Seven Dwarves". Apparently it was Walt Disney who came up with the idea of giving each dwarf a name and personality.
-Disney Princesses. This idea of fairy tale princesses forming a distinct class of female heroines as opposed to just being unrelated characters in different fairy tales.
-Theme Parks. Disneyland was the first park which combined going on rides with interacting with fictional characters. And now you have the phenomenon of "Disney Adults".
The point is that these things and more are so established and part of America that it is easy to forget that they are the influence of one company and the aesthetic and culture they created.
Overall, I still feel I don't understand Walt Disney very well: how he got his ideas, what his story telling or artistic principles were and how they have shaped American culture. Hopefully one day I'll get around to learning more because now I am kind of curious.
May 30, 2022
I received this book from Amazon and it is part of the Hourly history collection (https://hourlyhistory.com). These books are mostly about historical events or historical persons.
This one is about Walt Disney and has all the important information about him in a very concise way (you can read it within an hour).
Since I was a kid I was fascinated by Walt Disney as an artist and this short book has revealed some details about his life.
This is my assessment of this book Walt Disney, by Hourly history according to my 8 criteria:
1. Related to practice - 3 stars
2. It prevails important - 4 stars
3. I agree with the read - 4 stars
4. not difficult to read (as for non-English native) - 4 stars
5. Too long (more than 500 pages) - short and concise (150-200 pages) - 5 stars
6. Boring - every sentence is interesting - 3 stars
7. Learning opportunity - 4 stars
8. Dry and uninspired style of writing - Smooth style with humouristic and fun parts - 3 stars
Total 3.75 stars
“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” —Walt Disney
“If you can dream it, you can do it.” —Walt Disney
“When you’re curious, you find lots of interesting things to do.” —Walt Disney
“I have been up against tough competition all my life. I wouldn’t know how to get along without it.” —Walt Disney
Snaking out from this little piece of small-town America, Disney presented not only recreations of the past, but also visions of the future with whole exciting new realms such as Frontierland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland.
It was a breathtaking union, and as one critic from the New York Times had critiqued the enterprise at the time, Disney was said to have “combined some of the pleasant things of yesterday with fantasy and dreams of tomorrow.”
This one is about Walt Disney and has all the important information about him in a very concise way (you can read it within an hour).
Since I was a kid I was fascinated by Walt Disney as an artist and this short book has revealed some details about his life.
This is my assessment of this book Walt Disney, by Hourly history according to my 8 criteria:
1. Related to practice - 3 stars
2. It prevails important - 4 stars
3. I agree with the read - 4 stars
4. not difficult to read (as for non-English native) - 4 stars
5. Too long (more than 500 pages) - short and concise (150-200 pages) - 5 stars
6. Boring - every sentence is interesting - 3 stars
7. Learning opportunity - 4 stars
8. Dry and uninspired style of writing - Smooth style with humouristic and fun parts - 3 stars
Total 3.75 stars
“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” —Walt Disney
“If you can dream it, you can do it.” —Walt Disney
“When you’re curious, you find lots of interesting things to do.” —Walt Disney
“I have been up against tough competition all my life. I wouldn’t know how to get along without it.” —Walt Disney
Snaking out from this little piece of small-town America, Disney presented not only recreations of the past, but also visions of the future with whole exciting new realms such as Frontierland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland.
It was a breathtaking union, and as one critic from the New York Times had critiqued the enterprise at the time, Disney was said to have “combined some of the pleasant things of yesterday with fantasy and dreams of tomorrow.”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews