Television Books

For those who have a copy of Volume 1, Ships of the Star Fleet, covering most Star Fleet's capital ships (Cruisers & Frigates), Volume 2, this volume will be largely familiar in format and execution.

It is a well-executed work loosely following the format of works such as "Jane's Fighting Ships" with extensive additions regarding the rationals and political processes involved in the development, construction, histories and records of the classes and individual vessels of the classes of Perimeter Action Ships (circa 2290-91) covered by the volume.

I have both Volumes (1 & 2), and they have provided me with quite literally hundreds, if not thousands of hours of rapt enjoyment. I dearly wish that more volumes were available. As it is, I want dearly to buy a second copy of this one as well as Volume 1 (to replace my now somewhat dog-eared and damaged from years of being poured overe for hours at a time), if I can find another copy of Vol. 1.

I unhesitantly, heartily recommend this work for the library of any Star Trek (emphasis on the Kirk, Spock & company-era movies) enthusiast, especially if you (or they) are interested in the type & quality of information that allow you to absorb what's offered in the books and, at your heart's desire, extrapolate from what's already there into your own overview of what would be happening in the Star Trek: The Movies universe including such things as "how would I employ these assets in how I choose to intrepret the social, political and military environment in this era?"

What else can I say? It's a great book for those interested in this kind of information, including, of course (but not limited to) those who have Volume 1.

Bravo!

Craig A. Bassett

I wish that there were more of these books out there. I was suprised to discover a whole new starship class I've never before heard of. A must have for Star Trek fans all over!

The books in this series really go into the nuts and bolts, almost reading like current military texts. It non-canonical for those who care what Paramount thinks. I highly reccomend it. Also, please be advised that they have their own timeline, similar to, but not identical to Paramounts. It also ties in w/ the original Tech Manual. If anyone has a web address for the publisher, Mastercom Data Center, please post it or email me.

Since checking this page, I now learn this book is a stand alone issue. How sad. If similar publications had been produced, I would have puchased the entire series. A brilliant idea, and extremely well presented. A serious must for anyone interested in Star Trek.

The website for Mastercom is:
http://www.mastercomdata.com/

I was an Army broadcaster for nearly thirty years, commanding major audio-visual activities and the largest radio-television network in the Defense Department, located in central Europe. In these assignments, all of Dr. Zettl's texts were used as our training gold standard. When I managed the Army "audiovisual school", the Soldiers Manual and other texts for television production were written with his principles, theories, and practices in mind. As an educator pioneering a film and TV school in a large college, all my TV courses in production were Zettl-based. I found that many leading industry executives (who's who among top networks) began their early education - as I did - in colleges that used the Zettl TV Production Handbook. In TV hands-on assignments, I continue to use his lighting templates and theories. I admonished my students to never cash-in his texts at the end of the course, but to keep them as references.

I have the essential text series: Video Basics, TV Production Handbook, and most especially, Sight, Sound & Motion. The best DVD on the subject ever produced is his own Zettl TV Lab 3.0.

I can't imagine any professional without the "Bibles" of visual information and TV production. All are well worth the price if you are career-minded, or a current industry member but learned your trade "on-the-job". The texts will not only provide context, but with details and information to help you throughout your career.

I love that you offer these books so inexpensively. If I went to my universtiy bookstore I would have paid three times as much. I can use my own money without having to use loan money to pay for books!

The book is totally new and under very good condition, and the dilievery time is much earlier than i expected.

This text thoroughly explains the intricacies of applied media asthetics in a concise and completely accessible way. It is a well organizied text that ehances its presentation through the use of many illustrations. I believe that this is the best text on the subject and that it has been since its first edtion.

"Sight, Sound, Motion: Applied Media Aesthetics explains the WHY of film and video production. If you're looking for HOW then turn to another book."

I would disagree with the above review. Only by learning WHY first, can we learn HOW later. This book is more than a cookie cutter approach to film and video. If you want to "click and drag" your way through an editing program, then true, this book is not for you. Add this to your collection if you want a book that teaches how to see and create film. Sight, Sound, Motion: Applied Media Aesthetics has staying power.

