DisneyWar

[Ned Brainard]

I picked up DisneyWar by James B. Stewart this weekend and am about half way through it. I never really had an opinion on Eisner but have seen a lot of people make comments on his ability or lack thereof to run the company. So far I believe that the book shows Eisner to be a paranoid power hungry elitist who envisioned himself as the reincarnation of Walt. There is an underlining tone to the book that tries to show a more human side of Eisner but in my opinion only highlights his ego. The book doesn't look too favorably on many people but is a very interesting read. I wondered if others had an opinion. Ned

 

[marni1971]

Welcome to the boards Ned!

I`ll let you know about Disneywar - It isn`t out in the UK until this Thursday. Dumb huh? And I didn`t order this one on the net (long story) - I`m not used to waiting for UK release dates!

 

[Ned Brainard]

Thanks! It has been fun so far!

 

[cj2me]

I've started to read it myself. Paranoid is a good word to describe Eisner. It is also a very interesting read from a business point of view and a view from a Disney Fan.

Stanley Gold was just giving a few comments on the CLOSING BELL on CNBC.

 

[MyNameisStitch]

I want to read it really badly. I've been following the Eisner situation since Roy Disney quit the board. I wonder if my library can get a copy of it, and if not I know Barnes and Noble will order it for me.

-DGJ

 

[joshwill]

i just purchased my copy today, darn but hardcovers are expensive.

im really looking forward to some insite into this whole mess.

 

[cloudboy]

Both Borders and BArnes and Noble were running front of store displays on the book. A lot of libraries I am sure will be ordering it, but if you ask them I am sure that would help them get it.

It is an eye-opening book. For Disneyphiles, it can even be a bit troublesome. Keep in mind, however, it really is a bit lopsided. I would recommend also reading Keys to the Kingdom, which I think rounds it out a bit.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

My copy is winging its way across the puddle as we speak.

 

[raven]

I baught the book about 2 weeks ago and am slowly reading when I can in my busy schedule. Although it does make Eisner look like a stuborn fool, at least they look at all sides of the argument. I Think Eisner was very good for Disney during his first 6 or 7 years as CEO but recently things have changed and, to me, seems like hes a greedy, power-hungry executive. Obviously this book details how he got that way. But regardless, I think it's the perfect time for a new person up there. :wave:

 

[LilDucky]

I have not read this (looks like a good read) but along with all the other books I need to read for my classes, I'm trying to read Cult of the Mouse. Has anyone read this one before? Its pretty good so far, but I'll have to add Disneywar to my list. Maybe in the summer...

 

[Lynx04]

I am about 130 pages into the book and think the book is really good so far. While Eisner is responsible for most of positive things that happened over the past 20 years at Disney, he is just as equally responsible for all of the failures as well. I think Eisner is an extremely creative and talanted business man, but I think he has been more worried about staying on top then creating a free atmosphere for creativity.

As far as having a big ego, you get to the position that Eisner is in unless you have a big ego. An ego is one of the job requirments.

 

[cherrynegra]

Okay, you've all inspired me to finally start reading the thing. It's been sitting on my shelf for two weeks, but since it seems we're about to start a "Disney War" book discussion club, I will start reading it.

 

[cindrelly31]

Keys to the Kingdom

For anyone who has not read the book yet, The Keys to the Kingdom (The Rise of Michael Eisner and the Fall of Everyone Else) is written by Kim Masters.

I will be picking my copy of Disney War and Keys to the Kingdom today.

Looking forward to the discussion.

 

[that_L_do_pig]

For anyone who has not read the book yet, The Keys to the Kingdom (The Rise of Michael Eisner and the Fall of Everyone Else) is written by Kim Masters.

I read this on a long flight and it was a little boring.

So far Disney War is GREAT. I am about half way through it and it is very insightful.

So far my favorite Disney book is Walt Disney: Hollywood's Dark Prince http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0061007897/qid=1110993474/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl14/103-7543096-4243850?v=glance&s=books&n=507846 Though sensational, it is a great view into the history of Hollywood and the studio system.