This bibliography of literature relevant to the Disney phenomenon was created by the students in Prof. Thomas Streeter's sociology class, "Mass Media and Modern Society," in the fall of 1999 at the University of Vermont. Please email corrections to thomas.streeter@uvm.edu. Participating students included: Jessica Bartlett, Jeanna Berman, Aimee Boucher, Jeffrey Chicoine, Ethan Covey, Courtney Daly, Elisa Gompert, Bryan Griesemer, Jennifer Kaplan, Jeffrey Knowlton, Karie Lavalley, Eric Lees, Peter Mango, Erin McKie, Melissa McLean, Megan Moses, Lucille Nottingham, Craig Peper, Timothy Swanson, and Jessica Wisloski.
Using the previously formulated concept of "McDonaldization," as a model of analysis, Bryman discusses Disney from a sociological perspective. Disney, attests Bryman, can be paralleled in many ways m its corporate affairs to McDonald's, specifically when relating to large-scale trends in the economy and the culture of consumerism. Deliberately basing his approach on ~e previous McDonaldization piece by Ritzer, Bryman also divides developed sectors into four parts: themeing, dedifferentiation of consumption, merchandising, and emotional labor. He justifies these as examples with leftist arguments. His piece fits into the many similar critiques, but draws nice contrast with interesting and understandable use of comparison
This is a highly argumentative piece looking at the affect Disney's animated films have on children and the culture in which it creates for them. He argues that while Disney is trying to entertain and may seem harmless, it's widespread appeal to children shouldn't make it above being dissected and criticized for it's content. Giroux goes into great detail as to specific examples of racism, social stereotyping, and a system of social hierarchy depicted in certain Disney animated films. He looks at how parents and educators need to address these problems for the sake of their children due to the false representations of our culture Disney is portraying to them.
An intelligent collection of facts and theories about Disney's role in popular culture and the characterization. of our society because of it. Giroux stands firmly rooted in semiotic structure of analysis, yet makes criticizing commentary on Disney's corporate mold throughout. Using reference to children's' role in the company as well as the idea of innocence, he portrays especially disturbing aspects about the meaning and outcome of the Disney enterprise in modern America.
Bannon discusses rumors of "obscene subliminal messages" in Disney films such as "Aladdin," "The Lion King," and "The Little Mermaid " Bannon herself believes that the "allegedly obscene sequences are hardly crystal clear; even using the pause button on a VCR, viewers may debate whether they exist." She writes about alleged messages as "urban folklore," and describes how the rumors were passed along around the country, through individual-s, an elementary school and a religious organization, with various groups attacking Disney for inappropriate messages.
A description of the Southern Baptists' boycott of the Walt Disney Company for its "overly permissive stance toward homosexuality." Key reasons for the boycott are Disney's decision to extend health benefits to same-sex domestic partners of its employees, and the television show "Ellen" on Disney-owned ABC, whose lead character recently came out as a lesbian. The campaign has had little effect on Disney's stock, and many Baptists themselves are ~e skeptical ~t ~e boycott. Morganthau portrays the disagreement between the Baptists and Disney fairly and does not take sides on ethical issues, but states that the campiagn has been largely unsuccessful.
This Book is a sociological examination of the life of Walt Disney and the development of his theme parks. It describes the different themes and values that the parks convey, including the way in which such themes and values are presented through careful and intentional manipulation. The book critiques the culture of Disney theme parks, is well organized by subject matter, and uses comprehensible language.
The Disney Touch discusses the success of the Walt Disney Company from a corporate point of view. Disney's technological, corporate and marketing systems are discussed as the have allowed them to be come a major financial and commercial success. The history of Disney is briefly discussed, but the focus of the book is centered around the workings of Michael Eisner and other Disney executives. This book is helpful when discussing the commercialization of Disney, and is not particularly critical of the Disney corporation.
This book consists of critical observations about the Disney World. It contains a discussion of why so many people travel to visit Disney World. It discusses facts about how the acceptance of Disney ideology leads to pleasure and the inability to deal with some of the more has realities of every day life. Other topics addressed in the book include the use of narratives at Disney World and Disney's intended messages.
