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Walt Disney: an American Original, Commemorative Edition (Disney Editions Deluxe)

Description:

This is the Commemorative Edition of one of the most trusted and respected nonfiction books about Walt Disney ever written!

Includes 4 commemorative essays; a photo insert with more than 60 behind-the-scenes images; and an endnotes section with insightful passages from 15 Disney historians and authors to provide further context for modern audiences.


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 this definitive biography of the person behind the legend of Disney: the unschooled cartoonist from Kansas City, Missouri, who—though his initial studio went bankrupt during his first movie venture—developed into a creative spirit who produced unmatched works of entertainment that have influenced generations.

Inside the Commemorative Edition paperback:
• Special essays by Christopher Miller, Jeff Kurtti, Marcy Carriker Smothers, and Rebecca Cline and an updated index from the 2023 edition
• Preface by Bob Thomas from the 1994 edition
• Foreground, 28 chapters, and sources by Bob Thomas from the 1976 edition
• Endnotes excerpting 15 books that have furthered Bob’s research from the 2023 edition
• 32-page photo insert with more than 60 behind-the-scenes images from the 2023 edition

Searching for information about Walt Disney? Explore more books from Disney Editions:
  • The Official Walt Disney Quote Book
  • People Behind the Disney Parks: Stories of Those Honored with a Window on Main Street, U.S.A.
  • Maps of the Disney Parks: Charting 60 Years from California to Shanghai
  • Walt's Disneyland: A Walk in the Park with Walt Disney
  • The Story of Disney: 100 Years of Wonder


Editorial Reviews

Review

" . . . Walt Disney's definitive biography . . ."
- Amy Murray, BBC News NI

One of "THE BEST BOOKS ON DISNEY . . . From history books to behind-the-scenes looks at the making of Disney films, these books offer a wealth of information about one of the most iconic brands in the world. So whether you’re a diehard Disney fan or simply curious about the company, be sure to check out these titles. . . Disney lovers will appreciate learning more about the man behind the mouse, and anyone interested in business will find this book to be a fascinating read. Whether you’re a Disney fan or not,
Walt Disney: An American Original is definitely worth picking up."
- Phil Treagus-Evans, THEREADINGLISTS.COM

One of "The 10 Best Books on Walt Disney."
- Nick Dunehew, Brooksy Society

One of the "Best Books About Disney World, Disneyland & Imagineering in Our Library."
- Tom Bricker, Disney Tourist Blog

One of "5 Literary Gems About the History of Disneyland."
- Bookstr

One of "17 Disney Books Every Disney Fan Should Read."
- Unlocking The Magic

One of "30 Books About Disney World and Disneyland . . . If you are a Disney fan, this list of books about Disney should give you a pretty good TBR (to be read) pile!"
- FLYINGOFFTHEBOOKSHELF.COM

About the Author

BOB THOMAS (1922–2014) is the author of numerous books, including biographies on Fred Astaire; Bing Crosby; Howard Hughes; and Joan Crawford, plus three editions of The Art of Animation (1958–1997) and the 1998 Roy O. Disney biography. He was issued a special commendation at the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony in 2001.

About the Commemorated Edition's Contributors:
  • CHRISTOPHER MILLER grew up in southern California, the son of the late Ron and Diane Miller, and grandson of Walt and Lillian Disney. Christopher serves as a board member for The Walt Disney Family Museum and Walt Disney Family Foundation.
  • JEFF KURTTI is a prolific author and leading authority on Disney history, with more than 40 volumes to his credit. He has enjoyed a career as an author, writer, producer, and consultant in the motion picture, theater, and themed-design industries.
  • MARCY CARRIKER SMOTHERS is the author of the fan favorite Eat Like Walt, a New York Times New & Noteworthy selection in 2018. Her love of all things Disney inspired her to write Walt's Disneyland (2021) and 100 Disney Adventures of a Lifetime (2022).
  • REBECCA CLINE, director of the Walt Disney Archives, is charged with collecting and preserving all aspects of Disney history and making the material available to researchers from all areas of the company. Becky also coauthored The Walt Disney Studios (2019) and Holiday Magic at the Disney Parks (2020).

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars Still reading this

R.B. · July 12, 2025

Still reading but it’s a good book so far. I’m a Disney fanatic and I love the characters more than anything. I wanted to see the other side of Disney but people told me that was a bad idea but I’ll make that decision on my own

5.0 out of 5 stars Love this book.

