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I knew that the executives who run the television networks are almost always shortsighted pea-brained idiots, but I did not know originally "The Dick Van Dyke Show" was cancelled at the end of its first season. Granted, the show finished in 80th place in the Nielsen ratings and during that first season Carl Reiner was clearly writing more for himself than Dick Van Dyke (which made sense since Reiner wrote and filmed the original pilot "Head of the Family" for himself), but we are talking about coming "that" close to losing what is one of the classic situation comedies in the history of television. After that first season "The Dick Van Dyke Show" finished 9th, 3rd, 7th, and 16th in the Nielsens and won the Emmy for best show in its category all four years (it was just that the category changed from Outstanding Program Achievement in the Field of Humor, to the Field of Comedy, then in Entertainment, and finally as Outstanding Comedy Series).

Ginny Weissman and Coyne Stevens Sanders bring the sensibilities of both fans and television historians to this look at "The Dick Van Dyke Show." They benefited from writing with the complete cooperation of every member of the cast, who heartily endorse the end product. This revised and expanded version contains over 130 photographs, synopses of all 158 episodes, and a 500 question trivia section that tax your knowledge of the show. You will also find lists of all the awards won by the show and its cast during its five-year fun, an update on where everyone was as of 1993, the revival of the show on "Nick at Night," and the complete script of "That's My Boy??," the episode always cited as receiving the longest laugh in the history of sitcom taped before a studio audience when Rob opens the door for the couple he is convinced has taken Richie home from the hospital (if you do not know why the audience explodes long and loud in laughter, then you are completely unfamiliar with the show and have no business reading this far into the review).

This book is written for the fans, which explains why the synopses of each episode is provided "in brief," which means a single sentence. The point is clearly not to describe the episode, but rather to remind you which one it is in the grand scheme of things. Given that the cast list for each episode always includes all of the principles every single time, I admit I would have rather had the descriptions of the episodes include choice moments. I would rather know what songs the cast sang on "'The Alan Brady Show' Presents" or be reminded about the big diamond (next to the glass doorknob) Rob and Laura found in Hezekiah's desk in "The Great Petrie Fortune," instead of knowing what episodes did not have Buddy and/or Sally or featured Millie and/or Jerry Helper. I especially liked the details about the original pilot and how Van Dyke and the rest of the stellar cast were eventually assembled for the show. In fact, Weissman and Sanders repeatedly provide insights into some of the most famous episodes on the show. Finally, what makes it clear this book knows what it is doing, Richard Deacon is included on the front cover along with Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore, Morey Amsterdam, and Rose Marie. Case closed.

This 172-page volume isn't as detailed as Vince Waldron's "Official Dick Van Dyke Show Book", but it serves as a very nice companion piece to both that Waldron book and to the 5 full-season DVD boxed sets of the Van Dyke Show that were released via Image Entertainment, Inc., in 2003 and 2004 (all five of which sparkle brightly in every respect). Placing those DVDs next to this publication (and the book by Mr. Waldron as well) would certainly serve as an unsurpassable batch of Van Dyke Show video and printed material, providing the owner of said products with just about all he/she could ever need with regard to this never-tiresome CBS-TV sitcom.

The 8.5" x 11.0" paperback book (which was originally released in 1983 and revised in 1993) is crammed with many, many top-notch black-and-white photographs; and the colorful front cover (featuring five main members of the show's cast) perfectly captures the fun and spirit of this classic sitcom.

Plenty of quotes from the show's cast and crew members are on tap here too, as they reflect back on the making of the series. An abundant amount of behind-the-camera information is mixed in amongst the wealth of photographs on these pages.

Synopses of all 158 Dick Van Dyke Show episodes are also included in a separate chapter. Plus there's a chapter entitled "That's My Boy?? -- A Milestone In Television History", which includes the entire script of the 64th filmed episode in the series ("That's My Boy??"), which is one of the funniest of all the Van Dyke scripts (which is really saying something, because they're all pretty darn good). That episode, which was expertly written by Bill Persky and Sam Denoff on May 22, 1963, has Rob Petrie (Dick Van Dyke) practically beside himself with worry in the days following his son Ritchie's birth, as he thinks the hospital gave him the wrong baby. A great episode indeed!