This article is concerned with the influence Disney World has had on the surrounding community of Orlando. The illusions of purity that Disney creates through the intentional elimination of unpleasant aspects of life is being emulated by the city of Orlando. The article presents residents' points of view, and includes a commentary of the successes and failures of the City of Orlando in relation to those at Disney World.
A prospective on the possibilities Gerry Laybourne, recent ABC Disney Cable Network president, holds in determining the future of the company's cable presence. Burgi overviews Laybourne's history in cable television, and presents the tasks that await her in the new position, and he mentions several of the Disney ABC merger subdivisions that are included in her responsibilities. The article is one that profiles one of the head honcho positions at the ever-changing Disney enterprise, and serves as a time-piece in tracking the turnover of executives as well as the pre- and post- merger changes at Disney.
This brief article explains an agreement between Disney and CBS, which will entitle Disney to produce four specials for CBS to broadcast. In subjective, 'news article' style, the author explains how this new agreement allows Disney to stretch itself into the realm of other broadcasting stations, outside of ABC, and continue to support itself through the programming which it decides to produce.
Have the morals of new coverage declined? With the majority of the major networks being owned by larger companies, much of the news covered by these sources has become distorted. Examples include ABC news covering up the controversy about Disney, and HarperCollins Publishing about Rupert Murdoch. News Story.
This book, as a whole, examines the paths and progresses of Disney since the early 90's, through the personal accounts of its CEO, Michael Eisner. Chapter 14: Landing ABC, is Eisner's own perception of Disney' s decision to buy ABC, their negotiations, and the outcome of the purchase. This chapter gives an opinionated, personal, and one-sided view of the way that Disney bought out ABC. It gives a basis by which to see some of the immediate effects of cross-industry ownership.
This article discusses the ways in which ESPN is going to continue to "grow," while under 80% ownership by Disney. The article tends to give a somewhat optimistic outlook about the possibilities for growth on its own, as well as with the combined efforts of ESPN and Disney. It tries to convince us that although Disney owns 80% of ESPN, it will still have almost total control over its direction and rate of growth. The article shows us the effects of the Disney's new 80% ownership of ESPN.
This article focuses mainly on Disney' s plans and deals internationally. The author approaches the article with a subjective viewpoint, describing the new presidential and managerial appointments that Disney has made, both in the U.S. and abroad. He explains, as well, the new deals that Disney has made with both the BBC in London, the Australian Children' s Television Foundation, the CBC in Canada. He also brings to view the hopeful plans for Disney's future in trying to make deals with French and German partners.
Article discusses the possibility of ABC using it's credibility to "hide" advertisements for Disney (and Disney subsidiary) movies in its broadcasts Several examples are taken from recent news broadcasts as evidence. Author expresses concern about the expressive balance between news and commercials. Article proves that the distinction has become blurred.
A brief article which highlights a Disney initiative of offering "issues-oriented" programming. Higgins writes objectively, but the brevity and form of the article stir a sarcastic air. Higgins incorporates quotations and past examples of the Disney Channel to show what meager attempts the cable station has made to incorporate relaity in programs.
Article briefly describes Disney's recent production of the remade, made-for -TV movie 'Annie.' A list of the major actors in the film is included. The movie had record-breaking ratings, marking its best performance in over two years.
Megacorporations have taken over global enterprises. Mergers have not become a way to get ahead, but a way to catch up instead. Corporations are looking to establish themselves within a global market and have merged with other companies. Much of this has to do with the FTC becoming more liberal in its antitrust ideals. But how big is too big? Author asserts that mergers today are simply keeping up with the ever-growing global village.
This article, which begins as a paranoid soliloquy about a small group of media-people dominating global communications, evolves into a well-researched and easy-to-understand "map" outlining the nine media corporations that actually do dominate our global communications. McChesney's introductory pages are fact-filled leftist argument on how business in today's media is run, and why. It is an excellent article for any information of fiscal, corporate, market and media program control reference.