B.B. · June 2, 2025

I have read this book before for a project in 5th grade. I can't wait to read it again.It came quickly and in great condition. It is just lovely!I love the fact it was written by someone who knew Walt personally.

5.0 out of 5 stars Get it!

J. · March 23, 2025

If you love everything Disney, you'll love this book!

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun book, a must for Disney lovers

M.M. · February 4, 2024

Omg I love this book and it looks so good on my media console! We just went to Disney and this year is the Disney 100 celebration so it was extra special and wonderful. I must have still been riding on the Disney high because when I got home I immediately purchased this commemorative edition book lol. I haven’t read the entire thing yet but what I have read has been very interesting and it just makes me like Walt Disney even more. What a hard working, tenacious, and innovative guy he was. Could parts of the book have been more detailed? Sure. But the book is made up of stories from 4 different authors and they did their best recounting their memories. I appreciated being able to peer into the window of Walt’s life, learning what I could. Right in the center of the book there are about 15 pages of pictures which were a delight to look at. The pictures really take you back in time. Most of them were in black and white but there were a few colored ones in there. This book is an absolute must for all Disney lovers!

4.0 out of 5 stars Decent bio with some questionable info, and some blatantly contrived stuff in it

K.M. · November 20, 2024

The very first thing I noticed was that, for some reason, the author felt the need to change Walt's birthdate from a Thursday to a Sunday. And then that was kind of the deal with the entire book. I think the author spoke to Walt and his family/friends/associates and reported what they said, but then I think he took it upon himself to interpret it all from HIS perspective and alter or leave out things he didn't like or understand, and I don't think he really understood Walt as a person very well. He would report things he did or said but then blatantly fail to comprehend why, and it showed. I definitely feel like if the author could have gotten away with lying and saying Walt was a straight A student and an all American football star in college, he would have done that. He would have left out anything weird or not 100% "basic American normie" about him, which is pretty much everything about Walt. He was trying to paint Walt like a character from a Norman Rockwell painting. Walt was anything but a typical average human being. I wish somebody LIKE Walt would write his biography; somebody who understood him a little more.Anyway, it does get MOST of the facts straight, and I didn't see any malicious lies, which is why I gave it 4 stars.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Childhood of Dreams Come True

K.C.o.c. · October 2, 2024

I have been enchanted by all things Disney since the television first show with Micky Mouse. The Mickey Mouse Club was never missed at our house! Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color is imprinted on my brain like it was yesterday. We learned about ART- drawing, singing, music - particularly about every instrument in an orchestra, dancing, geography, HISTORY, and all things to encourage imagination, beauty, love of Nature, tolerance for other cultures, conservation and true innocent childlike innocence to BELIEVE! Walt Disney was such an amazing teacher. I am so grateful that I can step into my mind and dream. Because Dreams Are Forever!💋💋💋

5.0 out of 5 stars Walt Disney

A.C. · March 6, 2025

Only starting reading this booklet loving it

5.0 out of 5 stars This Book Is Absolutely Amazing!!

N.K. · September 1, 2024

I am a huge Disney fan and wanted to learn more about the History. This book was recommended to me and I am so glad it was. This book is absolutely amazing!! The detail and research that obviously went in to writing this book is unbelievable!! Walt Disney was and is a true genius! I have really enjoyed getting to know him better and getting a better understanding of how things came to be. If you love Disney like I do. This is the book for you!!

Walt Disney a Cinema Idol

L.A. · August 15, 2024

Having spent my life in the Cinema l needed to pass on my experiences of a life with film just one of many books l needed to give....

El libro llegó dañado. Espero la devolución completa de mi dinero

A.C. · October 31, 2024

Supuestamente era nuevo lo que pedi....

A gift to read!

B. · October 11, 2020

Page turner written with heart & soul. Thomas tells all and truly appreciate Disney’s determination to fulfill his lifelong dream of a very simple objective: to make people happy! While he would say his mission was not complete; after reading this book, I can confirm he did. R. I. P. forever, Mr. Walter Elias Disney.

Walt Disney: an American Original, Commemorative Edition (Disney Editions Deluxe)

Product ID: U136808396K
Condition: New

4.8

AED13806

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Type: Hardcover
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.