This book also contains a 4-page "Awards" section, which details all of the various awards (mostly "Emmys") that "The Dick Van Dyke Show" won, and was nominated for, during its successful five-year tenure on network TV.

There's also "The Dick Van Dyke 500" -- which is a 500-question trivia quiz. Some real brain-busters here, including Question #41: "How much money had Laura put away in her secret bank account (in the episode 'Bank Book 6565696')?" .... Was it: A.) $294.12; B.) $451.02; C.) $378.16; or D.) $398.26? .... Now THAT'S what I call "trivia"! Can you guess the answer? (I knew the answer to that one right off the bat, which probably makes me a certifiable "Van Dyke Show Geek" of the first order. LOL!) :)

This entire volume is very fun to glance through, with the ultimate prize in the package (in my estimation) being the oodles of great pictures (many of which depict "behind-the-scenes" shots of the cast and crew).

Looking through this book again prompted me to type up the following list of some of my all-time favorite "Dick Van Dyke Show" episodes (every single one of which can be purchased on DVD in the previously-mentioned Image Entertainment seasonal boxed sets of the series). .............

My Top 20 "Most Watched Episodes" list would look like this (what would your own personal list look like?):

1.) "All About Eavesdropping" (Season 2 boxed set).
2.) "Harrison B. Harding Of Camp Crowder, Mo." (S.1).
3.) "The Curious Thing About Women" (S.1).
4.) "My Husband Is A Check-Grabber" (S.2).
5.) "Empress Carlotta's Necklace" (S.1).
6.) "Never Bathe On Saturday" (S.4).
7.) "A Nice, Friendly Game Of Cards" (S.3).
8.) "Punch Thy Neighbor" (S.1).
9.) "Ray Murdock's X-Ray" (S.2).
10.) "The Sick Boy And The Sitter" (S.1).
11.) "The Night The Roof Fell In" (S.2).
12.) "The Ghost Of A. Chantz" (S.4).
13.) "A Man's Teeth Are Not His Own" (S.2).
14.) "The Case Of The Pillow" (S.4).
15.) "The Two Faces Of Rob" (S.2).
16.) "Pink Pills And Purple Parents" (S.4).
17.) "That's My Boy??" (S.3).
18.) "The Impractical Joke" (S.4).
19.) "Coast-To-Coast Big Mouth" (S.5).
20.) "My Blonde-Haired Brunette" (S.1).

Overall Favorite Seasons -- Season 1 and Season 2. (Although all 5 seasons are excellent, as all Van Dyke Show fans can attest.) :)

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Post-Script ..............

Something I thought of recently while watching the "Vic Damone"/"Ric Vallone" episode (titled "Like A Sister") --- during the entire course of the Dick Van Dyke Show series, creator/writer/producer Carl Reiner (plus the other top execs, Danny Thomas and Sheldon Leonard) never once exploited the "showbiz" angle of the Van Dyke series. What I mean by that is -- Carl & Company never felt the urge to cave in to the "Lucy Show Syndrome", and therefore very seldom brought in major movie stars of the day as guest stars to play off of the rest of the cast.

The "Let's get a big-name guest star on the show every week" scenario could have easily been done (and with a built-in "realism" as well, due to main character Robert Petrie working in show business on a popular variety show). From what I've read regarding the series, many big stars would drop by the show's soundstages to shoot the breeze. It seemed to be the "in" place to be in Hollywood. Well, at least one of the "in" places at any rate.

And I'm guessing that if he would have wanted to bow down to such ratings pressures, Mr. Reiner (et al) would have had no trouble at all garnering many major movie stars as guests on "TDVDS".

I'm very glad, however, that Reiner decided not to go the "Lucy Show" route for bigger ratings or for prestige value (or whatever) -- because relying on the great regular cast was a much better plan, IMHO.

