New history books for Disney fans – Attractions Holiday Gift Guide 2024

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Welcome to another installment of our Attractions Holiday Gift Guide 2024! (Check out our previous story with new “Moana 2” merchandise.)

Here are our top 30 picks for new and upcoming Disney books suitable to get you started on holiday gift ideas for the fan in your life — or maybe to add to your own wish list. Books are listed in alphabetical order by the author’s last name.

‘Disney In-Between: The Lost Years 1966-1986’

by Stephen Anderson

• 504 pages
• List price: $45
• Publisher: The Old Mill Press
• Release date: Now available

Official description:

Embark on “Disney In-Between,” a journey from Walt Disney’s passing in 1966 to the studio’s resurgence in the mid-’80s under Roy E. Disney, Michael Eisner, Frank Wells, and Jeffrey Katzenberg. Discover how the once-innovative studio faltered amidst disruption, featuring exclusive interviews with the artists and filmmakers who were there. “Disney In-Between: The Lost Years 1966-1986” showcases a new era of filmmakers breaking tradition and paving the way for unprecedented success, offering a saga of transformation and resilience.

‘Marvel Studios: The Art of Ryan Meinerding’

by Tara Bennett and Paul Terry

• 320 pages
• List price: $65
• Walmart price: $50
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
• Release date: Now available

Official description:

Marvel Studios’ Head of Visual Development Ryan Meinerding has been a key creative force in designing the look of the beloved super heroes and villains of the Marvel Cinematic Universe since the early stages of “Iron Man” (2008). “Marvel Studios: The Art of Ryan Meinerding” showcases the artist’s singular and iconic vision, from his work-in-progress sketches to his finished illustrations.

‘Groundbreaking Magic: A Black Woman’s Journey through the Happiest Place on Earth’

by Martha Blanding with Tim O’Day

• 384 pages
• List price: $26
• Walmart price: $24
• Publisher: Disney Editions
• Release date: Now available

Official description:

Disneyland was groundbreaking when it opened in 1955 and continues to possess a legacy of being a trendsetter in both the world of themed immersive entertainment and workplace culture, experiences, and training. Although change was inevitable, it didn’t always come easy.

Here is the incredible story of a young woman from South Central Los Angeles (Watts and Compton) who took a chance, defied the odds, and became the first-ever Black American to achieve a half-century-long career with The Walt Disney Company.   

‘Star Wars Encyclopedia: The Comprehensive Guide to the Star Wars Galaxy’

by Dan Brooks, Megan Crouse, Amy Richau, Amy Ratcliffe, Brandon Wainerdi, Dan Zehr, Kelly Knox, Ryan Windham, Tricia Barr, Cole Horton, Adam Bray, and Daniel Wallace

• 448 pages
• List price: $50
• Walmart price: $45
• Publisher: DK
• Release date: Nov. 19, 2024 (previous versions published in 2015 and 2019)

Official description:

Containing more than 2,200 entries from the most current “Star Wars” film and TV series, discover the vital facts about iconic characters, creatures, locations, vehicles, and technology from a galaxy far, far away….

Produced in close collaboration with Lucasfilm, this official title is the most comprehensive reference book of the “Star Wars” galaxy on the market. Meticulously researched, expertly written, and stunningly illustrated, the “Star Wars Encyclopedia” is an indispensable guide to that devoted fans and newcomers alike will return to time and again.

First published as “Ultimate Star Wars” (2015) and “Ultimate Star Wars: New Edition” (2019).

‘Witches Run Amok: The Oral History of Disney’s Hocus Pocus’

by Shannon Carlin

• 304 pages
• List price: $27
• Walmart price: $19
• Publisher: Hyperion Avenue
• Release date: Now available

Official description:

“Hocus Pocus” is a movie that has few, if any, equals; it manages to span a generational divide, uniting boomers and zoomers in their nostalgic love for the boundary-pushing supernatural comedy that in some ways seemed a little too risqué for the millennial kids it was originally intended for. So how did a movie that didn’t catch an initial spark end up casting such a spell on mainstream culture? “Witches Run Amok” answers that question and more, using interviews from the cast and creative team behind the heartwarming Halloween staple. The book is a love letter to [the film’s] millions of devoted fans and a fascinating read for anyone who wants to understand how the Disney movie became a pop culture phenomenon.

