The first illustrated biography of the cultural life of an enduring global icon, <i>Mickey Mouse: Emblem of the American Spirit</i> is the compelling story of how the singular artistic vision of a unique individual took on a life of its own and became an instantly recognizable character known the world over. Spectacularly illustrated with rarely seen archive images, art historian Garry Apgar, weaves a fascinating narrative about the nature of creation, changing generations, and how a fictional character came to embody the personality of a nation.<br><br>Since his modest debut in 1928, Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse has evolved into arguably the world’s most recognized — and beloved — fictional figure. <i>Mickey Mouse: Emblem of the American Spirit</i> is the illustrated biography of a unique cartoon character, his life and times, and his impact and influence around the world in art and literature. Part art history and part cultural study, Apgar’s <i>Mickey Mouse</i> narrates how the character was initially developed by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks, how his irrepressible spirit grew to huge popularity during the Depression, and how he became a politically charged cultural icon of international reach. Spectacularly illustrated with more than 400 images, Mickey Mouse is a worthy successor to Abrams’ <i>The Art of Walt Disney</i>, “one of the most successful and influential illustrated art books on American popular culture ever published.”<BR> <BR> The narrative covers:<BR> • the story of how Mickey Mouse was created and how he became immensely successful and a symbol of optimism during the Depression<BR> • the many ways in which he was a reflection of Walt Disney’s personality, life, and times<BR> • Mickey’s successful cartoon, literary and movie career<BR> • his influence on artists and animators over the generations, and how he has been represented and transformed in their work<BR> • Mickey Mouse’s impact as a symbol — both positive and negative – of America’s contribution to global culture