The Fine Art of Walt Disney's Donald Duck

Scotsdale, AZ and West Plains, MO: Another Rainbow Publishing, 1981. First Edition. Hardcover. Fine. A book documenting Carl Barks' first 122 Disney character paintings, which he began making in his seventies in the early 1970s. For many years, these paintings were his primary source of income and they were exceptionally popular at comics conventions and among Disney fans. The Walt Disney Company, at first uneasy by one of its former artists using its character, eventually embraced and celebrated Barks' work.

In this book, just over 100 paintings are reproduced in full color at full-page size. The remaining paintings are shown in thumbnail images at the back, along with a complete list of Barks' 122 paintings, their size, and identifying marks. The essential reference for anyone collecting Barks' paintings.

10-3/4 by 12-1/2 inches. 311 pages. In a slipcase. Published in an edition of 1875 numbered copies, signed by Barks.

Barks worked for the Walt Disney Company for six or seven years in the 1930s and early 1940s, working on Donald Duck cartoon shorts. After he left Disney, he continued to write and illustrated Donald Duck comic books. Like most of the Disney comics artists, his work was anonymous but his distinctive style led fans to identify him as the "good duck artist." His work was an early influence for R. Crumb and other underground cartoonists as well as Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. First edition (first printing). A fine hardcover copy (no dust jacket, as issued). In a near fine slipcase. This is copy no. 900. The binding of this copy is burgundy; some copies were issued in blue.