‘Marvel Encyclopedia: New Edition’

by Alan Cowsill, Melanie Scott, and James Hill

• 512 pages
• List price: $45
• Walmart price: $36
• Publisher: DK
• Release date: Now available

Official description:

The official and definitive guide to the characters of the dynamic, ever-expanding Marvel Universe — now updated with more than 1,200 iconic super heroes and villains.

Filled with superb artwork and illustrated characters from the original Marvel Comics, this is the one book every fan has to own — and the only book that covers the full scope of the vibrant Marvel Comics universe.

Compiled by a team of comic book experts in close collaboration with Marvel Comics, this fully updated and expanded edition features revisited entries detailing the adventures since the best-selling previous edition (2019).

‘The Marvel Art of Russell Dauterman’

by Russell Dauterman

• 216 pages
• List price: $75
• Publisher: Clover Press
• Release date: Nov. 26, 2024

Official description:

The fourth release from Clover Press’ new line of “The Marvel Art of” stunning new coffee table books!
 
Russell Dauterman is an illustrator and character designer, best known for his work on the Marvel comic book series “The Mighty Thor,” “X-Men,” and “Scarlet Witch.” Since Russell first saw “X-Men: The Animated Series” as a kid, he’s loved the X-Men. That show led him to a nearly lifelong love of comics and to a career as a comic book artist. His work includes design, interior art, and cover art across the Marvel Universe. Russell has designed for the X-Men’s Hellfire Gala events, and designed superhero costumes for Storm, Jean Grey, Scarlet Witch, and more. Russell’s Eisner-nominated run on “Thor” debuted at #1 on The New York Times Bestseller List for graphic novels, and his work has been adapted into video games and film.
 
“The Marvel Art of Russell Dauterman” collects his hand-picked and fan-favorite pieces representing his 10 years of working at Marvel!

‘The Art of Marvel Studios’ What If …? Volume 1′

by Paul Davies

• 272 pages
• List price: $50
• Walmart price: $35
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
• Release date: Now available

Official description:

The official behind-the-scenes art book for Marvel Studios’ Emmy Award–nominated Disney+ animated series “What If …?”

Through interviews with the animators, designers, producers, and writers of the series, readers will discover everything that goes into translating their favorite heroes and villains from live action to animation and how exciting new possibilities for storytelling can open up if you only ask, “What if…?”

‘Jim Henson’s Imagination Illustrated’

by Karen Falk

• 192 pages
• List price: $40
• Walmart price: $30
• Publisher: Insight Editions
• Release date: Now available in new edition for 2024; original version published in 2012

Official description:

The iconic characters and magical worlds that sprung from Jim Henson’s imagination have delighted millions of fans around the globe. His immense talents introduced audiences to the Muppets, the Fraggles, and the worlds of “The Dark Crystal,” “Labyrinth,” and more. This new edition of “Imagination Illustrated” takes the journal that Henson faithfully kept throughout much of his career and brings it to life with a trove of visual material, including rare sketches, personal and production photographs, storyboards, doodles, and more.

‘Donald Duck: The Ultimate History’

by David Gerstein and J.B. Kaufman; edited by Daniel Kothenschulte

• 564 pages
• List price: $200
• Publisher: Taschen
• Release date: Nov. 24, 2024

Official description:

With unprecedented access to Disney’s vast historical archives and collections as well as public and private collections, the authors illuminate Donald’s life story with rare concept art, story sketches, background paintings, animation, and comic drawings as well as historical photographs. We encounter the work of all major Donald artists in both film and comics who defined his character, including a vast tribute to the “Duck Man” himself, master storyteller Carl Barks, alongside unseen early storyboard drawings.