And I find it interesting, too, to note that even when "TDVDS" *did* occasionally include a guest star to sing or dance on the fictional "Alan Brady Show", you'll note that the guest actor was always of a somewhat lesser-known stature, with character names created for them -- such as the aforementioned "Ric Vallone" used instead of Vic Damone's real name. ... And "Jacques Savon", and "Tracy Rattigan", and "Paula Marshall".

I often wonder how good the show would have been if Carl Reiner *had* decided to include huge-name guest stars each week (playing themselves), like on Lucille Ball's shows -- with people like John Wayne, Jack Benny, Bob Hope, Sammy Davis, and Jerry Lewis popping in every week to make an "Alan Brady Show" appearance.

I, for one, am just as content and satisfied with the likes of "Janie Layton", "Henry Walden", "Jim Darling", "Valerie Blake", "Max Calvada", "Randolph Eisenbauer", and "Harper Worthington Yates". Plus, of course, the first-rate regular cast members, who didn't need to play second banana to anybody, IMO. :)

In closing, let me just state --- "I haven't had this many laughs since the Saint Valentine's Day Massacre!" ** :)

** = Dialogue from the episode "All About Eavesdropping".

I've had my copy of this book for almost a decade now and I absolutely love it. The authors Weissman and Saunders have covered their subject well and brought together a fabulous treasure trove of information about one of television's most loved golden oldies. You won't find much gossip or other unsavory "warts and all" type material in this compendium, but you will find everything worth knowing about the show and it's stars. You get a good feel for the warmth and personal friendship that the cast has shared with each other since they began working together; each of the regular cast members as well as some of the show's writers and directors were interviewed and they add immeasurably to the book's enjoyment.

Contained inside the pages of this tome is a detailed but concisely written history of how the show came about, beginning with Carl Reiner's original idea for a television show titled 'Head Of The Family' with himself in the lead; his redesign and recasting of the show; his working relationship with Sheldon Leonard, Dick Van Dyke and the rest of the cast members and beyond. Also included within is a complete synopsis of all 158 episodes including guest star appearances, a complete script from one of the shows, over 100 photos, an excellent trivia test with answers in the back and a list of all the awards that the show won during it's initial network run.

Long after it first aired in the early 60's 'The Dick Van Dyke Show' still continues to enjoy phenomenal -but not surprising - success as one of the shows currently seen on TV Land as of this writing. I know people ranging from preteen to senior citizens who list it among their favorite TV shows to watch, even favoring it far above contemporary television programming. Nearly all of them are able to recount the series' most popular episodes to any one who will listen as well as recite the memorable lines of dialogue from each one. If you know someone who truly appreciates this show then this book would make an excellent gift; or if you're a fan don't go another day without it!

I enjoyed this book so well that I ended up giving my aunt a copy. It is informative and very interesting. Foods are described from many restaurants found all over.

This book is full of wonderful information for someone who wants to watch calories, but doesn't have the desire to go on a real diet.

This is a handy book, and in Kindle format even more so. I carry my Kindle in my bag, so this book, among others is always with me. Since I eat out a lot that is very handy. The Kindle is lighter and thinner the the print edition of the book, so this is one book that becomes more useful because it is on Kindle. It has information of grocery store products and a huge number and variety of resturants. If the resturant you go to isn't listed one with very similar is, and it isn't difficult to translate the ideas of nutritional info from resturant to the other. I do a quick look up in the car before I go in, or at the table sometimes, and I have the info for a good choice. The Kindle edition is well formatted, the graphs are big enough to read, and the links work.
One of the most pratical Kindle purchases I've made.

I give this book 5 stars. The part I like best is when they look for donuts. I think it is very funny. I am going to read it until I'm an adult because I want to feel like a kid!

My son absolutely loves this book. He is just turning 3 and when we read at night I have to read him all the Scooby books (the santa mystery, the dognapping mystery and disappearing donuts). He loves to tell me who ate the donuts before it happens!

