Annotated bibliography of Disney reference books
Books about Disney comics
ANAF: Portfolio Giorgio Cavazzano published by ANAF; 1995.
This splendid portfolio contains beautiful works by the Italian master of Disney comics as
well as an interesting introduction. Nice piece for collectors. The introduction is in
Italian.
Barks, Carl: Uncle Scrooge In Color
published by Gladstone; 1987.
A nice homage to the wealthiest duck on Earth, published for his 40th birthday.
The colors and the choice of stories are good.
Barks, Carl: The Fine Art of Walt Disney's Donald
Duck published by Another Rainbow; 1981.
A beautiful book, limited to 1875 copies, that reproduces perfectly the first 122 Duck
paintings produced between 1971 and 1976.
Barks, Carl: Walt Disney's
Uncle Scrooge, His Life and Times published by Celestial Arts; 1981.
The story and comic book stories of a very rich Scottish uncle. It contains all of the
best Barks classics, including Christmas on Bear Mountain and Back to the Klondike
(full-length version). The book includes one story drawn especially for the occasion: Go
Slowly, Sands of Time. A soft-cover version of that book has also been released.
Barks Treasury published by Applewood Books;
1997
Distributed exclusively in the American Disney theme parks. Limited to 1000 copies.
Contains 40 of the 75 color sketches Barks made for his 96th birthday.
Barrier, Michael: Carl Barks and
the Art of the Comic Book published by Lilien; 1981.
The best biography of Uncle $crooge's (and many other ducks) father. A must have for all
$crooge fans.
Barrier, Michael: Carl Barks- Die Biographie published by Brockmann
und Reichelt Verlag; 1994.
The translation of Mike Barrier famous American biography of Barks in German, illustrated
with new documents.
Becattini, Aberto; Boschi, Luca: Disney Index: La Produzione
Sindacata published by Funny Animal Club; 1984.
Written in Italian.
Becattini, Alberto: Disney Index published by Al Fumetto Club; 1990.
A complete catalog of the Disney King Features Syndicate comics. Alberto Becattini is one
of the 3 utmost experts on Italian and international Disney comics, the other two being
Luca Boschi and Leonardo Gori.
Becattini, Alberto: Disney Index, vol.2 published by Al Fumetto Club;
1994.
The second volume of a fascinating tool for indexers and Disney comic book fans.
Becattini, Alberto: Disney's Comics, la Storia, i
Personaggi: 1930-1995 published by Editrice Comic Art; 1995.
Alberto finally decided to publish this amazing history of Disney comics worldwide. An
excellent introduction for Italian readers to this tremendous world. That is to say…
before joining online the world famous Disney Comics Mailing
List.
Becattini, Alberto; Boschi, Luca; Bartolomei, Stefano: Giovan Battista Carpi published by Editrice Comic
Art; 1995.
The beautiful, very in-depth biography of one of the kings of Italian Disney Comics by
three of the most famous Disney comics historians. Written in Italian.
Becattini, Alberto: Floyd Gottfredson published by Comic Art; 1998.
An excellent book by one of the best Italian Disney historians. Written in Italian.
Becattini, Alberto; Gori, Leonardo; Stajano, Francesco: Don Rosa e il Rinascimento disneyano published by
Editrice Comic Art; 1995.
The biography of the man who revived $crooge, 20 years after Barks and is currently
considered as the best Disney storyteller in activity. A must have. Written in Italian by
three Italian experts, all members of the famous Disney Comics Mailing
List (of which Don is also an active participant).
Blitz, Marcia: Walt Disney's
The Life of Donald Duck re-published by Applewood Books; 1994 (originally published in
1941).
Presented by Applewood in a hardcover box including a greeting Card from Carl Barks and a
CD featuring a chat between Barks and Donald, this nice story book (the only one included
in this listing) has acquired a special status, as the auto-proclaimed official biography
of Donald Duck. Nice book.
Blum, Geoffrey; Andrae, Thomas: Das Ferne
und Vergangene published as special issue 19 by Der Donaldist; 1987.
According to Frank Fabian: "Contains a translation of the article The Far Away
and Long Ago, which was originally published in The Carl Barks Library, set 1, volume
1." Written in German.
Blum, Geoffrey: Carl Barks and the
Disney Ducks published by Another Rainbow Publishing; 1991.
How the "Duck Man" created his limited edition statues. Strange book, published
only to promote Another Rainbow statues; it was sold and not given.
Bohn, Klaus: Das Erika-Fuchs-Buch - Disney deutsche �bersetzerin von Donald
Duck und Micky Maus: ein modernes Mosaik published by Verlag Dreidreizehn; 1996.
