Walt Disney

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From Neal Gabler comes a definitive portrait of a pivotal figure in twentieth-century American entertainment and culture. After seven years of meticulous research and complete access to the Disney archives, Gabler presents the full story of a man whose work indelibly shaped our culture, yet whose life is often cloaked in myth. We witness the young Walt Disney escaping a disciplined, deprived upbringing to pursue his dreams in Hollywood. His visionary talent, driven by a desire for escape, led to the reinvention of animation, transforming it from mere novelty to a compelling art form with classics like Mickey Mouse, Snow White, and Bambi. Disney also revolutionized amusement parks with Disneyland, coining the term "Disneyfication" to describe the alteration of reality to fit personal desires. His live-action films provided a coherent narrative of American history, while his True-Life Adventure documentaries raised awareness for environmental conservation. Gabler reveals how Disney reshaped the entertainment industry by creating a synergistic empire encompassing film, television, theme parks, and merchandise. Yet, behind his success lay a troubled man, grappling with financial issues, a nervous breakdown, and personal demons. Gabler examines allegations of Disney's controversial views while highlighting his ability to embody the power of wish fulfillment and the American imagination. This biography masterfully uncovers both the