‘The Art of Marvel Studios’ Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’

by Jess Harrold

• 224 pages
• List price: $60
• Walmart price: $51
• Publisher: Marvel Universe
• Release date: Now available

Official description:

Super hero partners Scott Lang and Hope Van Dyne return to continue their adventures as Ant-Man and The Wasp. Together with Hope’s parents, Hank Pym and Janet Van Dyne, the family finds themselves exploring the Quantum Realm, interacting with strange new creatures, and embarking on an adventure that will push them beyond the limits of what they thought was possible. Continuing their popular “Art of” series of tie-in books, Marvel Studios presents another blockbuster achievement! Featuring exclusive concept artwork and in-depth interviews with the creative team, this deluxe volume provides insider details about the making of the highly anticipated film.

Note: Despite the description sounding like the film is forthcoming, it was released in February 2023; the book was published in September 2024.

‘The Art of Marvel Studios’ The Marvels”

by Jess Harrold

• 216 pages
• List price: $60
• Walmart price: $47
• Publisher: Marvel Universe
• Release date: Now available

Official description:

The latest in the acclaimed series of art books celebrates cosmic blockbuster “The Marvels”!

Carol Danvers’ mission to stop the Kree from using a new mysterious weapon to wreak havoc on the universe is complicated by the fact that she suddenly finds herself teamed up with Kamala Khan and Monica Rambeau. A chase unfolds that takes our heroes from planet to planet, forcing them to work together in order to save the universe as they know it. Continuing their popular “Art of” series of tie-in books, Marvel Studios presents another blockbuster achievement! Featuring exclusive concept artwork and in-depth interviews with the creative team, this deluxe volume provides insider details about the making of the highly anticipated film.

Note: Despite the description sounding like the film is forthcoming, it was released in November 2023; the book was published in September 2024.

‘The Art of Marvel Studios’ Deadpool & Wolverine’

by Jess Harrold

• 224 pages
• List price: $100
• Walmart price: $90
• Publisher: Marvel Universe
• Release date: Oct. 29, 2024

Official description:

Marvel Studios presents the first book in a newly revamped line of deluxe “Art of” tie-in books —celebrating the highly anticipated release of “Deadpool & Wolverine”! This volume is filled with all the features you’d expect, including a stunning gallery of never-before-seen artwork and in-depth interviews with the creative team. But now, the “Art of” series is better than ever, packaged in a beautiful slipcase with five exclusive lithographs starring the Merc with a Mouth and The Best There Is!

‘The Art of Moana 2’

by Kalikolehua Hurley

• 160 pages
• List price: $45
• Publisher: Chronicle Books
• Release date: Nov. 26, 2024

Official description:

Journey from Motunui across the vast Ocean with Moana and her crew in this installment of the beloved “Art of” Disney series that tells the story behind the art and making of “Moana 2.” Here is a stunning art book that highlights the beautiful development art and paintings from the film’s creation — including character designs, storyboards, color scripts, and much more — and features exclusive interviews from the creative team along with behind-the-scenes details.

‘Marvel Studios: The Infinity Saga – The Art of Iron Man 3’

by Marie Javins and Stuart Moore

• 286 pages
• List price: $40
• Walmart price: $26
• Publisher: Titan Books
• Release date: Now available (“Infinity Saga” edition of 2013 book)

Official description:

The official art book for the movie “Iron Man 3,” the 6th title reissue of the 24-book “Marvel Studios: The Infinity Saga” series published as a resized matching set.

Behind every great Iron Man stands a dedicated group of artists — and now, their secrets are
revealed. In this lavish coffee table book, you’ll find everything from exclusive concept artwork and storyboards to behind-the-scenes photographs, production stills with exploration designs of the Iron Man suits, and in-depth interviews with the cast and crew.

