Let’s face it.   There are hundreds of books about Disney.  The movies… the stage shows… the company…  the management style… recipes… fiction… even an incredible collection of Walt Disney World Trivia (currently in its second edition!).  Occasionally, a book comes through that fills a unique void. 

John Hench was a designer with Disney for over 65 years.  His designs are as identifiably Disney as anything else coming from the mouse house. In around 150 pages, Hench shares some of his design work in artist’s concepts and blueprints.  These are beautiful and rare, but it is his insight into the thought behind the design choices that turn this book from yet another Disney book to a text book worth much study.

Many books discussing Disney magic often push the art of looking around, taking note of details.  This book helps you to know “How” to look around and “What” you are looking for… Hopefully, you’ll never look at it the same way ever again.  Entire sections are devoted to in depth discussion on color, costumes, character, line, layout and most of all, story.  With over half a century working for Disney, Hench’s resume is able to back it all up with beautiful artwork.

If there is one thing that is surprisingly absent from a Disney legend that spent years working directly with Walt, it is a lack of stories that bring you into Walt’s presence.  It lacks that emotional touch, but makes up for it in intellectual stimulation that will affect your thinking about Disney for many years to come.