The Pokemon Sinnoh Handbook was released to give information about the Pokemon that are part of Pokemon: Diamond and Pearl. The first page of the book explains why the book was written. The second page explains what the reader will find on the page for each Pokemon (the Pokemon's name, what species it is, a pronunciation guide for the Pokemon's name, its possible moves, what Pokemon type it is, its height and weight, its evolution chain, and interesting facts about the Pokemon. Five Pokemon (Abra, Blissey, Cleffa, Golduck, and Seaking) also have a special "Remember When..." box included in their entries for trivia from the TV series. There is also an introduction to the Sinnoh region, which explains how a trainer starts out in the region.

After all of the pages about the Pokemon, there is an appendix titled, "Ash & Friends," which gives brief biographies for Ash, Brock, and Dawn; included on each trainer's page are pictures of which Pokemon they have. At the very back of the book is a fold-out poster with all the Pokemon featured in the book.

I did find a couple of errors in the book. Blissey's height is included, but the weight was left off. Also, Cherubi's Solarbeam attack is listed twice under its possible moves.

From the design of the book, as well as the way the book is written, it's obvious that children are the target audience. However, there is valuable information included, so adults shouldn't shy away from purchasing the Pokemon Sinnoh Handbook.

My 8 year old loves this book. It has all his favorite characters, the pictures are big and detailed so he enjoys drawing them on paper as well. A+

My 7 y.o. daughter caught the Pokemon craze from her 15 y.o. brother who has loved those pocket monsters since he was very little. This book was read cover to cover within the first day and it is taken along on doctor visits & car trips to pass the time - great selection!

Meant as a Christmas gift, this book was intercepted by my two boys, who absolutely loved the artwork and creature descriptions.

Well worthwhile for any Pokemon fan.

I ordered this book for my 6-year-old son who is really into Pokemon at the moment. He absolutely loves this book.

The book features many of the most popular Pokemon, gives a brief summary of their abilities and even states their height, weight and possible moves.

What's best about this book for me as a mother is that my son, a first-grader, practices his reading without me asking him too, because he is so fascinated by all the informative stats about all his favorite Pokemon. And the book does actually use some big words that he would not encounter in the typical first-grader reading books.

I can recommend this book to any Pokemon fan or parent thereof!

Until this book appeared, there wasn't much information available on Charley except in Leonard Maltin's book on sound shorts. This great book will illustrates the life of both Charley (Parrott) Chase and his brother James Parrott. Their lives were intertwined, and when one of them had problems it certainly affected the other. While Chase always had a jolly face on, this book illustrates both his triumphs and his failures. Chase worked with many great comics like Charlie Chaplin, Roscoe Arbuckle, Laurel & Hardy, Thelma Todd and the Three Stooges. Chase also directed and/or supervised many good comedies where he did not appear on-screen. There is a very detailed filmography (and musicography) in the back that includes the lyrics to many of the songs that Charley wrote, his many directing credits, and other film appearances. Sure this book is expensive, but if you love silent comedy or early sound shorts you will not be able to stop reading it.

"Smile When the Raindrops Fall" is a fascinating and affectionate look at the career of the vastly underrated motion picture comic Charley Chase (1893 - 1940). It's hard to imagine that Chase, whom time has mostly obscured, could be so vividly portrayed. However, through interviews with Chase's family, friends, and associates, the authors ressurect the comic in a biography that lovingly alternates between hilarity and heartbreak. Calling Chase one of the comic greats is no exageration: this brilliantly inventive and prolific figure contributed to over 300 films as writer, director, or actor (sometimes all three) before his untimely death at the age of 46. Chase worked with almost every major name in early film comedy, including Charlie Chaplin, Fatty Arbuckle, Harold Lloyd, Laurel & Hardy, and the Three Stooges. The reader is taken on a nostalgic tour of silent and early sound comedy, its evolution paralleling the career of one of its pioneers. Excellent photo's and a detailed biography are included. An important piece of Hollywood history has finally been documented, and done justice, in this fine biography.

Well, it took me awhile to track this one down through my local library but it was worth it!! Charley Chase practically invented the situation comedy!

