Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs & the Making of the Classic Film (Simon & Schuster) 1987

A 50th anniversary present

Written by British authors Richard Holliss and Brian Sibley, this book was designed and printed in England for the American market. Published to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the world premiere of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, it remains one of the most important books ever devoted to the film.

On the hardcover edition, the title appears in blue against a yellow background, using the same lettering style featured on the 1975 American reissue poster. The dust jacket reproduces the title in red on a pink background and also incorporates Gustaf Tenggren’s iconic artwork. The book was later reissued in 1994, both as part of the LaserDisc box set and as a standalone edition.

The foreword was written by Adriana Caselotti, the voice of Snow White, and presented as a facsimile letter. It is from this letter that the Snow White Museum drew the credo displayed at the bottom of the website’s pages.

As its title suggests, the book was among the first publications to focus extensively on the production of the film itself. This subject forms the basis of the opening chapter, “Fairest One of All,” which runs through page 36.

At the same time, much like earlier books that introduced readers to production artwork, twenty-seven of the volume’s eighty-eight pages are devoted to retelling the story of the film, illustrated with frame enlargements and artwork from the feature.

The remainder of the book explores the film’s reception around the world, its merchandising, and its lasting influence, particularly on Disney theme parks.