ABC News is at the top of all of the public network news stations. However, NBC is a close second and is suspected to surpass ABC in ratings soon. President of ABC news, Roone Aldridge is a good friend of Disney's CEO, Michael Eisner and has been said to have been "easing off" his competitive tactics. Support for these ideas includes interviews with inside sources. Article is based only on speculation from news networks however.
A long and detailed account of Denis Hightower's promotion to chairman of Disney Television and Telecommunications unit, his past experience and hopes for the future of the company's TV programming and distribution. The piece is written very methodically as a "day-in- the -life" but also gives detailed explanation of the cogs and gears behind the executive world of Disney's goings-on. Scott promotes Hightower and limits the interview to just him, in explaining the changes that have gone on with the company over the past several years. Another good piece in the timeline of Disney management and leadership changes.
This investigative piece takes a critical look at Disney's evident failure in the lineup of children's programming on its basic and pay cable stations. Using interviews and comments from Disney/ABC's cable network president, the network's competitors, and former employees of Disney (who, it is insinuated, were dumped in the merger collaboration), the author callously displays the failure of the new ABC and the old Disney channel, and suggests Disney's own standards and operations to be faulted for dropped ratings. As an example, he uses a quote emphasizing the $19 billion purchase of ABC so Eisner could " get his shows on ABC's Saturday morning," when now, the ABC Saturday morning shows with top-ratings are 40-year old Bugs Bunny cartoons. The scrutinizing but factual piece exemplifies effects of cross-industry control.
An "objective" profile on Walt Disney Television's new president, David Neuman. Sharkey's interview promotes Disney TV's leader as charismatic, experienced and determined. She quotes him saying, "We must [create] massively popular television programs that can go for years and on all the networks, and on into syndication." Neuman's responsibilities are of heading production, and upon year of his positioning Walt Disney TV Productions developed such shows as "Unhappily Ever After," "Homeboys in Outer Space," "Brotherly Love," and "Smart Guy." This pro-Disney piece is helpful for information about the executive duties of the company's television production and programming.
This short article, appeared the week after Disney Co. merged with Capital Cities/ABC, concerns fears surrounding the amount of individual power that Disney chairman Michael Eisner possesses over the entertainment world. With Disney/ABC becoming the world's largest media company Eisner is in a position of power over such established, and vocal anti-Disney rivals as Steven Spielberg, David Geffen and former Disney executive Jeffrey Katzenberg, who constitute Dreamworks Entertainment. Written without specific opinions on the effect that this power will have on the entertainment world, but slightly critical of the monolithic Disney Corporation, the article also details ideas for the possible rearrangement of Disney/ABC executives that will result from the merger.
A news wire report detailing the announcement that Disney and Capital Cities/ABC have negotiated a $19 Billion dollar merger. The article states that Capital Cities top executives will relinquish their positions at ABC, and join the Disney board of directors. Also unveiled are Disney's plans to premier a record nine new television shows on ABC next season. The article closes with a concise listing of the exact properties and companies gained by Disney in the merger.
Concentrating on the proposed merger of Seagram and Polygram, the article is a statement on the modern face of business, where control of all outlets is being divided between a small few multi-billion dollar corporations. The ownership of entire media agencies by certain conglomerates means that companies can cheaply and efficiently use their own radio and television stations to advertise their other productions. However, simply because a company owns a station doesn't necessarily mean that the station will achieve success on its own. This is especially noticeable in the inability of Disney's influence to bump ABC into the top of the network ratings race.
This short, but to the point article documents Federal Communications Committee concerns with allowing the Disney/ABC merger to continue. The FCC was on the verge of not allowing the merger, due to Disney Co.'s refusal to agree with mandatory children's programming allotments.
