Walt Disney: An American Original

The Disney name is a very well-known one. In Bob Thomas' biography of Walt Disney, the reader is introduced to Walt Disney as a complete human being, rather than as a one-dimensional being. The story begins when Disney's history begins with the setting of Disney's early life. The chapters are arranged chronologically, starting with "The Midwest Years 1901-1923," then continuing with "The Cartoon Maker 1923-1934," "Toward a New Art 1934-1945," "Stretching the Horizon 1945-1961," and ending with "The Distant Reach 1961-1966." This is a fair and straightforward presentation of the man many have called a genius. It not only paints him as a dreamer, but also as a logical person.

Trying to dispel any untrue rumors that have been started since the passing of Disney, Bob Thomas' book describes the journey which Disney took to grow into the man the world would one day know. Disney is described in many ways by many of those closest to him, mainly painted as a thoughtful, sensitive, family-oriented and still business savvy individual whose actions were colored by an optimistic, hopeful desire to give children (and the child in everyone) and their families quality entertainment, both in physical amusement parks and in visual entertainment.