‘Marvel Studios: The Infinity Saga – The Art of Thor: The Dark World’

by Marie Javins and Stuart Moore

• 272 pages
• List price: $40
• Walmart price: $33
• Publisher: Titan Books
• Release date: Oct. 15, 2024 (“Infinity Saga” edition of 2013 book)

Official description:

The official art book for the movie “Thor: The Dark World,” the 7th title reissue of the 24-book “Marvel Studios: The Infinity Saga” series published as a resized matching set.

Packed with exclusive content, this fully illustrated tome is a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at the creative process of bringing a god and his worlds to life on the big screen. Follow the film’s complete artistic evolution, featuring exclusive concept artwork, behind-the-scenes photographs, production stills, and in-depth interviews with the cast and crew.

‘Marvel Studios: The Infinity Saga – The Art of Captain America: The Winter Soldier’

by Marie Javins

• 238 pages
• List price: $40
• Publisher: Titan Books
• Release date: Nov. 19, 2024 (“Infinity Saga” edition of 2014 book)

Official description:

The official art book for the movie “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” the 8th title reissue of the 24-book “Marvel Studios: The Infinity Saga” series published as a resized matching set.

Packed with exclusive content, this fully illustrated tome sheds light on how “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” was created, including concept art, drawings, movie stills, and storyboards. Follow the film’s complete artistic evolution, from a fine selection of concept designs for characters and costumes to behind-the-scenes processes and progressions from comic to movie.

‘Marvel Super Graphic: A Visual Guide to the Marvel Comics Universe’

by Tim Leong

• 176 pages
• List price: $23
• Walmart price: $21
• Publisher: Chronicle Books
• Release date: Now available

Official description:

“Marvel Super Graphic” is a delightfully entertaining and fresh look at the Marvel comics universe through the mighty metrics of colorful infographics.
 
Author and designer Tim Leong has creatively visualized dozens of deep-dive data points and witty “I wonder” subjects, ranging from character speed rankings to the length Mister Fantastic can stretch before it hurts to the overlapping stories of the Spider-Verse. Through playful and informative pie charts, bar graphs, Venn diagrams, scatter plots, timelines, story arc guides, and more, “Marvel Super Graphic” shines a fun and fascinating new light on beloved comics, characters, and Marvel history.

‘The Marvel Art of David Mack’

by David Mack

• 200 pages
• List price: $75
• Walmart price: $55
• Publisher: Clover Press
• Release date: Now available

Official description:

The debut release from Clover Press’ new line of “The Marvel Art of” high-end coffee table books!

With an illustrious career spanning nearly three decades, David Mack has created some of the most iconic and memorable artwork in the history of comics. He’s known for his work on Marvel titles such as “Daredevil,” “Alias,” and “Jessica Jones,” as well as co-creating the character Echo, all of which have earned him widespread recognition and critical acclaim. His film and television credits include creating the title sequences for Marvel Studios’ “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” and the Emmy-nominated title sequences for the Netflix series Marvel’s “Jessica Jones.”

“The Marvel Art Of David Mack” collects Mack’s art for “Daredevil” and other Marvel books, and includes never-before-seen sketches, behind-the-scenes material, a foreword written by Vincent D’Onofrio, who played Wilson Fisk in the Netflix series Marvel’s “Daredevil” and in Marvel Studios’ “Hawkeye,” and an afterword by Brian Michael Bendis.

‘The Marvel Art of Alex Maleev’

by Alex Maleev

• 200 pages
• List price: $75
• Walmart price: $58
• Publisher: Clover Press
• Release date: Now available

Official description:

The sophomore release from Clover Press’ new line of “The Marvel Art of” high-end coffee table books!

Eisner award-winner Alex Maleev has worked on several Marvel titles, including seminal runs on “Daredevil,” “Spider-Woman,” and “Moon Knight.” Maleev began working in comics in the early 1990s and quickly rose to prominence on several high-profile projects at other companies before teaming with Brian Michael Bendis on “Daredevil” and reuniting with Bendis to re-imagine “Spider-Woman” and “Moon Knight.” “The Marvel Art of Alex Maleev” collects Maleev’s sublime artwork on Marvel titles including “Daredevil,” “Spider-Woman,” and “Moon Knight,” and includes never-before-seen sketches, behind-the-scenes material, and an introduction by Brian Michael Bendis.