Fox Broadcasting, Nickelodeon, Warner/Turner, and Disney/ABC have become the four companies responsible for planning and distributing the overwhelming majority of programming for children available on American TV. The limits that this set up has on the availability of alternative broadcasting for children creates a situation where shows not commissioned by these giants have very little chance of ever seeing air time. Written with a concise, yet pointedly negative view of these controlling stations, the article also exhibits the future plans that these companies have for children's broadcasting, such as Disney's proposed basic cable stations geared towards children.
This is a collection of essays of the effects of the consolidation of the media. Barnouw, the editor puts the content best when he states on p. 13 that the authors, "from within and without the media industry], touch on central historical, political, legal and cultural aspects of the conglomerates and their consequences. They raise the quality of discussion, remind us of democratic hopes, and would shame politicians and moguls alike- if these barons of popular culture were not shameless."
Maney's work is the result of interviews with 40 top megamedia executives, a dozen independent consultants, corporate documents, news stories, and other settings. It is a work that provides character sketches of corporate leaders in the historical context of their companies and their place in the industry. It focuses on the major players in the cable TV, telephone, media & entertainment, software, computer industries, as well as providing a broad picture of the communications industry. Finally, Maney suggests some of the winners and losers in the industry and suggests what he believes lies in the future of telecom.
A major work for Steinbock. 274 pages considering the state of affairs regarding economic and political factors involved in American Media. Sections of the books are devoted to The American economy as it relates to media, the evolution of the media industry (broadcasting to cable and suggestions of future with convergence of media structure) as well as a major section on studios and market multiplication in the entertainment industry.
Turow suggests a theoretical framework for thinking about media institutions. He defines roles played by those in control of media, including the audience, advertisers and producers. He characterizes the production process along with it's social and organizational characteristics, as well as placing the American Media in it's political and global context.
A complex, in depth study of corporate policy and the laws which affect those policies. Frazer details the history and emerging trends of antitrust policies, monopoly policies, and the merger policies. This book offers a detail, and difficult to comprehend, analysis of anticompetitive and restrictive trade practices. Good resource, somewhat dated, hard to understand.
Detailed analysis of the history of antitrust and a look at developing trends. Well written, but, at times, hard to follow. Baker is the Director of the Bureau of Economics with the Federal Trade Commission. Thought provoking and educational, Baker offers a complete analysis from many perspectives.
If you can get through it, it is a great source. Complex language of theory, policy and law. Details certain problems with today’s corporations and attempts to analyze old and new theories of deterring corporate misconduct. Complex.
Interesting and understandable. Booz-Allen & Hamilton management detail how to make mergers work before and after. A view from the corporate side. Honest and direct, corporate goals are specified, and policies stated.
A very complete discussion of merger policies with many examples. Discusses the goals of the mergers, and the implications. Some discussion of antitrust. Microsoft trial discussion and focus on what should or could be done. Easy to read, interesting and informative.
A very interesting look at antitrust through the Microsoft trial. Discusses what antitrust policy was, is, and what is happening with it in the future. Easy to read, to the point, and interesting. Corporate interests may bias article.
This article deals with the foreign expansion of Disney theme parks, specifically Tokyo's Disneyland and how the Japanese preferred a copy of the original Disneyland rather than a version incorporating their own culture and history. The author argues against Marxist theorists like Fredric Jameson and Jean Baudrillard, stating that Disney's foreign theme parks are not endangering the local or national cultures, but that "the commodified cultural artifacts of Disneyland are recontextualized in Japanese terms as Tokyo Disneyland.". The author believes that "the process of assimilation of the West, the recontextualization of Western simulacra, demonstrates not that the Japanese are being dominated by Western ideologies but that they differentiate their identity from the West in a way that reinforces their sense of their own cultural uniqueness and superiority, or what we might call Japanese hegemony.".
The author's main point of her lecture is that the intellectual property epidemic of the current era is the call to give increased legal protection to something because it is valuable. She discusses Disney in depth and their role in leading the pack of other large corporations in copyright extensions. The author argues that this trend prevents the public domain from benefiting from these copyrights and that copyrights are not an innate right.