This wonderfully concise and well-written bio traces the life of Charles Parrott/Chase from his early days as a entertainer on the East Coast to his move to California and his two-reel comedy career. The book also focuses on many aspects of Charley's personal life, from his protective/co-dependent relationship with his brother, comedy director James Parrott to his own bouts with alcohol. The book is also full of wonderful photos and stills from his films. My favorite parts of the book are the chapters that pertain to his career at his final comedy home, Columbia Studios, where he not only churned out some excellent comedies (THE HECKLER, THE BIG SQUIRT, THE WRONG MISS WRIGHT), but directed other two-reel comedy players of the day, most notably The Three Stooges.

Charley left us all too soon at the age of 47 in 1940, but his legacy of great comedy is out there for all to enjoy!

I was introduced to the comedy of Charley Chase by a film collector friend of mine back in college and have always appreciated his unique style. Brian Anthony's and Andy Edmond's book does justice to this far underrated and nearly forgotten talent in a way that is readable and as entertaining as Charley himself. In fact, the wealth of material here is so great, one wonders why no one has mined it for a film. In any event, if you're into early film history, or even if you are just curious about a man who was a powerhouse both in front of and behind the camera, you owe it to yourself to check this book out.

I just finished re-reading "Smile When the Raindrops Fall" (third time, I think) and I second the opinions of the other reviewers. Very few authors have ever discussed the films of Charley Chase in print, and nobody has ever delved into the prolific comedian's personal life in so much detail. Brian Anthony and Andy Edmonds have done Mr. Chase proud, amply demonstrating how he created many clever and amusing movies, and how his private life sometimes colored his work. There are many rare and charming photos, including a memorable candid shot from his final days: his camera crew has just presented the new grandfather with "Gramp's Chair." If you've only been casually acquainted with Charley Chase, here's your chance to get to know him. Great reading for movie buffs, and well worth the publisher's price tag.

I confess that I never watch the news, unless it is dished up by Jon Stewart or Steven Colbert. However, I was highly enteretained by McNeely's account of life behind the cameras in a TV News Studio. She turned the characters into real people instead of the 2D cutouts we see on TV. It was a brutally honest account, warts and all. It read so smoothly, I didn't want to put it down. And, above all, it was funny.

In "Stuck in the Box," Donna McNeely manages to be witty, savvy and even truly hilarious while never losing sight of the seriousness of her subject matter - and the humanity of her characters (for better or worse). Enlivened by a have-to-keep-reading fast-paced flow, the book is a delightful way to learn what really goes on in the world of TV news, which is fast-paced in itself: Style reflects subject matter, creating the sense of really being there. As entertaining and eye-opening as it is, the book has poignant moments as well. McNeely is grounded in what she believes at all times, yet isn't afraid to laugh at herself. It's a terrific read by someone who knows people - and how to write. Well done!

They're as familiar as your own family members. In fact, since they're present in your home everyday, local TV news anchors and personalities,
much more than network news stars, seem like comfortable old friends whom you really know, right? Well, maybe not!
Donna McNeely's new book pulls back the curtain as surely as Toto did on the Wizard. A funny, poignant, and very engagingly written story of life in the often chaotic (but cleverly disguised so you don't see that at home)setting of your local TV newsroom and studio.
This is a great read for anyone who watches a local newscast - which should include just about everybody!

Most of us will watch our local tv news, and think that it's a smooth, well-oiled machine that effortlessly produces a couple of hours of local news programming each day. It can't be that difficult, right?

Wrong.

Even if you've never set foot in a tv newsroom, Donna McNeely shines a giant floodlight on the crazy, stressful, and often funny inner workings of television news. It doesn't matter if you're watching the news in a small Missouri town, or a major American city - this book points out that the same issues exist, no matter how "big" the station seems to be. It's an especially good choice for someone who thinks they want to work in television!

Donna's writing style will grab your attention from the start - you won't want to put this book down once you've started reading. The story takes an unexpected turn, and paints an uncommon human picture in a world of deadlines, heartbreak, insanely unstable people, and corporate schlemiels.