According to Frank Fabian: "A very complete and very interesting book about the
famous German translator of Disney comics Erika Fuchs." Written in German.
Bohn, Klaus: Der B�cherdonald - Die grosse Lesekunde des Donaldismus - Band I
published by Bauer Brueder; 1992.
According to Frank Fabian: "A donaldistic bibliography, covering the German and
American donaldistic fanzines and monographs." Written in German.
Bohn, Klaus: Der B�cherdonald - Die grosse Lesekunde des Donaldismus - Band II
published by Bauer Brueder; 1993.
The second volume of the bibliography. Written in German.
Bohn, Klaus: Duck 2000 Nr.5 - Die grosse Donaldismus-Lesekunde; 1990.
According to Frank Fabian: "The predecessor to Der B�cherdonald, the latter
being an enlarged version".Written in German.
Boschi, Luca: The Art of Giorgio Cavazzano published by Lo Scarabeo; 1997.
A fascinating catalog that is also an in-depth biography of one of the best Italian Disney
comic masters. The text is great, the illustrations are gorgeous. Written in Italian apart
from one piece in English by Frank Stajano.
Boschi, Luca: Walt Disney presenta Pippo, Topolino, Qui Quo Qua, Donald, Daisy
published by Disney Libri; 1992-1994.
5 official biographies of our favorite characters (Goofy, Mickey Mouse, Huey Luey and
Duey, Donald and Daisy) in Italian which contain wonderful art by comic artists of all
countries.
Boshi, Luca; Gori, Leonardo and Sani, Andrea: I Disney Italiani published by
Granata; 1990.
Written in Italian, this book is the best ever published about Disney's Italian comic book
productions. All the artists, all the characters are described after the history of the
creative studios and activities. The authors, including Alberto Becattini who wrote the
various indexes at the end of the book, are the utmost authorities in terms of Italian and
inernational comics.
Boshi, Luca; Gori, Leonardo and Sani, Andrea: Romano Scarpa published by
Alexandro Distribuzioni; 1988.
Written in Italian, this is the biography of one of Disney's most talented Italian comic
book artists. See note above about the authors.
Brunoro, Gianni: Pennelli in Aria published by Libreria dell'Immagine;
1994.
A very good little book about Giogio Cavazzano, one of the Italian masters of Disney
comics. Written in Italian.
Burzlaff, Otto: Die tollsten Geschichten von
Donald Duck - Inhaltsverzeichnis und Register der Sonderhefte seit 1965 - Teil 1
published as special issue 28 by Der Donaldist; 1993.
According to Frank Fabian: "Index to the first issues of Donald Duck Sonderheft,
formerly known as Die tollsten Geschichten von Donald Duck. First published in
1967." Written in German.
The Carl Barks Library published by Another
Rainbow; 1983 - 1990.
This ten set collection containing 30 books is seen as the ultimate collection of Barks
comic book work. Besides lots of articles with background information, it also contains
unreleased, rejected and/or unfinished works. Most of Barks' comic book work is published
as line-art (b/w), which is how it was drawn. The ultimate reference for Barks fans.
Castagno, Paolo: Il Topolino di Floyd Gottfredson published by
Alessandro Tesauro Editore, 1998.
According to Paolo Castagno: "A complete analysis of Gottfredson's works on Mickey
Mouse both in Daily strips and Sunday specials complete with all the Italian
reprints." Written in Italian.
Castagno, Paolo: L'Opera di Carl Barks su Zio Paperone published by
Alessandro Tesauro Editore; 1995.
According to Paolo Castagno: "An index of Barksian stories published in Zio
Paperone." Written in Italian.
Castelli, A.; Sala, P.: Guida a Topolino published as a special issue
of the fanzine Comic Club 104; 1966.
According to Paolo Castagno: "Index of Topolino Libretto." Written in Italian.
Chalker, Jack L.: An Informal Biography of $crooge
Mc. Duck published by The Mirage Press; 1974.
This biography of $crooge is based on Barksian references. It tries to introduce some
consistency into The Richest Duck in the World universe. Don Rosa used that book as a
source for his Life and Times of $crooge Mc. Duck, even though, he did not follow it
blindly. A very interesting text for comic books enthusiasts.
Chendi, Carlo (editor): I Mondi Fantastici di Bottaro published by
Mostra Internazionale dei Cartoonists a Cura di Carlo Chendi; 1997.
The only book containing an in-depth biography of one of the Italian Disney comic masters
by one of Disney's most prolific writers. Written in Italian. The illustrations are
interesting, although not a lot of Disney art is reproduced.
Chendi, Carlo: Dedicato a Carl Barks
published by Comic Art; 1994.
