336 pages : 26 cm

Mickey Mouse: Emblem of the American Spirit tells the compelling story of how Walt Disney's beloved graphic alter ego, the most enduring pop icon ever created, was born, how it soon took on a life of its own, and as an often politically charged symbol of America became an instantly recognizable figure virtually everywhere on earth. It is the first illustrated "biography" and pop culture study of the diminutive cartoon star whose unprecedented success laid the foundation for everything the Walt Disney Company has achieved over the years. Mickey Mouse: Emblem of the American Spirit chronicles the life and times of Disney's cheerful signature character, beginning with his lively syncopated debut in 1928 in Steamboat Willie at the tail end of the Jazz Age and into the Depression, and traces his impact on the realms of high art, literature, even politics in peace and in war both in the United States and abroad. With over 300 images many rarely or never before seen, most in full color, Mickey Mouse: Emblem of the American Spirit is a worthy companion to Christopher Finch's classic volume, The Art of Walt Disney. Join Garry Apgar and The Walt Disney Family Foundation Press for a fascinating look at the multiple ways Walt Disney's iconic Mouse has impacted our lives, individually and as a society

"Since his modest debut in 1928, Mickey Mouse has evolved into one of the world's most recognized and beloved fictional figures. This book is the very first illustrated cultural biography of the Mouse, his life and times, and his impact and influence on art and literature throughout the world. The story of Mickey is in many ways a reflection of Walt Disney's life - immensely influential on modern animators, seen everywhere from the covers of literary magazines to the walls of modern art galleries. This book documents one Mouse's amazing journey, along with Disney's own meteoric rise. Art historian Gary Apgar's compelling narrative - part art history and part cultural study - details how the character of Mickey was initially developed by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks, how his irrepressible spirit grew to huge popularity during the Depression, and how he became a politically charged cultural icon of international reach, an ambassador for the American spirit, and a sometimes controversial symbol of the United States on the global state. Featuring a wealth of spectacular imagery, including many rarely seen archival images, 'Mickey Mouse: Emblem of the American Spirit' weaves a fascinating story about the nature of creation, our changing relationship with our nation's heroes, and how a fictional character came to embody the personality of a nation. Meticulously and lovingly researched, the text examines Mickey's evolution as a cartoon and as a character in the great American story."

Includes bibliographical references (pages 296-324) and index

Before Mickey -- Making of the mouse -- The mouse takes off -- Mickey mania -- "He is not a mouse at all!" -- From Fantasia to Mouse Club -- In the temple of high art -- "Pop" goes the mouse -- Emblem of the American spirit

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