It is with immense sadness that I learned that Dave Smith passed away earlier today. The 5th volume of They Drew As They Pleased, which will be released in August is dedicated to him and Michael Barrier, the two men without whom Disney history would not exist as a serious field of research.

I first met Dave when I was a teenager, still living in Geneva, Switzerland. I cannot believe that he is gone. I had heard from him by email just 6 weeks ago, when he sent me his comments on the manuscript of Walt's People - Volume 22. This is devastating news.

The new issue of Disney Twenty-Three is about to be released. I am not convinced that it will contain much that will interest me but I will pick it up nevertheless.

David Peake just sent me a heads up about Marty Sklar's last book, which will be released on November 5, 2019, according to the Hachette Book Group website. It will be titled Travels with Figment On the Road in Search of Disney Dreams. Can't wait.

Chronicle Books is about to send They Drew As They Pleased - Volume 5 to the printer. It will be released in August. Here is the cover, revealed for the first time. This volume focuses on two of my favorite Disney concept artists: Ken Anderson and Mel Shaw.

It is with immense sadness that my wife Rita and I just learned today of the passing of Ron Miller. We will always remember fondly his warmth and marvelous sense of humor when we met him a few years back at the Silverado winery in Napa Valley. Our deepest sympathies to the Miller family. This is a very sad day.

This just in from my friend and fellow Disney historian, Ross Care about an interesting new Swiss book (in French) which contains a new Disney-related essay by him:

[ABECEDAIRE STRAVINSKY, Foundation Igor Stravinsky, Editions La Baconniere, Geneva, Switzerland, 2018 - "Sous La Direction de Marie Stravinsky" - A collection of essays on everything Stravinsky, beautifully illustrated. An English edition may be forthcoming.

My article is a discussion of how the Le Sacre score was adapted, rearranged, and slightly cut for Fantasia.]

This just in (note that the text is both in Italian AND English).

I have contributed an in-depth, original essay to this catalog about the various projects (from 1978 to today) to get Mickey back to the silver screen. It covers both the produced and the abandoned projects and is full of new information.

Jose Carioca and Panchito on the cover!? I can't wait to pick up this book!!