I'd recommend this book to anyone who has watched their local TV news, and wondered, "The anchorman is always sitting down - Is he wearing pants?"

Once I got started reading the book, I couldn't put it down! Ms. McNeely's writing talent really shines in this account of life in local TV news. I've personally never spent any time in local TV, but it didn't matter. After reading the book, I felt like I had!!! Her stories are funny, moving, happy, inspirational, touching, and everything a reader expects of a good, no terrific, book. This book is amazing reading for any lover of books and I recommend it highly. You won't regret it!

Entertaining, fast moving story about being gay in the 60's, a background on how Woodstock came to be, and an excellent snapshot of the era. Based on a true story, this book shows indeed, that truth is stranger than fiction. The scenes range from bizarre to wildly hilarious. The author touches on the many issues and nuances of the time without getting weighed down by them. I found it a thoughtful rendition of Woodstock experience, from an entirely different perspective. An easy read, I read it in a day.

This book just takes me back to the Woodstock Days....I was 19 and never went as I had a 3 month old baby at the time..lived in Brooklyn..reading Elliot Tibbers book about the White Lake area brings back such funny memories as my parents used to take my brother and I to the bungalow colonies in Monicello NY and Woodridge area each summer.
I was just cracking up at his accurate discriptions of the area and reading this book reminded me so much of my own Jewish parents and paternal grandmother from Minsk, Russia.
Wonderful book!

wow. a great book to collectors of woodstock trivia and the awful
stuff during that time of vietnam to one of peace and music! the
author shows a great ability to tell a story that kept me glued to the
pages. read it overnight!!! someone ought to make a movie of this
unusual tale.

Born Eliyahu Teichberg, poor Elli struggles to break what he calls the "Teichberg Curse" and changes his name to Elliot Tiber--hoping that would break the curse. Always on the brink of financial ruin and trying to hide his deepest secret, he dreams of the miracle that would change his life.

In 1969, he got that miracle. Manager of his Jewish parents' failing resort hotel El Monaco in White Lake, New York on the weekends, Elliot runs during the week to Greenwich Village where he can live the life he chooses as an interior designer and meeting the likes of Truman Capote, Tennessee Williams and Robert Mapplethorpe--all the while keeping his gay life a secret from his family. That is, until June 28, 1969, when he finds himself at the Stonewall Inn and the famous "Stonewall Riot" that would revolutionize the gay culture breaks out. With a newfound boldness, he finds out in July that the town of Wallkill has revoked the permit for the Woodstock festival. So he contacts Mike Lang, the concert's promoter, to offer his 15 acres for the concert. While Elliot hopes this is the miracle he has been waiting for, Mike Lang and his entourage arrive by helicopter but they end up feeling that the swampland of his resort hotel won't work for the concert. Tiber assures Lang and company that, since he has been the president of the Bethel Chamber of Commerce and has held a concert and art show for the past few years, he can get the necessary concert permit. Quickly, he calls his good friend Max Yasgur--who supports everything Elli does and only lives four miles up the road--and asks him to hold the concert. Elli explains to Mike that Max has a dairy farm on a hundred acres--more than enough to hold a concert. Arrangements are made and, before he knows it, Elli is caught up in the magic that will change his life forever. He is introduced to the hippie scene where everyone is accepted no matter who or what you are and learns he can love himself.

Whoa! Totally awesome and even far out and groovy! This book is absolutely amazing! This reviewer couldn't put it down--in fact, read it twice before writing this review. If you've ever dreamed of being at Woodstock or even if you were there, the author Elliot Tiber will take you back. The Sixties will come alive and you won't want the trip to end! But that is only part of the story, as Elliot takes you through the time of his troubled past and describes in perfect word pictures the struggles of his secret life, his childhood, the insanity of running the hotel resort, and dealing with bigoted locals who persecute him because of his Jewish heritage. In the end, you'll feel you know everyone and that you were there, too.

