If you have been a long-time reader of the blog, you know that Taschen’s original XXL monograph, Walt Disney’s Donald Duck: The Ultimate History, is a masterpiece of Disney animation and comic history. I have the massive XXL version prominently on my shelf, and while it is an incredible archival treasure, it isn’t exactly a book you can casually read in your lap.
That is why I am incredibly excited about Taschen’s latest update: they are officially releasing a more compact, accessible version as part of their 45th Anniversary Series.
The Content: A Streamlined Archive
While this 45th Anniversary Edition keeps the core biographical and historical narrative written by David Gerstein and J.B. Kaufman, it is important to note that it isn’t an exact page-for-page replication of the massive original. The original XXL edition spans 564 pages, whereas this compact version comes in at 512 pages.
To accommodate the smaller footprint, some of the extensive galleries, supplementary imagery, or deeper archival bonus pages have been cut. However, it still retains the essential historical deep dive—tracing Donald’s legacy from his 1934 debut in The Wise Little Hen, through his theatrical shorts, wartime propaganda, and the legendary comic book eras of Carl Barks and Don Rosa.
The Physical Shift: From Coffee Table to Bookshelf
The physical difference between the two editions is night and day:
- The XXL Edition: A massive, premium 29 x 39.5 cm display piece weighing roughly 5 kg.
- The 45th Anniversary Edition: A compact, travel-friendly 15.5 x 21.7 cm hardcover weighing just over 1 kg.
This new version shrinks the scale and the price tag significantly. It makes for the perfect “reading copy” to actually flip through on the couch, while keeping the high-quality paper and printing standards Taschen is known for.
Product Details
- Title: Walt Disney’s Donald Duck. The Ultimate History. 45th Ed.
- Publisher: Taschen Books (45th Anniversary Series)
- Format: Hardcover, compact edition
- Dimensions: 15.5 x 21.7 cm
- Price: $25.00 / €25,-
- Availability: Now listed for pre-order
You can view the full specs and secure your copy on the official Taschen Product Page.
For those who skipped the XXL version because of its massive size or premium price point, this is a highly accessible way to get this incredible historical overview on your shelf.