Having saved up for months to purchase the 1995 edition as a child, I was excited to buy the latest edition: a reissue of the final 2011 version that coincided with the studio’s 100 year anniversary.

This is a fine book, though more of an overview of the company rather than an in-depth look at Disney’s many films, shows and theme parks.

It’s definitely Walt Disney through the eyes of one person, with their own niche interests within the subject matter. For example, Sleeping Beauty (regarded by many as one of Disney’s most stunning artistic achievements) is only given three paragraphs in an overstuffed chapter that spans from the “Package Era” to The Jungle Book. The contributions and artwork of Mary Blair are not discussed at all.

Still, I’m sorry that a more up-to-date version wasn’t possible (the author passed away on 2022). Hoping another writer will take up the mantle of Disney chronicler and tell the studio’s story post-Tangled and Toy Story 3.