A great collection of drawings dedicated to the Grand Duck Master, while he was visiting
Europe, by the best Italian artists.
Christmas of '87 published by Alexander Gallery.
Wonderful catalog of the exhibition of Good Housekeeping Disney art held at the Alexander
Gallery in December 1987. A project to republish all Good Housekeeping Pages in a single
art-book was unfortunately cancelled in 1997.
Diepen, Bruno: Die tollsten Details im
zeichnerischen Werk von Carl Barks published as special issue 4 by Der Donaldist;
1980.
A very small book in black and white, written in German that reproduces the best details
of Barks' works. For completists.
Diepen, Bruno: Mehr Details aus dem Werk von
Carl Barks published as special issue 18 by Der Donaldist; 1986.
The sequel to the former book.
Dorfman, Ariel; Mattelart, Armand: How to read
Donald Duck published by International General; 1975.
Did you know that Donald served colonialist and imperialistic purposes ? On a second level
study, this book is funny.
Eronen, Matti: Carl Barks' Surviving Comic Book Art
self-published; 1994.
A non-illustrated list of the pages of Barks art that survived destruction with a history
of how they survived and where they were last seen. A very specialised book for hard-core
Barks collectors.
Faeti, A.: In Trappola col Topo - Una Lettura di Mickey Mouse
published by Einaudi; 1986.
According to Paolo Castagno: "A sociological analysis of Gottfredson's Mickey Mouse.
The Best book about Disney comics I ever read!" Written in Italian.
Fossati, Franco: Carl Barks, Cronologia Disney Ragionata 1942-1954
published by Epierre; 1984.
According to Paolo Castagno: "The chronological index of Barks works by one of the
most famous Italian experts in Disney comics." Written in Italian.
Fossati, Franco: Carl Barks Guide published by Libreria dell'Immagine;
1992.
The new, completed edition of the index. Complete listing of Barks' stories including
non-Disney ones plus all Italian publications.Written in Italian.
Fossati, Franco: Paolino Paperino published by Pirella;1984.
According to Paolo Castagno: "The "biography" of Donald Duck." Written
in Italian.
Fossati, Franco: Topolino- Storia del Topo Pi� Famoso del Mondo
published by Gammalibri; 1980.
According to Paolo Castagno: "The "biography" of Mickey Mouse."
Written in Italian.
Fossati, Franco: Walt Disney e l'Impero Disneyano published by Editori
Riuniti; 1986.
According to Paolo Castagno: "A presentation of the Disney empire." Written in
Italian.
Fuchs, Wolfgang J. an others: Carl Barks - Bilder aus Entenhausen
published by W�rttenbergischer Kunstverein Stuttgart and Nationalmuseet Kobenhaven; 1994.
A very nice small exhibition catalog containing reproductions of some of Barks' oil
paintings and short articles by well known experts. Written in Danish and German.
Gans, Grobian: Die Ducks - Psychogramm einer Sippe published by
Wissenschaftliche Verlagsanstalt zur Pflege Deutschen Sinngutes im Heinz Moos Verlag;
1970. (republished in 1972 as a paperback by Rowohlt Taschenbuch Verlag)
According to Frank Fabian: "This publication marks the beginning of German donaldism.
Tries to analyse the psychology of the Ducks thanks to Barks' stories." Written
in German.
Gans, Martin S.: Das wahre Leben des Donald D. published by Kolkhorst
Verlag; 1984.
According to Frank Fabian: "Humoristical pseudo-biography of Donald revealing his
alleged scandalous life. Not very funny, though. The author's name is a parody of Grobian
Gans (see above)." Written in German.
Gisle, Jon: Donaldismen - en muntert-videnskabelig studie over Donald Duck og
hans verden; 1973.
The book that coined the terms Donaldism and Donaldist. Written in Norwegian.
Gori, Leonardo; Stajano, Francesco: Floyd Gottfredson
published by Comic Art; 1998.
Superb book about the best Disney comic book artist along with Barks. A must have for
Disney comics enthusiasts. Written in Italian.
Grote, Johnny A.: Carl Barks Werkverzeichnis der Comics published by
Ehapa; 1995.
A huge annoted bibliography of The Duck Master. Written in German.
Grote, Johnny A.: Who's Who in Entenhausen published by Ehapa Comic
Collection; 1997.
Written in German by one of the most famous German duck expert.
Hartung, Peter: Manden og anden - en bog om Carl Barks published by
Bogfabrikken; 1994.
According to Ole Nielsen: "A shallow biography of Barks. The last third of the books
is about Barks visit in Copenhagen." Written in Danish.