‘Marvel Studios: The Infinity Saga – The Art of Guardians of the Galaxy’

by Matthew K. Manning

• 342 pages
• List price: $40
• Publisher: Titan Books
• Release date: Dec. 10, 2024 (“Infinity Saga” edition of 2014 book)

Official description:

The official art book for the movie “Guardians of the Galaxy,” the 9th title reissue of the 24-book “Marvel Studios: The Infinity Saga” series published as a resized matching set.

This fully illustrated tome is a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at the creative process of the Marvel blockbuster. Follow the film’s complete artistic evolution, featuring stunning concept
artwork, behind-the-scenes photographs, production stills, and in-depth interviews with the cast and crew.

‘Walt Disney Treasures: Personal Art and Artifacts from The Walt Disney Family Museum’

by Walter E.D. Miller and the Staff at The Walt Disney Family Museum; edited by Jen Newens

• 232 pages
• List price: $50
• Walmart price: $40
• Publisher: Weldon Owen
• Release date: Now available

Official description:

“Walt Disney Treasures: Personal Art and Artifacts from The Walt Disney Family Museum” chronicles the legacy of the legendary American artist, storyteller, filmmaker, and visionary through iconic objects that represent his life and career. Through historical research, firsthand accounts, and Walt’s own words, readers will uncover the most treasured artifacts that tell the story of Walt Disney and his family, as well as the significance of each item to Walt’s personal and professional life. With more than 250 images from the collection and galleries of The Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco and the Disney family archives — some never seen by the public — readers will experience Walt’s story like never before.

‘The Marvel Art of David Nakayama’

by David Nakayama

• 200 pages
• List price: $75
• Publisher: Clover Press
• Release date: Nov. 5, 2024

Official description:

The third release from Clover Press’ new line of “The Marvel Art of” stunning new coffee table art books!

David Nakayama is known for his many “X-Men,” “Deadpool,” and “Spider-Man” covers, highlighting his fun and colorful take on Marvel’s iconic characters. After winning a talent contest to break into comics, he soon went into the video game industry before returning to comic books at Marvel and gaining popularity as a cover artist, with his exuberant and beautiful style gracing the likes of “Scarlet Witch” and “Spider-Gwen” to the White Queen. “The Marvel Art of David Nakayama” collects Nakayama’s colorful art from his DVD and Marvel Legends packaging art to his exclusive and rare retailer variants for the first time. As an added bonus, this book features a foreword by J. Scott Campbell!

‘Scoundrels, Villains, & Knaves: Disneyland, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Popular Culture’

by Foxx Nolte

• 346 pages
• List price: $30
• Publisher: Inklingwood Press
• Release date: Now available

Official description:

From the silver screen to the famous ride at Disneyland and beyond, pirates are everywhere. They appear on television, operate miniature golf courses, and even promote fast food. But have you ever wondered how a relatively small group of criminals from a short period of history came to invade popular culture? Who were pirates, and where do we get our ideas about them?

Rigorously examining the phenomenon through the lens of one of its central texts — the Pirates of the Caribbean attractions — Foxx Nolte explores the murky origins and surprising connections of the western world’s favorite antiheroes. Each version of the classic attraction is fully analyzed, but the book goes beyond the confines of the theme parks to consider where these myths came from and what they say about us. They are all here, from Errol Flynn and Douglas Fairbanks to Long John Silver, Captain Jack Sparrow, and a band of six plucky kids from Oregon. It’s a treasure hunt through three hundred years of popular culture and you’ll never look at talking parrots and buried treasure maps the same way again.