The author's main point of this essay is that modern day theme parks have a function that runs much deeper than mere amusement. The "utopian playgrounds", as he calls it, negate historical and social reality by representing the opposite. The author argues that the "utopian representation can be entirely caught in a dominant systems of ideas and values and, thus, be changed into a myth or a collective fantasy.". The author also looks at the layout of Disney theme parks and creates a semantic structure of Disneyland.
The Author's main point of this article deals with Disney's strict control over its copyrights and image as a family utopia. The Author expresses her views that Disney World is logoland. All the merchandise, the costumes, and the scenery are either stamped with the Disney logo or covered by copyright legislation. The author argues that logos have become so much a part of cultural baggage that we hardly notice them and that they are the cultural capital of corporations. She explains that a state where culture is indistinguishable from logo and where the practice of culture risks infringement of private property is a state that values the corporate over the human.
A compilation of forty-years worth of research spanning over areas of economics, institutions, networks, technology, and computation. Each section is a student essay on their research. This book has a significant amount of graphs and data tables to support their hypotheses. One chapter worth noting is by Paul Ingrim, "Entrepreneurial capacity and the growth of chain organizations". This segment explains how owners of large companies need to create internal control systems as well as franchises in order to continue expansion.
This book discusses how to plan out a business effectively. First he defines why it is important, then the formula and what aspects should be included. Then he talks about the implementation of the plans and how this can be inter-related with other aspects of life. The emphasis throughout remains on the importance of the basic understanding of both concept and strategic planning in order to attain success in business.
The importance of understanding one's own market place in the big and small business world allows the company to view its competitors. The book is divided into five different parts. It contains basic definitions, marketing analysis on the consumer and competitors, international analysis, how to get ahead in business by utilizing all of these aspects, and finally simple planning forms for a new business.
This book again, focuses on the future and ability to draw on the past experiences of large businesses. Stevenson illustrates the patterns that people and organizations invent so their lives and businesses can co-exist. His obvious intent is to create a basic structure that will keep small businesses above water at the same time of congratulating the big businesses.
The scrutiny and study of the marketplace to strategically plan for the future, is what the main point of the book. The analysis of past competitive and non-competitive strategies based upon why some worked and others failed. Chapter 8 is especially important with its reference to competition in the marketplace between nations, as well as the discussion of the predictability of trends and cycles.
This article speculates Disney's decision to sell the California based Mighty Ducks and Angels. Wall Street analysts discuss the current financial situation at Disney and suggest that the corporation has not benefited from owning the teams. Michael Eisner's comments do not give insight regarding the sale of the teams yet he stresses that they attract visitors to Anaheim.
Bill Meyers discusses Disney's influence on the sports industry in this article. He specifically mentions Michael Eisner's business strategies used to further strengthen the relationship between Disney and sports. Meyers also writes about Disney's plans for a sports facility and its plans with ESPN.
This book touches on issues such as the importance of sports and how sports affect a city's economy. It also discusses how the location of teams is decided and how governments benefit financially from sports teams. The book mentions Disney in the context of its role in entertainment as well as it being a vertically integrated corporation.
This book deals with much of the economic aspect of sports. It covers why people consume sports, how sporting events become sponsored and then promoted, who the sponsors are and how they make their decisions. Schaaf also examines licensing and marketing of sports merchandise and finally he provides a look into the future of sports marketing.
This article discusses the economics of Disney's involvement with the Mighty Ducks and the Angels. Michael Eisner mentions that he plans on increasing attendance to the games yet that he is not willing to spend what is necessary to acquire top players.
Wolfson evaluates the reasons for the Mighty ducks and the California Angels to stay in Anaheim even if Disney sells them. He lists the benefits of the Ducks and Angels' proximity to Disney Land and the positive impact that the team has on the community.
An analysis of many different aspects of sports from a sociological viewpoint. Vogler and Schwartz are arguing in this book that sport is affected by and affects many different aspects of society. They seek to prove this idea by using examples of how school affects different institutions in our society, such as schools, politics, and economics. This book stays in the trend of other sociology books like it by that it shows how the subject (sports) is intertwined with many aspects of society.
