They Drew as They Pleased HC (2015- Chronicle Books) comic books

Volume 1 - 1st printing. "The 1930s: The Hidden Art of Disney's Golden Age!"

By Didier Ghez.

As the Walt Disney Studio entered its first decade and embarked on some of the most ambitious animated films of the time, Disney hired a group of "concept artists" whose sole mission was to explore ideas and inspire their fellow animators. They Drew as They Pleased showcases four of these early pioneers and features artwork developed by them for the Disney shorts from the 1930s, including many unproduced projects, as well as for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, and some early work for later features such as Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan. They Drew as They Pleased is the first in what promises to be a revealing and fascinating series of books about Disney's largely unexamined concept artists, with six volumes spanning the decades between the 1930s and 1990s.

Hardcover (Horizontal Format), 11-in. x 9-in., 208 pages, full color.

Cover price $40.00.

Volume 2 - 1st printing. "The 1940s: Part 1 - The Hidden Art of Disney's Musical Years!"

By Didier Ghez.

The 1940s ushered in an era of musical experimentation and innovation at the Walt Disney Studios. Artists from all over the world flocked to California to be part of the magic, and their groundbreaking styles influenced such classics as Dumbo and Bambi as well as shaped the masterpieces that followed such as Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan. Author Didier Ghez has unearthed hundreds of enchanting images - from early sketches to polished concepts for iconic features - by five exceptional artists who shaped the style of the Studio's animation during this period of unbridled creativity. With evocative descriptions and excerpts from the artists' journals and autobiographies, this magnificent collection offers a rare look at the visionaries who breathed life into some of the most beloved films of our time.

Hardcover (Horizontal Format), 11-in. x 9-in., 208 pages, full color.

Cover price $40.00.

Volume 3 - 1st printing. "The 1940s: Part 2 - The Hidden Art of Disney's Late Golden Age!"

By Didier Ghez.

Walt Disney always envisioned the studios that bear his name remaining relevant by consistently taking creative risks and doing the unexpected. Heading into the 1940s, he crafted an entirely new division of the studio called the Character Model Department, which focused solely on the details of character development. This latest volume from famed Disney historian Didier Ghez profiles six remarkable artists from that department, sharing uncommon and never-before-seen images of their influential work behind the scenes. With vivid descriptions and passages from the artists' journals, this visually rich collection offers a rare view of the Disney artists whose work gave rise to many classic Disney characters, and who ultimately rewrote the future of character creation in animation.

Hardcover (Horizontal Format), 11-in. x 9-in., 248 pages, full color.

Cover price $45.00.

Volume 4 - 1st printing. "The 1950s and 1960s: The Hidden Art of Disney's Mid-Century Era!"

By Didier Ghez.

The 1950s and 1960s at The Walt Disney Studios marked unprecedented stylistic directions brought on by the mid-century modern and graphic sensibilities of a new wave of artists. This volume explores the contributions of these heroes with special emphasis on the art of Lee Blair, Mary Blair, Tom Oreb, John Dunn, and Walt Peregoy. It includes never-before-seen images from Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, and Sleeping Beauty and discusses Disney's first forays into television, commercials, space, and science projects, even the development of theme parks. Drawing on interviews and revealing hundreds of rediscovered images that inspired Disney's films during one of its most prolific eras, this volume captures the rich stories of the artists who brought the characters to life and helped shape the future of animation.

Hardcover (Horizontal Format), 11-in. x 9-in., 224 pages, full color.

Cover price $45.00.

Add to cart Near Mint $18.00

Volume 5 - 1st printing. "The 1970s and 1980s: The Hidden Art of Disney's Early Renaissance!"

By Didier Ghez.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the Disney animation studio redefined its creative vision in the wake of Walt Disney's death. Renowned Disney historian Didier Ghez profiles Ken Anderson and Mel Shaw, whose work defined beloved classic Disney characters from films like The Jungle Book, The Aristocats, Robin Hood, and The Rescuers. With vivid descriptions of passages from the artists' autobiographies and interviews, accompanied by never-before-seen images of their art and process, this visually rich collection offers a rare view of the Disney legends whose work helped shape the nature of character and story development for generations to come.

Hardcover (Horizontal Format), 11-in. x 9-in., 224 pages, full color.

Cover price $50.00.

Volume 6 - 1st printing. "The 1990s, 2000 and 2010s: The Hidden Art of Disney's New Golden Age!"

By Didier Ghez.

The 1990s through 2010s marked the New Golden Age of Walt Disney Animation Studios. The culmination of a landmark book series, this gorgeous volume profiles artists Joe Grant, Hans Bacher, Mike Gabriel, and Michael Giaimo and explores how Disney navigated the shift to computer animation. A must-have for students and fans of animation, this book paints the inside story of the New Golden Age through vivid descriptions, never-before-seen art, and interviews with the artists. It offers a rare view of the artists who exemplify Disney's storied past and visionary leap forward.

Hardcover (Horizontal Format), 11-in. x 9-in., 208 pages, full color.

Cover price $50.00.