Helnwein, Gottfred: Wer Ist Carl Barks published by Neff; 1994.
Fascinating art book about Bark's style and drawings. Written in German but mostly
composed of reproductions of barksian art, this work can be of interest even to non-German
speakers.
James, L.: Mickey's Drawing Class published by Simon & Shuster; 1983.
Kronborg, Steffen: Andre andalyser - En ny andtologi self-published;
1988.
According to Ole Nielsen: "More of the same. Kronborg is good at revealing the deeper
levels of Barks' stories and his almost religious belief in Nature's intervention in human
matters." Written in Danish.
Kronborg, Steffen: Carl Barks - andalyser - En andtologi
self-published; 1986.
According to Ole Nielsen: "Articles (some of them already published in the fanzine
Carl Barks and Co.) analysing themes in Barks' stories." Written in Danish.
Kunzle, David: Carl Barks: Dagobert und Donald Duck -Welteroberung aus
Entenperspektive published by Fisher Verlag; 1990.
Written in German.
Lowery, Howard (editor): The Malcolm Willits Collection of Mickey Mouse
Paintings by Floyd Gottfredson self-published; 1993.
As there is no book reproducing all Gottfredson paintings (like The Fine Art of Walt
Disney's Donald Duck for Barks paintings), this catalog is the closest thing one can find.
The art is interesting, some would say beautiful.
Mandry, Michel: Disney Channel published by Hachette Editions n�1;
1986.
This strange book contains some text about Walt and his creation, but its core is a
collection of oddly matched comics stories that include among other jewels: The Youth of
Donald Duck by Marco Rota and the Youth of Walt Disney. Written in French.
Mandry, Michel: Happy Birthday Mickey ! published by Editions du Ch�ne; 1984.
The best history ever published of Le Journal de Mickey by its former editor, the ultimate
historian of French Disney comics. For non-French speakers the illustrations still make it
worthwhile.
Mandry, Michel: Mickey Explore le Temps published by
Hachette-Edi-Monde; 1980.
This beautiful "white book" contains the best episodes of the famous French
comics series "Mickey Through the Centuries" drawn for more than 25 years by the
fantastic French artist Pierre Nicolas (also author of the famous Paris Match cover drawn
for Walt's death). The introduction by Michel Mandry in itself makes buying the book a
very worthwhile move. Written in French.
Merkl, Ulrich: Barks Scripts - Ein
unbekanntes Kapiel im Schaffen von Carl Barks published as special issue 21 by Der
Donaldist; 1987.
A nice analysis of the progression of Barks work techniques in the last part of his
career, seen through the development of the Junior Woodchucks' story Wailing Whalers
that was created to be drawn by other artists. Written in German.
Mezzavilla, Silvano: Giorgio Cavazzano published by Editori del Grifo;
1994.
Another small and very interesting book about one of the grand masters of Italian Disney
comics.
Mickey
Mouse In Color published by Pantheon; 1988.
The limited edition version contains a vinyl disc with a discussion between Barks and
Gottfredson. The way the best Mickey comics stories by Gottfredson are presented in this
volume makes it an absolute must have for Disney comics enthusiasts.
Mollica, Vincenzo (editor): I Love Paperino published by Editori del
Grifo; 1984.
An hommage to Donald Duck by all of the most famous Italian comic book artists
published for the 50th birthday of the Duck. The works are surprising, often extremely
entertaining. For completists, though. Written in Italian.
Un Mondo de Paperi - catalogue of the Castel dell'Ovo exhibit;1998.
The catalogue of the huge exhibit taking place from April 29 to June 21 in Naples and
featuring a lot of original Disney artwork. I have not seen this catalog yet, but it is
said to be a bit short. Written in Italian.
Paolini, Elvio; Marovelli, Piero; Saccomano, Giulio: Introduzione a Paperino:
La Fenomenologia Sociale nei Fumetti di Carl Barks published by G.C. Sansone;
1974.
According to Paolo Castagno: "An Italian book very similar to How to read Donald
Duck, but with some interesting content, like a Duckburg map, a Barksian character
index, etc." Written in Italian.
Reitberger, Reinhold: Walt Disney - In Selbstzeugnissen und Bilddokumenten
published by Rowohlt Taschenbuch Verlag; 1979.
According to Frank Fabian: "Part of the Rowohlts Monographien series, which
presents short and illustrated biographies of celebrities." Nothing special. Written
in German.
Rosa, Don; Cannatella, Lidia (editor): D.U.C.K. published by Disney
Libri;1997.
The Italian version of The Life and Times of $crooge Mc. Duck, complete with Don's
introductions, covers by Marco Rota and a lot more material that makes this hardcover
version of the saga one of the best in the world. The Italian editor really outdid herself
on this one.