An analysis of sports from socio/psychological view point. Rinehart uses case studies such as television shows and sporting events to look at examples of class distinction in sports; particularly among sports that are deemed either high or low culture. Rinehart also focuses on the monopoly of access that has been developing. This critical analysis of large media businesses controlling and monopolizing sports broadcasting is a typical writing trend on this subject.
This article discusses the recent contract renegotiations that have occurred between the NFL and the major networks and cable stations that have been bidding on the rights to broadcasting the games. Sandomir argues that the NFL is the most lucrative sport to have rights to televise, due to the fact that it is the most highly rated. Sandomir also points out that networks and cable stations have begun to lose sight of how much they can afford to spend on different packages of NFL games and still make money. Sandomir follows the typical critical trend that many writers take when referring to large corporations and their strategizing.
This article focuses on Disney and the actions that its television ownings (ABC and ESPN) are taking in order to create revenue; particularly in the area of sports broadcasting. Baker argues that ABC is more concerned with losing the few shows it has that are rated in the top ten than with making a profit. Baker is following the trend of other writers that are critical of large corporations, and the more increasing trend of describing Disney's bad strategizing.
This article looks at Walt Disney Corporations third quarter earnings in order to see why they have been losing money. Higgins argues that ESPN is the only area that has been making any serious profit, but that has not been enough to make an overall difference. Higgins follow the critical trend of concluding that Disney's business practices have been poor.
This article looks at the top ten web sites based on usage during 1996. The article focuses on these top ten sites and the corporations that own them and describes what each site offers and why it may have been so popular. Tedesco takes no subjective stand on how he feels about each site. He also includes a section on super-bowl preparation web sites.
This article focuses on the problems that Disney is facing with combining a network sports program with that of a cable sports program, as well as managing them effectively. LeRon argues that by losing key personnel, Disney will be have a difficult time of successfully managing them and creating revenue. LeRon follows the trend of writing that has been critical of Disney's business practices.
This article focuses on how Disney is combining its two sports programs, ABC sports and ESPN. Dupree argues that this will allow for the corporation to focus on different programming brackets within the televised sports market, as well as strengthen the leverage of both companies. This article is some what different from others in the same area because it praises Disney for its business practices.
An analysis of media and sports, written in a way that emphasizes media's promotion of sports. The television represents a large portion of sports, which enabled many people to become interested in sports and take part in it without leaving the comfort of their homes. She argues about the enormous impact of sports on television and the differences found in Britain and the Untied States.
The Disney Corporation feels that it can make money off sports teams and in general, the sports industry. By catering to the needs of its stadiums and arenas, Disney has spent millions of dollars renovating these areas in hopes of attracting a bigger audience to experience their sports teams. Disney's involvement with its sports teams exhibits the fact that many teams need vast amounts of capital that only corporations are willing and able to give to them.
The newspaper article looks at what Disney attempts to portray through its sports teams. Both the teams that Disney owns are not doing well in their leagues and this could be due to a number of reasons. Disney seems to make a game day a day at an amusement park, which fans are not as thrilled to see. The fans want to see a better team, and the author argues that Disney just wants to entertain its fans.
An anthology of articles pertaining to the media, sports and society. Media has had a profound impact on the "sportsworld, " starting first with newspapers, magazines and moving on to radio and television. The popularity of sports is due to media attention and hype put on all types of sports, ranging from the Superbowl to the Olympics. The main points in this book center around the issues of the audience, the context of the sports and the production complex involved in sports. |
The owners of several sports teams are now operating the facilities that the teams are playing in. The argument is towards more private funding to exist for the sports teams. The private funds given to sports facilities are a large help because they are not subject to the political and bureaucratic issues that are prevalent with public management
Former film critic Neal Gabler intends to write a biography on Walt Disney. He hopes that the Disney Studio will cooperate with him in his attempt to write the book. He wrote an unflattering biography of Walter Winchell, and plans to do the same for Disney, if the aspects are true.