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Imported From: United States

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

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Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

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Walt Disney: an American Original, Commemorative Edition (Disney Editions Deluxe)

Product ID: U136808396K
Condition: New

4.8

Walt Disney: an American Original, Commemorative Edition (Disney Editions Deluxe)-0
Type: Hardcover

AED13806

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.

Returns & Warranty policies

Imported From: United States

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.

If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.

Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.

All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.

While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.

Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

Description:

This is the Commemorative Edition of one of the most trusted and respected nonfiction books about Walt Disney ever written!

Includes 4 commemorative essays; a photo insert with more than 60 behind-the-scenes images; and an endnotes section with insightful passages from 15 Disney historians and authors to provide further context for modern audiences.


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 this definitive biography of the person behind the legend of Disney: the unschooled cartoonist from Kansas City, Missouri, who—though his initial studio went bankrupt during his first movie venture—developed into a creative spirit who produced unmatched works of entertainment that have influenced generations.

Inside the Commemorative Edition paperback:
• Special essays by Christopher Miller, Jeff Kurtti, Marcy Carriker Smothers, and Rebecca Cline and an updated index from the 2023 edition
• Preface by Bob Thomas from the 1994 edition
• Foreground, 28 chapters, and sources by Bob Thomas from the 1976 edition
• Endnotes excerpting 15 books that have furthered Bob’s research from the 2023 edition
• 32-page photo insert with more than 60 behind-the-scenes images from the 2023 edition

Searching for information about Walt Disney? Explore more books from Disney Editions:
  • The Official Walt Disney Quote Book
  • People Behind the Disney Parks: Stories of Those Honored with a Window on Main Street, U.S.A.
  • Maps of the Disney Parks: Charting 60 Years from California to Shanghai
  • Walt's Disneyland: A Walk in the Park with Walt Disney
  • The Story of Disney: 100 Years of Wonder


Editorial Reviews

Review

" . . . Walt Disney's definitive biography . . ."
- Amy Murray, BBC News NI

One of "THE BEST BOOKS ON DISNEY . . . From history books to behind-the-scenes looks at the making of Disney films, these books offer a wealth of information about one of the most iconic brands in the world. So whether you’re a diehard Disney fan or simply curious about the company, be sure to check out these titles. . . Disney lovers will appreciate learning more about the man behind the mouse, and anyone interested in business will find this book to be a fascinating read. Whether you’re a Disney fan or not,
Walt Disney: An American Original is definitely worth picking up."
- Phil Treagus-Evans, THEREADINGLISTS.COM

One of "The 10 Best Books on Walt Disney."
- Nick Dunehew, Brooksy Society

One of the "Best Books About Disney World, Disneyland & Imagineering in Our Library."
- Tom Bricker, Disney Tourist Blog

One of "5 Literary Gems About the History of Disneyland."
- Bookstr

One of "17 Disney Books Every Disney Fan Should Read."
- Unlocking The Magic

One of "30 Books About Disney World and Disneyland . . . If you are a Disney fan, this list of books about Disney should give you a pretty good TBR (to be read) pile!"
- FLYINGOFFTHEBOOKSHELF.COM

About the Author

BOB THOMAS (1922–2014) is the author of numerous books, including biographies on Fred Astaire; Bing Crosby; Howard Hughes; and Joan Crawford, plus three editions of The Art of Animation (1958–1997) and the 1998 Roy O. Disney biography. He was issued a special commendation at the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony in 2001.

About the Commemorated Edition's Contributors:
  • CHRISTOPHER MILLER grew up in southern California, the son of the late Ron and Diane Miller, and grandson of Walt and Lillian Disney. Christopher serves as a board member for The Walt Disney Family Museum and Walt Disney Family Foundation.
  • JEFF KURTTI is a prolific author and leading authority on Disney history, with more than 40 volumes to his credit. He has enjoyed a career as an author, writer, producer, and consultant in the motion picture, theater, and themed-design industries.
  • MARCY CARRIKER SMOTHERS is the author of the fan favorite Eat Like Walt, a New York Times New & Noteworthy selection in 2018. Her love of all things Disney inspired her to write Walt's Disneyland (2021) and 100 Disney Adventures of a Lifetime (2022).
  • REBECCA CLINE, director of the Walt Disney Archives, is charged with collecting and preserving all aspects of Disney history and making the material available to researchers from all areas of the company. Becky also coauthored The Walt Disney Studios (2019) and Holiday Magic at the Disney Parks (2020).

