Book Review - DisneyWar

Review of James B. Stewart's DisneyWar

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (5/5)

DisneyWar was a captivating historical analysis of The Walt Disney Company. As someone fascinated by the unique culture of Disney, this book provided a peek behind the curtain of the decisions at the upper levels. Because of this, I would caution potential readers that it may reduce some of the "magic" associated with the company.

While DisneyWar starts with the founding of the company, it primarily focuses on the era run by Michael Eisner. Overall, Stewart is fairly critical of Eisner, and this book portrays him as a somewhat ineffective leader. More so, it paints Eisner as an insecure person who can't bear subordinates who may be perceived as his competition. Time and again, he had seemingly productive relationships with people before turning on them due to their success. While most effective leaders surround themselves by the best they can find, it seems that Eisner pitted his subordinates against each other and created a culture of mistrust. In retrospect, it's shocking that the company has reached its level of success.

Many people have an emotional relationship with Disney. It's perceived as a company of creativity and joy, and because of its target audience of children, adults have nostalgic memories interacting with the company (through its park and/or media). DisneyWar provides a lesser-known view of the corporate side of the company, and it really made me appreciate the front-line staff's "magic" that much more.