‘Directing at Disney: The Original Directors of Walt’s Animated Films’

by Don Peri and Pete Docter

• 368 pages
• List price: $50
• Walmart price: $37
• Publisher: Disney Editions
• Release date: Now available

Official description:

This untold history collection chronicles the progression of the animation director role during the 1920s through the 1970s. For students of filmmaking and management, this book serves as [a] go-to resource for a complex and sometimes technical role that demanded precision. For all Disney fans, these personal portraits of Walt’s closest creative leaders offer a fuller picture behind the stories, characters, and magical realms in Disney’s beloved and respected animated films.

‘Disney High: The Untold Story of the Rise and Fall of Disney Channel’s Tween Empire’

by Ashley Spencer

• 336 pages
• List price: $30
• Walmart price: $26
• Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
• Release date: Now available

Official description:

From private feuds and on-set disasters, to fanfare that swept the nation and the realities of child stardom, culture journalist Ashley Spencer offers the inside story of the heyday of TV’s house of mouse, featuring hundreds of exclusive new interviews with former Disney executives, creatives, and celebrities to explore the highs, lows, and everything in between.

‘Star Wars – Episode I: The Phantom Menace: The 25th Anniversary Special Edition’

by the “Star Wars Insider” writers

• 96 pages
• List price: $20
• Publisher: Titan Comics / Titan Magazines
• Release date: Oct. 29, 2024

Official description:

This hardcover collector’s edition celebrates 25 years of “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace” using vintage material from “Star Wars Insider” [the official “Star Wars” magazine], including interviews with George Lucas, Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, and the cast and crew of the movie.

‘Star Wars: The High Republic – The Lightsaber Collection’

by Daniel Wallace and illustrated by Lukasz Liszko and Ryan Valle

• 156 pages
• List price: $35
• Walmart price: $31
• Publisher: Insight Editions
• Release date: Nov. 12, 2024

Official description:

From Vernestra Rwoh’s unique lightwhip and Stellan Gios’ ornate crossguard lightsaber to Burryaga’s broadsword-like hilt, the signature weapon of the “Star Wars” galaxy has never looked so elegant as it does during the prosperous era of the High Republic.

“Star Wars: The High Republic – The Lightsaber Collection” is an essential visual guide and exploration of the numerous lightsabers found within “The High Republic” saga, featuring hilts from publishing, animation, and VR, many of which have never been illustrated in a photo-real style before.

As a follow-up to “Star Wars: The Lightsaber Collection,” each spread contains a detailed illustration of the featured lightsaber, allowing readers to see the intricate detail in the hilts and the brilliance of each energy blade. The perfect reference book for fans, model builders, and collectors, this striking companion is a must-have for readers looking to discover more about legendary lightsabers from a fascinating period in “Star Wars” history.

‘Dream Chasing: My Four Decades of Success and Failure with Walt Disney Imagineering’

by Bob Weis

• 448 pages
• List price: $30
• Walmart price: $27
• Publisher: Disney Editions
• Release date: Now available

Official description:

As a former Imagineering president, Bob Weis was part of the second generation of Imagineers. His page-turner of a story follows the path of someone who never lost his passion for chasing big, innovative dreams in spite of having to navigate over bumpy roads tied to a slew of issues and concerns — grounded in design, technology, politics, and culture (to name a few) just to bring an array of Disney experiences to reality. Bob’s drive was fueled by a belief in something Walt Disney once said: “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.”

”Dreams,” as Weis writes, “come from a place of infinite possibilities, from a part of us that doesn’t recognize limits.”

‘Ghost Dog: A Novel’

by Bob Weis and illustrated by George Scribner

• 280 pages
• List price: $25
• Amazon price: $25
• Publisher: The Old Mill Press
• Release date: Oct. 15, 2024

Official description:

Herbert recently lost his beloved dog. His parents take him to Disneyland to cheer him up. Herbert rides the Haunted Mansion, and on this fateful night, a ghost really does follow him home — and not just any ghost. Herbert finds himself trying to keep a GHOST DOG, which only he can see, a secret.

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