See Woodstock through the eyes of someone who lived it, who helped bring it to life - you'll never look at this period of history the same again. Don't pass this one by, as this autobiography guarantees to be one of the best reads of 2007 and is to be released just in time for the media's annual August remembrance of that great music festival. Also an awesome unique feature that this reviewer really likes is the reversible dust jacket--one side conservative, the other psychedelic. This feature, according to Square One's publisher Rudy Shur in Publishers Weekly, represents "The notion of duality [that] has been a central theme throughout Elliot's life, and we wanted the book to represent that notion of difference in a very direct and colorful way." So whichever trip you decide to take, this is one you'll never forget.

Cheri Clay
Reviewer's Bookwatch

The above would be an appropriate subtitle for this heartfelt but energetic and witty coming-of-age autobiography/memoir by Elliot Tiber, whose main claim to fame is that he fought the petty politics and narrow-mindedness of his small town of Bethel, NY, in order to make possible the Woodstock Festival in 1969.

The author (born Eliyahu Teichberg) grew up in the richly ethnic neighborhood of Bensonhurst, Brooklyn in an emotionally-starved but hardworking family with his Russian-Jewish immigrant parents. His father worked as a roofer, while his mother ran a housewares store in which they all helped out. Elliot finished college and began a moderately successful career in art design, primarily starting out dressing store windows and painting murals for rich Manhattanites. A trip to the Catskills resulted in the family buying a run-down motel right off Highway 17B at White Lake, in the town of Bethel NY, and Elliot found himself splitting his time, working weekdays in NYC and spending weekends doing whatever had to be done to keep the motel operational and barely financially afloat.

At the same time, Elliot came to the realization that he was gay, and - for whatever reason - favored the underground S&M flavored scene that existed in NYC in the mid 1960's. He met and partied with Robert Mapplethorpe, Truman Capote, Tennessee Williams, and even encountered Rock Hudson at one point. Of course, coming out to his conservative parents wasn't an option for him at the time, but his "secret life" during the week somewhat served to make bearable the weekends at the motel, scrubbing toilets and dealing with customer complaints (The Teichbergs cut a few corners in customer service. For example, they had phones in each room, but they weren't connected to anything. The TV was an empty box, as was the air conditioner sleeve below the window. Need soap and a towel? It'll cost ya extra, but you're lucky you made it in today, since Dad has hosed off your sheets - the only cleaning they ever got - just yesterday.)

In early 1969, Elliot read with interest the news accounts that the promoters of the planned Woodstock Music and Art Festival had been denied a permit by the town of Walkill, their planned location. As president (nobody else wanted the job) of Bethel's Chamber of Commerce, he had the authority to issue festival permits, and contacted the promoters about the possibility of moving the festival to Bethel, and offered the meadow of a friend, dairy farmer Max Yasgur, as the perfect venue. Much of the book details the whirlwind events that followed, as the festival took on a life of its own, eventually attracting around 500,000 people to the small town, resulting in threats by locals, payoffs to those who opposed it, nudity, drugs, gangsters, people bathing in the lake, shortages of food and water, but - despite it all - the most historic event in music and counterculture history, after which nothing would ever be the same again for Elliot and his family.

The author has a gift in telling a story, even one as obviously self-centered as this one is, for the most part. Witty and engaging, sure to bring back memories of that era. Loved the reversible (regular/psychodelic) dust jacket! 5 stars out of 5.

This book was a complete joy to read! I'm going to have to restrain myself from a writing a long, glowing review here. I'd rather you get the book and read it instead.
Author, David Van Deusen takes you from the inception of his brilliant idea to publish his newsletter, "The Walnut Times," dedicated to The Dick Van Dyke Show, to his eventual interviews and friendships with the cast and creative crew. This is no exaggeration. As you will see to your own envy (and certainly to mine), David has literally become friends with the people who brought us this classic TV show, earning nicknames from Carl Reiner and Dick Van Dyke! Ever dream about being in Rob and Laura's living room or kitchen? Me too. David's gone one better; he's actually been there - and they were home!
I very much enjoyed David's relaxed, unembellished writing style. You'll flow along effortlessly from one wonderful experience to another, sharing David's anxiety, trepidation, and exuberance all the way. David worked hard to bring about "The Walnut Times," and he shares it all with us in "To Twilo And Beyond! My Walnut Adventures With The Dick Van Dyke Show Cast." He lets us in on phone conversations, snail mailings, emails and all. The interviews are thoughtful and insightful.You won't want to put this book down until you've finished it.
Every true fan of The Dick Van Dyke Show should buy this book. It doesn't matter who your favorite character or star from the show is, they will be represented here, either by interview, a chat with their family members, or reminisced by those who loved or worked with them. If you love The Dick Van Dyke Show, you will love "To Twilo And Beyond."

