Excellent behind-the-scenes action (Rating 5 of 5)
» Kendra
Disneywar is for fans of Disney and nonfans alike. . . it's also for fans of business books, and fans of spy novels. Excellently written, Disneywar is exciting from start to finish.
I wonder, as some of the other reviewers, why Michael Eisner gave James B. Stewart such access. It's true he's not painted in the most flattering light. However, it's also true-- I think-- that Eisner IS an empathetic character. Ironically, although he comes off a bit megalomaniacal, he also truly believed his way was the best way for this company.
Stewart did his homework. He shares more than enough background so that every event we read has a clear context. Not a book about Walt, we learn more about him as well as the other executives that brought Disney to where it is today. Stewart's book is really a masterpiece and, although many companies' inner workings would be fascinating to read about, the fact that this is the Walt Disney company we're reading about makes it just that much more exciting.
This is a great book and, with its weighty size, would also make a great gift for any Disney or business fan.
Simply brilliant in-depth analysis of the Eisner era! (Rating 5 of 5)
» M. A. Verdickt
This is without doubt one of the best business books I have read in years. It is a gripping account of how Eisner solely controlled The Walt Disney Company without any regard for shareholders nor the competent executives serving under him. This is a must-read for anybody who is employed in any sense of the word. Eisner was a serial killer of corporate careers and this book may give you some insight into the antics that may go on in any company. At least, it may provide you with some strategies to predict and counteract a boss who is outright dishonest, vicious and intolerant of any criticism.
Insightful! (Rating 4 of 5)
» Rolf Dobelli
Pulitzer prize winner James B. Stewart paints a portrait of Michael Eisner that has more in common with a totalitarian dictator than with most CEOs. Stewart is careful, though, to trace the Walt Disney Company's growth and success under Eisner, even though he was really running Disney for the benefit of just a handful of people - including himself. And, just as carefully, Stewart traces the company's spiraling internal chaos. The pluses: the author tells an instructive, intricate corporate saga in intriguing detail. Minuses: He is no expert on the film industry and the narrative doesn't build much momentum. Frustratingly, although no doubt for sound reportorial reasons, he also mostly refuses to draw conclusions until the short final chapter. We recommend this troubling portrait of corporate excess and misbehavior to all managers and to students of entertainment and media as a lesson on the pitfalls of untamed corporate politics and unbridled CEO power.
A fascinating and highly informative book (Rating 5 of 5)
» Kurt A. Johnson
In 1984, the beloved Disney Corporation was in trouble, seen as a likely target for takeover and dismemberment. And then the Disney board of directors brought in Michael Eisner, a seasoned Hollywood creature, who had never even seen a Disney movie but knew how to successfully run a corporation. By 2004 Disney Corporation was one of the largest Hollywood corporations, but in decline, and Eisner was touted as the "Magic Kingdom's evil emperor." What happened to Disney and Eisner, and how did they get from one state of affairs to the other? Read this book and find out!
I must say, this is one of the most fascinating books that I have read in a long time. The author does an excellent job of showing the many personalities of the people at Disney, especially Michael Eisner himself. The back cover of the book touts it as a tragic tale that could have been written by William Shakespeare, and I must say that I am inclined to agree.
Overall I found this to be a fascinating and highly informative book. If you have watched the rise and decline of Disney, and want to know what really happened inside, then this is the book for you. I highly recommend it!
The next installment................. (Rating 4 of 5)
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Disneywar provides the latest installment on the power stuggle currently controlling Disney! As the CEO Eisner looks to retire, this book documents the stories behind the top personnel who have attempted to provide a likely line of succession and failed. A fascinating insight into how Eisner controls all aspects of Disney and the acrimony following the loss of the last original Disney family member from the Board. Especially interesting to anyone who has followed Eisner's career and read his version of events!
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(Rating 4 of 5)
