The Origins of Walt Disney tells the story of the famous artist and
entertainer in a fresh way, placing him in the cultural narrative of
twentieth century America and the world.
Most biographies of Walt Disney portray him as a creative genius who
revolutionized the entertainment industry during the first half of the
twentieth century. While he did transform the medium of animation,
quickly becoming a household name during his late thirties, many
biographies tell the story of Walt Disney's development in a historical
vacuum, separate from the historical events happening around him.
However, while Walt Disney was certainly a history-influencer,
historical events happening in America and the world also shaped the
entertainment pioneer he would become.
As the twentieth century began, a new form of entertainment, "motion
pictures," would emerge, capturing the imagination of a young boy from
Missouri. Over the next several years, Walt Disney would begin to hone
his art skills, overcoming a number of hurdles including numerous
relocations, a brutal paper route, a deployment to Europe in the days
after World War One, numerous bankruptcies, and even homelessness. It
was these adversities, along with the historical events that surrounded
him, that would influence the man he would become.
For the first time ever, The Early Life of Walt Disney tells some
important stories that help to flesh out the Disney history. How
instrumental was Elias Disney's career as a carpenter in Chicago? Why
did the Disneys really leave Chicago to move to Marceline, Missouri?
What types of jobs did Walt perform in France in the days following
World War One? How was Walt influenced by the budding industry of
animation in America? In addition to answering these questions, The
Origins of Walt Disney also includes a tour of the newly restored Walt
Disney Birthplace, a new museum located in the childhood home of Walt
Disney in Chicago, Illinois!