This book answers the question, “How do they do it?” It addresses the accomplishments of Disney’s performance and relates the brand name with worldwide recognition. Walt Disney’s values and vision are also discussed, along with the role that they played within the company. His management principles of innovation and creativity contribute to the author’s view of him.
This article reflects on Walt Disney’s hands-on management approach that turned Disney studios into a great animation production. As he demanded the best from his employees at the studio, he considered his company to be an extension of himself. However, he was criticized for not being sophisticated. The article also presents the idea that his ideal characters contrast to his personality.
This article addresses the relationship between Walt Disney Company and the homosexual cultures. This relationship is said to be hidden and denied. The article begins by examining Disney’s life and its success with encouraging “family values.” The dissertation also discusses how Disney targets homosexuals, encourages them to buy their products, and tells them how to use the products.
This book first gets into the biographical world of Walt Disney. It then follows with such issues as rebuilding the Magic Kingdom, Team Disney, a kingdom for Europe, and Hollywood. It addresses Michael Eisner’s success since he’s been a leader at Disney.
A study showing a positive reaction by the author and the general public regarding Walt Disney’s work. It examines the major mythic themes of the heroes appearing in Disney films. Character development was directly correlated to Disney’s personality. The study indicates that the characters he created are personal projections of him.
This article examines Disney’s success at becoming one of the Top 20 business geniuses of the century. It portrays Disney as a hard worker who came from nowhere and held onto his great idea for dear life. Although it says that Disney’s intellectual weakness threw him back, it also remarks on his sympathy for all living things.
This book is a biography of Walt Disney. It contains three major areas: his life growing up, the moves toward his career, and the theme parks that he created. The author discusses his fascination with Disney as being a real person with regrets and flaws. He also describes him as being talented, and not one to worship. As the author takes the reader through Disney’s life, his high opinion of him is strongly reflected.
This article presents quotations from books about Walt Disney. It begins by discussing Marc Eliot’s Walt Disney, Hollywood’s Dark Prince. It lists several quotes from the book, as well as an analysis of the quotes. It then goes on to examine Bob Thomas’ Walt Disney, with the same type of format.
This book refers to the first six decades of the 20th century as “childhood’s golden era.” It describes this time as an important time for American children and discusses how the recognition of national responsibility of children had dramatic effects on literary habits of children in this century. The book contains a broad view of the writer and writer artists who played significant roles in creating “the childhood's golden era." Among them, Walt Disney.
The Art of Walt Disney offers a very noncritical overview of Walt Disney’s rise to fame and characterizes it as a classic American success story. In addition to the biographical aspects of Walt’s life, it also provides us with numerous interviews with past and present Disney employees and of previously unpublished drawings, paintings, and photographs. It also talks of how filmmaking skills were adapted to aid in the design of his theme parks.
This book offers complete biographical background of Walt Disney and also discusses Disney’s films as well and performances and writings of Walt Disney. In addition, a complete list of references and resources are given. If you are searching for Disney-related sources, this book will be helpful.
Walt Disney: An American Original was written by Bob Thomas from the testimony of Walt’s family, friends, and co-workers. Unlike Marc Eliot’s Walt Disney: Hollywood’s Dark Prince, which reveals a side of Walt Disney that is rarely talked about, Bob Thomas simply takes us through the ups and downs of Disney’s life according to those who knew him. As with many biographies written about Disney, this book attempts to glorify the success of Disney, as opposed to Richard Schickel (The Disney Version) and Marc Eliot, who attempts to expose the secrets of Disney that people rarely hear about.
This article discusses Disney and his influence on American culture. Coming to terms with Disney is not an easy matter and here Watts suggests two cultural trends, modernism and populism, as ways of making sense of the artistic and political impulses in Disney’s work. He mentions the works of Richard Schickel (The Disney Version) and other scholars who have critically analyzed Disney and mentions how such interpretations leave considerable room for rethinking historically about Disney and his influence on American culture.