I just purchased this book for my Scooby-lovin' first grade daughter. The story and illustrations are cute - not scary. Perfect for a 5 or 6 year-old. The age states K-grade 2, however, an average K - grade 1 child will not be able to read this without help. The sentences are short, but many of the words are on a 2nd grade level. The best thing is that the dialogue is written to sound just like the t.v. show... Fans will LOVE that!

This book provides readers with many of the facts of Easter Island. I had heard about the stone statues, but had little knowledge of the history of the island. This book provided quite a bit of information on the history and covered all the theories of the statues and what they might mean and how they got there. An excellent book!

This is a translation of "Des dieux regardent les etoiles -- Les derniers secrets de l'Ile de Paques" ("Gods gaze at the stars -- The last secrets of Easter Island"), Catherine and Michel Orliac's excellent little book about Easter Island. Easter Island and its mysteries -- from its huge statues to its strange hieroglyphics -- have been a magnet for crankery of all types, from the benign to the outrageous. How refreshing, then, it is to see such a delicious book, factual and balanced, with high-quality authentic illustrations on every page, every one of them well chosen and to the point. Almost everything you may ever want to know about Easter Island -- short of a tourist guide -- is there, with full sources and references. How so much information could have been packed in so few pages is a wonder. Complete, attractive and scholarly, this little book will appeal to all, even to the specialists. The illustrations alone are a never-ending source of wonder and delight. Highly recommended.

Some mysteries may never be solved. Where did the Sumerian language come from? Who built the stones at Carnac and why? Who was buried in the Great Pyramid.

What do the mysterious inscriptions found at Easter Island say? And what were the stone statues for. Those are the mysteries of Easter Island.

The tragedy was what happened to the Easter Islanders. The westerners were not all evil, and the islanders themselves were not all good (e.g., they practiced human sacrifice) but the enslavement, kidnapping, rape etc. of the islanders by western maritime visitors is shocking even today. And the book tells that story too. So it is not just a book about the mysteries of Easter Island but about the almost complete destruction of it by Europeans and I am sad to say Americans.

And the two are related. If slavers had not taken hundreds of islanders to Chile to work as slaves, including the king and prince of the island, perhaps enough of the culture would have survived for western scholars to meet with those who could read the writings of the tablets. Perhaps we would really know why and how the islanders built their mysterious giants.

This book (published by Harry Abrams) is an English translation of one of a series of small, lavishly illustrated French historical guides. One really cannot go wrong with this series, whether in French or in English.

Everyone involved in this Easter Island book did a great job, and they produced a wonderful way for a beginner to learn about some of the strangest archeological sites on our planet.

Disney Bunnies books are beautifully illustrated and this one has some particularly nice pieces of artwork in it. Thumper learns to count to ten with some help from nature, such as the butterflies on the cover. It teaches simple counting in this manner and is a fun read. A very thick, sturdy board book of exceptional quality and glossy pages. Both of my girls (2 and 3 1/2) ask to have this one read to them over and over again.

My son, Logan, is 9 months. We read books all of the time and he LOVES this book. There are adorable illustrations of Thumper and his friends. The pictures grab his attention and for the 100x I've read this book I still enjoy looking at the pictures. I know he'll grow into this book as he obviously can't count yet and I don't mind it. I'm ready to buy more of the Disney Bunnies series.

My three year old son is in love with this book. Great buy!

In this book tarzan outsmarted everyone. In real life you have to be smart to win, you dont have to be strong and be the bad guy you just have to use your brain well. As always parents get mad at acctivities you like and so did Tarzan. Dont you hate it!

In this book tarzan outsmarted everyone. In real life you have to be smart to win, you dont have to be strong and be the bad guy you just have to use your brain well. As always parents get mad at acctivities you like and so did Tarzan. Dont you hate it!

My two year old son loves books.His favorite movie is Disney's Tarzan so this was a perfect choice for him. The book has beautiful pictures and is easy to read to a young child. It is also a wonderful tale for all ages, I have to admit I almost cried at the end!