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars Still reading this

R.B. · July 12, 2025

Still reading but it’s a good book so far. I’m a Disney fanatic and I love the characters more than anything. I wanted to see the other side of Disney but people told me that was a bad idea but I’ll make that decision on my own

5.0 out of 5 stars Love this book.

B.B. · June 2, 2025

I have read this book before for a project in 5th grade. I can't wait to read it again.It came quickly and in great condition. It is just lovely!I love the fact it was written by someone who knew Walt personally.

5.0 out of 5 stars Get it!

J. · March 23, 2025

If you love everything Disney, you'll love this book!

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun book, a must for Disney lovers

M.M. · February 4, 2024

Omg I love this book and it looks so good on my media console! We just went to Disney and this year is the Disney 100 celebration so it was extra special and wonderful. I must have still been riding on the Disney high because when I got home I immediately purchased this commemorative edition book lol. I haven’t read the entire thing yet but what I have read has been very interesting and it just makes me like Walt Disney even more. What a hard working, tenacious, and innovative guy he was. Could parts of the book have been more detailed? Sure. But the book is made up of stories from 4 different authors and they did their best recounting their memories. I appreciated being able to peer into the window of Walt’s life, learning what I could. Right in the center of the book there are about 15 pages of pictures which were a delight to look at. The pictures really take you back in time. Most of them were in black and white but there were a few colored ones in there. This book is an absolute must for all Disney lovers!

4.0 out of 5 stars Decent bio with some questionable info, and some blatantly contrived stuff in it

K.M. · November 20, 2024

The very first thing I noticed was that, for some reason, the author felt the need to change Walt's birthdate from a Thursday to a Sunday. And then that was kind of the deal with the entire book. I think the author spoke to Walt and his family/friends/associates and reported what they said, but then I think he took it upon himself to interpret it all from HIS perspective and alter or leave out things he didn't like or understand, and I don't think he really understood Walt as a person very well. He would report things he did or said but then blatantly fail to comprehend why, and it showed. I definitely feel like if the author could have gotten away with lying and saying Walt was a straight A student and an all American football star in college, he would have done that. He would have left out anything weird or not 100% "basic American normie" about him, which is pretty much everything about Walt. He was trying to paint Walt like a character from a Norman Rockwell painting. Walt was anything but a typical average human being. I wish somebody LIKE Walt would write his biography; somebody who understood him a little more.Anyway, it does get MOST of the facts straight, and I didn't see any malicious lies, which is why I gave it 4 stars.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Childhood of Dreams Come True

K.C.o.c. · October 2, 2024

I have been enchanted by all things Disney since the television first show with Micky Mouse. The Mickey Mouse Club was never missed at our house! Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color is imprinted on my brain like it was yesterday. We learned about ART- drawing, singing, music - particularly about every instrument in an orchestra, dancing, geography, HISTORY, and all things to encourage imagination, beauty, love of Nature, tolerance for other cultures, conservation and true innocent childlike innocence to BELIEVE! Walt Disney was such an amazing teacher. I am so grateful that I can step into my mind and dream. Because Dreams Are Forever!💋💋💋

5.0 out of 5 stars Walt Disney

A.C. · March 6, 2025

Only starting reading this booklet loving it

5.0 out of 5 stars This Book Is Absolutely Amazing!!

N.K. · September 1, 2024

I am a huge Disney fan and wanted to learn more about the History. This book was recommended to me and I am so glad it was. This book is absolutely amazing!! The detail and research that obviously went in to writing this book is unbelievable!! Walt Disney was and is a true genius! I have really enjoyed getting to know him better and getting a better understanding of how things came to be. If you love Disney like I do. This is the book for you!!

Walt Disney a Cinema Idol

L.A. · August 15, 2024

Having spent my life in the Cinema l needed to pass on my experiences of a life with film just one of many books l needed to give....

El libro llegó dañado. Espero la devolución completa de mi dinero

A.C. · October 31, 2024

Supuestamente era nuevo lo que pedi....

A gift to read!

B. · October 11, 2020

Page turner written with heart & soul. Thomas tells all and truly appreciate Disney’s determination to fulfill his lifelong dream of a very simple objective: to make people happy! While he would say his mission was not complete; after reading this book, I can confirm he did. R. I. P. forever, Mr. Walter Elias Disney.

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