David Van Deusen is the #1 fan and authority on the Dick Van Dyke Show. He not only writes about all the characters but also has worked to get to know each cast member and anyone associated with the show. Many "look back" books are just a compilation of the facts, but David has put his entire heart and soul into this project. He also publishes "The Walnut Times" which is not only the official but only newsletter on the Dick Van Dyke Show. We don't see TV like this anymore. And it is great to see a book like David's that helps us relive that past.

Take a very pleasant trip "To Twilo And Beyond" by opening up this 202-page book, written by David Van Deusen (the "other DVD"), who is one of the world's biggest fans of the everlastingly-entertaining 1960s television series, "The Dick Van Dyke Show".

I, myself, just might rank as one of the most-ardent admirers of that TV sitcom, too, having seen each episode many times (which is easier to accomplish now than ever before, what with the fact that all 158 episodes of the series have been made available on the DVD-Video format through the superb efforts of Image Entertainment Inc. and Paul Brownstein Productions).

Keeping this book right next to those DVD boxed sets is a wise thing to do. They complement each other nicely. In fact, Mr. Van Deusen even appears on camera within one of the Dick Van Dyke Show full-season DVD boxed sets (the Season-Two collection). David produced and hosts a bonus featurette located in that set, called "The Making Of 'It May Look Like A Walnut'", which includes interviews with cast members as they reminisce about creating that enduring and well-remembered 51st filmed episode of the Van Dyke Show.

In my opinion, it's very difficult to think of any other single television program in the history of that medium that is as downright satisfying and warm and "real" (and just flat-out good) as "The Dick Van Dyke Show" (1961-1966; CBS-TV).

"Leave It To Beaver" (1957-1963) probably comes the closest to the Van Dyke Show in all of the above-mentioned regards, in my own personal opinion. "Beaver", like Mr. Van Dyke's series, is a TV show I never get tired of watching. And I doubt I ever shall.

The cast of the Van Dyke Show will forever remain one of the very best ensembles placed on a TV soundstage -- Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore, Rose Marie, Morey Amsterdam, Carl Reiner, Richard Deacon, Jerry Paris, Ann Morgan-Guilbert, and Larry Mathews.

Mr. Van Deusen has developed friendships with all of the surviving cast members, which he warmly relates in this book. I envy David greatly. :)

Perhaps the best and most accurate reviews for this publication come from some of the actual members of the Dick Van Dyke Show cast. The two endorsements below sum things up pretty well:

"By doggedly going about contacting everyone ever connected with 'The Dick Van Dyke Show', David Van Deusen has unearthed information and anecdotes about those good old days and the good, young actors and directors who made it work. He has given me a second look at things that I was too busy to look at the first time around and I thank him and his book for affording me that rare and pleasant opportunity." -- Carl Reiner

"For any fan of 'The Dick Van Dyke Show', this book is a MUST read. David {Van Deusen} has captured the soul of each character to a 'T'. You will not be able to put this book down until you finish reading it. Enjoy all the wonderful memories!" -- Rose Marie

------------------

Thank you, Mr. Van Deusen, for helping to keep the memory of "The Dick Van Dyke Show" alive as we proceed well into the 21st century. And I'd be willing to wager a closet-full of Kolac's and Lolac's walnuts that people in the 22nd century will still be watching (and enjoying) that TV series too. For, no matter how many years that go by, Mr. Van Dyke's program will never grow stale. After all, a truly fine wine only gets better with age.

Have you ever tripped over an ottoman? Or a MOUNTAIN? Ever get an overwhelming urge for walnuts (and then found you had no thumbs to help get them into your mouth)? Ever have one of those days when you keep hearing "Uhny Uftz" while tripping the light fantastic in Herbie's Hiawatha Lodge at Lake Sissy Manunu?