This is another novel from Disney's The Parent Trap and I just love it! A must buy book or if you prefer more just go to the nearest cinema and see the movie for yourself if it's still showing.

I love reading Disney Books and I'd say this is the best one!!!

I love this movie! The originel book is called: "Lisa andlottie".My favorite actress is "Lindsay Lohan".I alwaysgo on her webpage.

I bought this book and cd for my first grade son who is learning to read independently. He and a third grade friend loved reading along with the cd in the car. Since the cd contains clips from the movie and the page turning sound is pleasant, this cd can also stand alone as car entertainment if it is too dark to read.

I teach students with Autism and they LOVE Disney movies. When I've tried the usual CD stories read by actors they weren't interested. This has original movie voices and sound effects. My students are going to go nuts!!

We bought this version of Finding Nemo for our three-year-old daughter who just loves it. The CD uses the voices and sound effects from the movie, and a jingle tells the child when to turn the page, so they can "read" it by themselves. The pictures are colorful and the story itself is quite complete. A good buy all told.

Michael York's Dispatches From Armageddon shares insights on the basics of creating a film. The first person diary entries share moment-by-moment experiences in the making of the movie Megiddo: aspiring actors will relish the insights into how a movie is produced.

We see from start to finish the makings of a great epic apocalyptic film: the care,the mishaps, details details,redos & outtakes.The pleasant suprising bonus is a look-see into the kinder/gentler private side/life of Michael. I would never fly so much or keep all those engagements. Some doubt remains if cutting down the film time to 90 mins. will come out even &/or do justice to a film of such magnitude. Knowing that Michael was @ the helm with advice and agreement of end results must make it all worthwhile. I must see the film to be certain sure.

Dispatches from Armageddon is a wonderfully entertaining and thought-provoking read. Michael York's writing is as engaging as his acting, while he generously shares his trials and triumphs, not only about the day-to-day process of creating a movie, but in the unique and fascinating daily experience of being Michael York. Although a fascinating look into making a film, it is much more than that. For it teems with acting advice, travel adventure, private moments, memorable quotations, humor and humility. And best of all, we are offered not only insight into how an actor works, but, more importantly, how a true gentleman lives. It is sincere and it is human, and each chapter unfolds like letters from a friend. This book is insightful, funny, and often profound.

This is the best Spider-Man book from DK Readers. This is a little advanced for my four-year old and a five-year old who love superheroes. However, we started with the simpler version, Spider-Man: The Amazing Story, from DK Readers. I like this book better.

There aren't many comic books they can read and enjoy that are age appropriate. I don't let them watch the recent PG or PG-13 rated movies.

The DK Readers books provide a good outlet for their superhero imagination and are regularly mixed into our rotation of bedtime books (Dr. Suess, Berenstain Bears, Where the Wild Things Are).

Avoid the superhero books that are direct tie-ins to the movies, though. I find those versions are not of the same quality (see my reviews of the Spider-Man 3 books from DK Readers).

My 3 year old son loves Spider Man- but being only 3 he had a lot of history to catch up on. He's learning to read, but enjoys having this book read to him, over and over. He knows what his favorite Superhero has done and looks forward to reading this on his own. He carries this book around with him all the time. He did the same with the X-Men book. I recommend these readers to anyone with a chile who enjoys reading on their own or being read to.

This wonderful little book (of about 48 pages) is designed for younger readers in the Level 4 - "Proficient" category. This is not a comic book or graphic novel, though it does contain a lot of wonderful pictures. Instead, this book tells the story of Peter Parker, the Spider-Man. With a wonderful economy of wording, it gives Parker's background, how he came to be Spider-Man, what his powers are, and who his friends and enemies are.

My nine-year-old son loved the recent Spider-Man movie, so he wanted this book. This excellent little book tells the young reader everything he or she needs to know about Spider-Man. The illustrations are excellent and the sidebars (on everything from real spiders to Spider-powers and enemies) are wonderfully informative. This is a great little book, one that my son and I both highly recommend to you!