Disney A to Z – The Official Encyclopedia 5th Edition (Jason’s 1st Impressions)
The 5th Edition of Disney A to Z – The Official Encyclopedia by Dave Smith was published last November. The first edition was released back in 1996 and since then the book has grown from 5,200 entries to 7,600 which spans over 800 pages. This edition includes entries through summer of 2016.
Even in this modern/digital era where just about everything it seems is reachable through Google in a few seconds I find it nice to thumb through a print reference book and have information at my fingertip. There is something different skimming through pages and flipping around vs typing and clicking. Also I find it helpful to have a book with official information that is vetted and proofed coming from a verified source vs what you find on the internet sometimes.
Entries cover all aspects of the “Disney Universe” including theme parks around the world, film, television, people and of course characters. Information provided can include key dates, such as opening and closing information, brief histories, cast and episode lists or other factoids. In this updated edition Marvel and Lucasfilm projects after the Disney acquisition (nothing from before) are included. Pixar is present and since the films were joint projects with Disney it has all of them. Also included are noteworthy events/promotions such as the company’s involvement in the Tournament of Roses or the Olympic Games.
If you are looking for an authoritative source of Disney knowledge you should consider adding this to your reference book collection. Having quick and easy access to information from Disney history is great resource. Having a book to flip open and see what nuggets of information you find is also a fun adventure to embark on.