No??? Well then obviously you haven't seen the greatest TV show in the HISTORY of TV shows!!! The DICK VAN DYKE SHOW! And maybe this book is not for you. But for the majority of us intelligent, classy, sophisticated connosseurs of fine entertainment, this book is a MUST!

The author takes you behind the scenes of the Dick Van Dyke Show via interviews with it's top stars and crew. But these are no flashy Entertainment Tonight interviews -- these come straight from the heart, from someone who is a long-time fan, with an exuberant awe and appreciation not only for the brilliance and genius of each individual's talent, but a genuine loving curiosity about the stars and crew as fascinating individuals in their own right.

You will travel vicariously, via your host David Van Deusen, to places most DVDS fans never get to go -- on the set of the Dick Van Dyke Show, backstage at the TV Land Awards, the Dick Van Dyke Show Reunion, and even to Rose Marie's house!

This book was written with a lot of love -- and it shows! You'll feel it with every word. Sit back, relax and dig in!

Oh, and watch out for that ottoman! . . . and mountain! . . . and those damn walnuts! . . . Still got your thumbs? Great, they'll be helpful in reading this book!

What a wonderful book David Van Deusen has written. He loves this show and has such great respect and admiration for the cast and creators of "The Dick Van Dyke Show". He has allowed us to catch a glimpse of what it's like to set up a publication, meet many favorite stars and the troubles that arise in trying to meet them and the great adventure of writing it all down. This is a great read for anyone who loves classic television and "The Dick Van Dyke Show". David Van Deusen has been aptly named the Head Walnut. Thumbs Up!!!

This is so packed with details that I am always searching for. It's awesome, it's so cool. It has everything that you need to know about the X-files, I have nothing but praise for the author. I love the fact that it told so much about all of the characters and stuff, and it's just so great that I recommend if you're as obsessed as I am about the show, to go and buy it. It's definitely worth the price. Again, really great book!!!

I thought that the book had alot to give and I realy liked it. If any one has a good X-files book tell me what it is called

Absolutely, positively, without a doubt the best and most complete reference book that has ever been published on THE X-FILES. This incredibly detailed and beautifully illustrated book covers everything you ever wanted to know about THE X-FILES but were afraid to ask! It is a massive undertaking that covers everything in easy to use A-Z alphabetical format. Every entry cites the episode it came from and every character has the actor's name. Say for example, in the letter (B): you will find lengthy entries for everything from Bear ("Ice") to Bay Area Carpeteers (the Chinese employer of Shuyang Hsin in "Hell Money") and Big Blue ("Quagmire"), from Babcock ("Gethsemane") to Bright White Place ("Nisei") and Biodiversity Project ("F. Emasculata") and tons of entries in between. It is also a very timely book as it covers all previous 4 seasons. I also love the classy look of the book, the good-grade paper and the typeset inside and, especially the price. Oh, how could I forget the illustrations! No more reused stock photos (that we've all seen in every magazine), but the coolest artwork enhances the book. Wait until you check out Flukeman, Mama Peacock and Dr. Zama! THE X-CYCLOPEDIA is a BIG book (with thousands of entries) and for only $15 it's a better deal than the 2 or 3 X-Files magazines I buy each month that total more than $15. If you call yourself an X-Phile, then you don't want to be without this DEFENITIVE reference book to the series! This is THE book of the X-FILES, and I highly recommend it.

This is definitely a 'must have' book for all X-Files fans! Every person, place, company name, historical reference or 'you name it' ever mentioned in seasons 1-4 is covered here! Also serves as an episode guide! Mine stays right next to me whenever I am watching the reruns! Get it...now!

This is the COMPLETE reference guide to my favorite TV show. Idon'tthink the authors missed a thing in this book...it is absolutely mind-boggling to see so many entries. From A to Z, The X-Files has never before been put under such focused, affectionate, and meticulous scrutiny. The X-CYCLOPEDIA is the ULTIMATE reference book on the series and if I only had $15 in my pocket and could only buy one book about THE X-FILES, then it would be this one. Hands down, this is THE best reference book on THE X-FILES ever written. I give it two thumbs up, four stars, or whatever critics use as a measuring stick. No X-Phile should be without it! The truth is no longer OUT there...it is IN the X-CYCLOPEDIA!

