This book is an authorized anniversary edition celebration Donald Duck's 50th Birthday in 1984. When Donald Duck first debuted on June 9, 1934 he has been challenging Mickey Mouse as Disney's top cartoon personality and an international superstar ever since.

When this book was published Donald has starred in 128 cartoons, appeared in 432 other shorts and future, with his movies shown in 76 countries. Those cartoons have been nominated for Academy Awards a dozen times and received one Oscar. Donald Duck comic strips were published in over 100 newspapers outside the United States with his comic books distributed in 47 countries.

This book celebrates that half-century of achievement and chronicles Donald Duck's rise to. From Donald's origin and creators; his physique, character, charisma, and relationships; Donald's animation and film career; Donald's published appearances in book, comic book and strip cartoon form; and "Duckmania," covering his role in product marketing. The back of the book even includes a section on Duck Language, which consists of a list of "Practical Duck Expressions" taken from a Disney Studio's internal information sheet issued circa 1939. All of these phrases "have been tested for clarity and we know they are understandable."

This is an entertaining and informative look at the history of Donald Duck that takes time to pay attention to the details. There is an emphasize on breadth of information rather than depth. ( )