This classic history of Walt Disney’s life and works takes us from his wandering youth through the desperate gamble of opening his own animation studio, his daring decision to crash Hollywood, the sudden and inspired invention of Mickey Mouse—and on to the creation of a multimillion-dollar international entertainment empire. Throughout Richard Schickel asks penetrating questions about Disney’s achievements and shortcomings, and the enormous popularity of the "Disney version." "The story of how Disney built an empire on corrupt popular culture…becomes a revealing part of American cultural history."—Pauline Kael. "One of the best studies ever done on American popular culture…unfailingly, consistently intelligent, and eminently readable."—Stephen J. Whitfield, Brandeis University. "Richard Schickel’s unauthorized biography of Walt Disney…may be the single most illuminating work on America and the movies."—Robert W. Butler, Kansas City Star.