If you think you know EVERYTHING about the best show on television, you're wrong. These guys pull up obscure info and quiz you on it, drawing not only from the episodes but from interviews, books, and magazines. This is a great book and a must for an X-Phile's library! My only complaint: after reading Phil Farrand's lighthearted Nitpicker's Guide, the authors of this book seem really critical. I mean, what's up with their review of "War of the Coprophages"? Lighten up! Other than that, of course, diehard fans will cherish this book.

It seems everybody is doing an episode guide, but this book is different...it is all trivia, behind-the-scenes, and nitpicking. Loads of fun if THE X-FILES is your weekly fix. My son and I used it as a game to keep us occupied on a flight from NYC to San Diego as we tested each other's knowledge of our favorite TV show. I highly recommend this book...Must reading for X-Philes

Over 1,000 questions from the first three (3) seasons of my favorite TV show in a challenging format to test the gray cells of my brain. How would I describe this book: An X-Files version of JEOPARDY! More than just something to read...a book to play and damn well worth the $$$. I highly recommend it to any die-hard X-Phile

I've always considered myself an X-pert. None of my online friends (or real life for that matter) has ever been able to stump me on X-Files trivia. I'm completely addicted to the show and have 15 books.

This one is definately one of the best, pointing out many of the nitpicks and netpicks we've philes have already discovered in addition to new ones that sent me back to look for them. The trivia is extremely difficult and interesting.

I recommend this book to all philes who think they know it all. Take a few months to memorize this book and then you will know it all.

My brother got me this book for my birthday two years ago. It is my bible and my life (kind of sad, actually!) Anyways, it's really good and like that other guy said, if you take a few months to memorize it, you'll the X-Files Genius and you can impress your friends with little tidbits of knowledge. For example, what's Scully's home phone number? I'm not telling.. get it and look it up yourself! Note: good book for diehard fans!

Funny and fascinating. What an incredbile life!

I have not read the book as yet but I would like the opportunity to relate how Mr. England's reputation is in Oklahoma. I worked in the railroad industry for 15 years in Oklahoma which is greatly affected by weather extremes. Our supervisors used to tell us to watch Gary England for weather updates as his was the best in the state. Mr. England never failed us.

As a youngster growing up in Seiling, Oklahoma, Gary England had an idol in television meteorologist Harry Volkman. Flash forward 40 years. As a youngster growing up in Oklahoma City, I had an idol in Gary England. This is the first time I have known the entire story of what England has gone through in his 20+ years at KWTV. I have met with and talked to England on several occasions, and I will never know how he keeps his sanity while weathering 2 storms...the weather itself, and the world of television news.

It's obvious this guy is a weatherman, not a professional writer being paid to turn an ordinary life into something that sells books. The book isn't weighed down with lots of pretty words or meteorology lessons. It's simply written as a story of Gary England's life, and what a life that has been! As a young girl I was always fascinated by tornadoes, and at one point seriously considered being a meteorologist. After reading England's book I'm convinced I couldn't have handled the politics and pressure. I hated turning each page because it only brought me closer to the end of the book. I'm sure Gary has lots more stories to tell, and I hope he writes many more books to tell them! I'll gobble them all up.

One of the neatest things about reading this book is that now when I see Gary England on TV clips saying those now-famous words during the May 3, 1999 Oklahoma City Tornado, "You NEED to be underground to survive this one!" I look at him with a knowledge of his life story and how he got to be where he is, and I'm filled with such respect. Thank you, Gary, for suffering through petty politics to be able to save so many lives.

After reading this book, I felt that I was no longer alone in dealings with news directors. I have only been in television weather for 6 years and have had my fill of television business. My hats off to Gary for being able to stave off over a dozen new directors. This book is a must read for anyone wanting to venture into the "glamorous" life of television news, especially any aspiring meteorologist.