Rosa Don; Pierrey, Pascal (editor): La Jeunesse de Picsou published by
Disney Hachette Presse; 1998.
The French version of The Life of $crooge in one volume, including chapters 6A, 8A and 0.
The translations of the many chapters have been harmonized. Not a lot of text outside of
the stories themselves.
Rosa, Don: The Life and Times of $crooge
McDuck published by Another Rainbow/Gladstone, 1997.
A beautiful edition of the complete saga by the new Duck master. Limited to 1000 copies,
each autographed by Don and divided into ten different combinations involving signed
books, full-color signed prints and original drawings. The only shortcoming of this book
is the introduction by Geoffrey Blum that is a sad collection of mistakes about Rosa's
work. This book is a must-have for Rosa enthusiasts, though.
Schmidt, Stefan: Hommage an Floyd
Gottfredson published as special issue 27 by Der Donaldist; 1993.
According to Frank Fabian: "The most informative work about Floyd Gottfredson that I
know of. Richly illustrated. Very high standard."Written in German.
Spillmann, Klaus: Paul Murry Index self-published.
According to Frank Fabian: "A small introduction on who Paul Murry was, featuring a
list of all of his stories published in the US and in Germany."
Spiritelli, Franco (editor): Il Personaggi della Banda Disney
published by Fumo di China; 1993.
The excellent catalogue of an exhibit held in Italy in 1993 that includes fascinating
interviews with the best Disney comic books artists: Carpi, Scarpa, Cavazzano, Asteriti,
Santillo and many others. A must have for Disney comics historians. Written in Italian.
Stechweij, Rob: Barks Boek published by Panda. Paperback; 1977.
Contains a good but far from complete index and the non-Disney Barks-story Porky in the
Mounties. Written in Dutch.
Stegelmann, Jakob: Den gode tegner - Om Carl Barks og Anders And
published by Aschehoug; 1995.
According to Ole Nielsen: "The ultimate Danish biography of Barks. Thoroughly
recommended to all Scandinavians. A lot of te info is about the Burbank days. Includes a
photographic reprint of the first Danish edition of the hypnosis gun story from October
1952." Written in Danish.
Strzyz, Klaus; Knigge, Andreas C.: Disney von Innen published by
Ullstein Sachbuch; 1988.
A very interesting collection of in-depth Disney interviews (mainly with comics artists)
written in German. A very original and interesting work.
Tesauro, Alessandro: Topolino in Italia self-published; 1996.
A rather bland index of Disney stories published in Topolino. Not illustrated. Written in
Italian.
Topolino 60 Anni Insieme.
Catalog of the exhibition organized in Italy for Topolino's (equivalent of Mickey Mouse
Magazine) 60th Birthday.
Topolino - L'Eroe delle tue Storie published by Elio de Rosa editore;
1999.
Splendid catalog of the 1949 - 1999 Topolino exhibit. Contains some excellent, never seen
before documents. Written in Italian.
Van Helden, Wim: Carl Barks en de Mythe van Walt Disney's Donald Duck
published as "Stripschrift Special 9" by Vonk/Uitgevers Zeist; 1985.
Contains interview of Barks by Wim Helden and Daan Jippes conducted in the early '80s and
a rather complete index of Barks' comic book works. There is also a lot of background
information and an interesting selection of art taken from The Carl Barks Library. Written
in Dutch.
Von Hagen, Markus: von Ma�sen und Enten -
Schatzk�stlein Entenhausener Poesie published as special issue 30 by Der Donaldist;
1994.
According to Frank Fabian: "Collection of poems, lyrics, etc. from German Disney
stories. Some are well known, others less." Written in German.
Worden, Mark: The Carl Barks Checklist; 1980.
Written in German.
Books to come
Andrae, Thomas: Fables of Desire - Carl Barks and the Anti-modernist Disney Comic
published by University of Mississippi Press; 1999.
Reported by Magical Moments and Memories
(Issue 19, Spring 1998) and confirmed by Donald Ault.
Ault, Donald: Educating the Imagination - The Narative Art of Carl Barks' Disney
Comics published by University of Mississippi Press; 1999.
A very intelectual study of Carl Barks' work. Probably worth a good look considering the
repute of the author.
Burzlaff, Otto: Die tollsten Geschichten von
Donald Duck - Inhaltsverzeichnis und Register der Sonderhefte - Teil 2 published as
special issue 37 by Der Donaldist.
Written in German.
Romano Scarpa published as special issue
36 by Der Donaldist.
Written in German.
All the books already published
All the books to come
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Last updated June 29, 1999.