Oswald the Lucky Rabbit: The Search for the Lost Cartoons by David Bossert Book Review
The story of the lost Oswald cartoons feels like something pulled straight from a Disney mystery adventure. Long before Mickey Mouse became the face of the company, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit was one of Walt Disney’s earliest breakout stars. But over the decades, several of Oswald’s original cartoons vanished from circulation, turning them into the kind of lost media that animation fans and Disney historians obsess over. That is what makes David Bossert’s Oswald the Lucky Rabbit: The Search for the Lost Cartoons such a fascinating read. It is not just a book about an early cartoon character. It is a real-world search for missing pieces of Disney history.
Are you a fan of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit?
If so, then check out my review of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit: The Search for the Lost Cartoons by David Bossert. This book follows David Bossert’s search for the 13 lost Oswald cartoons. Did he find them all?
Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Video
What makes this book especially interesting is that it blends animation history, detective work, and Disney scholarship into one story. Oswald has always been an important figure in the history of Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks, but many fans only know the broad outline. They know Oswald came before Mickey, and they know Walt lost the character in a major business setback. What they may not know is how fragile early film history can be, or how easily silent-era cartoons could disappear. That is part of what gives this book its hook. It is about preservation as much as it is about discovery.
If you enjoy learning about lost animation, forgotten Disney history, and the behind-the-scenes work that goes into preserving classic cartoons, this is a book worth checking out. It is the kind of story that reminds you how much film history has already slipped away, and how exciting it is when even one missing piece turns up again. My review takes a closer look at the book and whether it is worth adding to your Disney library.
Do You Have a Lost Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Cartoon?
Watch the video, then let me know what you think in the comments. Are you a big Oswald fan, or do you just love stories about lost films and animation history? And if you have read the book, I would love to hear whether you thought Bossert’s search was as fascinating as I did. Join the conversation and share your favorite piece of obscure Disney history.
FTC Disclosure: A copy was provided by the publisher for the purpose of this review. This post contains affiliate links, which means that ImagiNERDing receives a percentage of sales purchased through links on this site. Thank you for your support!
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