Television Books


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Television Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

Television
Sound Design: The Expressive Power of Music, Voice and Sound Effects in Cinema
Published in Paperback by Michael Wiese Productions (2001-11)
Author: David Sonnenschein
List price: $19.95
New price: $11.37
Used price: $10.61
Collectible price: $24.00

Average review score:

I have often taken inspiration from the book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-19
The book "Sound Design", the expressive power of music, voice, and sound effects in cinema, is one of my favorite in my collection. I always recommend it to colleagues and customers. During my technical seminars-workshop and product training sessions, I have often taken inspiration from the book, particularly the sections "TRY THIS" that the author has included in various parts inside it.

The book is written with great passion!

Great read
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-08
Sonnenschein effectively covers the theory behind shaping the soundtrack, and gives great examples of the ideas in action. I loved the candid quotes from masters like Ben Burtt, Gary Rydstrom, Walter Murch, Dane Davis, and others. I started noting down all of the films he mentions as examples of good sound design, until I noticed Sonnenschein was one step ahead and had already noted them all in the back. Only 4 stars 'cause I personally wanted more technique and a little less theory.

Eloquently describes the rhyme and reason behind movie sound.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-15
This eloquently written book describes the rhyme and reason behind all the sounds - music, effects, and dialogue - that are blended together to create the sophisticated soundtracks we're accustomed to. Sonnenschein, a director, musician, and award-winning sound designer, combines practical wisdom with sound theory and exercises to inspire and educate both new and experienced sound professionals. The book will appeal to non-professionals and other filmmakers as well because it's fun, entertaining, and enlightening. The author clearly loves and knows the world of sound and it's a joy to be brought into this world.

Meet the Author: David Sonnenschein
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-11-26
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RMCQBEGQDNYVJ Author and sound designer David Sonnenschein gives some examples of how sound design enhances the movie-going experience.

A new angle
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-13
This was an interesting book, and it really gave me some new perspectives on sound design. Sonnenschein focuses on the organization and mindset of sound design, rather than the technicalities. I especially liked the excerpts from top sound designers such as Dane Davis (The Matrix, Drugstore Cowboy), Gary Rydstrom (Backdraft, Saving Private Ryan), and Ben Burtt (Star Wars, Indiana Jones).

My only knock on the book is that Sonnenschein was repetitive at times. The book would be about 30 pages shorter if he didn't repeat points that were made in previous chapters. Never the less, it was an interesting read, and I still think it is a great resource.

Television
The Writer Got Screwed (But Didn't Have To): A Guide to the Legal and Business Practices of Writing for the Entertainment Industry
Published in Hardcover by Harpercollins (1996-04)
Author: Brooke A. Wharton
List price: $22.00
New price: $8.94
Used price: $0.91
Collectible price: $22.01

Average review score:

THE BOOK WHICH STARTED MY CAREER
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-12-16
After graduating from film school, I had no idea how to start my career as a writer in the film industry. "The Writer Got Screwed" not only showed my how to start my career, but showed me the different kind of careers which exist for Writers in the Entertainment Industry. Most books don't explain what WRITERS working in the entertainment industry need to know: THIS BOOK DOES. If you want to work in the legal department of a studio, take classes in copyright and contracts. If you want to work as a writer in the entertainment industry, THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU.

One of the Best Re: Writing for the Entertainment Industry
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-09-27
Very few books explain how to start your career, the different forms of representation (agents, managers, and attorneys), how to protect your work (copyright registration vs. registering with the WGA), how to protect yourself (contracts-what do they mean?) and give lists of available resources (scholarships, WGA approved agencies, production companies, legal resouces/attorneys) for writers working within the entertainment industry--"The Writer Got Screwed" delivers on all of these areas. Whether you are working in film, television, feature animation, soap operas, or interactive, "The Writer Got Screwed" provides interviews with writers who work in these areas and valuable, RARELY FOUND, information regarding how these started their careers. This book is a terrific, must-have book for anyone who wants to write for the entertainment industry, and now is joined by a companion website at [...].

A Must Have for Anyone who Writes
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2005-12-03
This book is one of those needles in a hay stack. It's not out there like all the other books for writers. But if you find it... you have found gold. It is written so that it is easy to understand and has tons of great information in it. A must have.

#1 BOOK FOR FILM & TV WRITERS
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2005-12-28
There are a lot of books out there on writing for the entertainment industry, but this was the one book that got me started. A lot of writers tend to pass around gossip and poor information, but this book set me straight from the beginning, and is now joined by Wharton's website/blog: brookewharton.com(rated in top 10 for film blogs). This is the one book that anyone writing for film or television should START WITH. I'm mystified by a previous reviewer who said that Wharton doesn't talk about the WGA (there's a whole chapter on the guild), and also that she doesn't discuss acquisitions vs. development (it's called spec sales vs. assignments in the 1st 10 pages of the chapter on writing for film). Clearly this person couldn't have read the book. If you need real answers, buy the book.

Good for newbies
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2005-09-21
Given all the 5 star ratings, I expected better. Not that this isn't a good book, but it depends on the reader's sophistication. If you don't know anything about some of the basic legal and business aspects of the publishing biz, this book is a good start. On the other hand, if you're a detail oriented person who really wants to dig in deep into this subject, you may find the content a bit light.

Television
Xena: Warrior Princess
Published in Paperback by Main Street Books (1998-01-20)
Author: Rob Weisbrot
List price: $14.00
New price: $3.49
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $14.00

Average review score:

Only covers the first few seasons...
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-23
This coverage of the making and cast of the show Xena: Warrior Princess is downright hilarious. Granted, I have an odd sense of humor, but you can tell that the author went out of his way to make this as entertaining as possible. There are lots of spiffy pictures, and two sections of large, full-color photos. The cast bios are particularly interesting, in my opinion; many things you might not know about these crazy actors/actresses (ie. apparently, Ted Raimi is a fantastic swing dancer; who'd have guessed, oh, wait, I always have...never mind). There are little mini-interviews and comments scattered throughout the pages, along with amusing production anecdotes, and episode synopses in the back (paired with commentary by Lucy Lawless/Xena). My only complaint is that this book only covers the first couple seasons. Perhaps there's an upgrade version that I missed, and if not, there should be. I highly recommend this book for even the casual Xena: WP fan, and particularly the rabid ones, though if you're a rabid fan, you probably already own this...

Speaking for myself, in terms of guilty pleasures...
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2002-04-16
....being a hardcore nutball Xena fan ranked for me - but only for a short while - among the highest!But then,now that I've embraced this pleasure wholehartedly, let's put things like this: if anyone wants to understand the ideological linings of postmodernity, understanding the Xena phenomenon provides one of the shortest roads, and if anyone wants to study XWP one has to begin gathering extra information here. I would recommend, however to order this book with Ariele Dorfman's & Armand Mattelart's _How to Read Donald Duck_, if the purpose is scholarly; if you just like Xena, order the two neverthless.

The Passion, The Fury, The Xenaverse
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-03
Robert Weisbrot's paperpback book `Xena: Warrior Princess, The Official Guide to the Xenaverse' is an entertaining and informative presentation which chronicles the first two seasons of the immensely popular television series that lasted six delightful seasons.

Making good use of the same format used in his episode companion for the Hercules series, he provides not only a synopsis of each show from season 1 and 2 but also loads of behind the camera information providing the reader with a thorough grasp of what is involved in bringing the Xenaverse into existence.

Definitely an enjoyable and informative read sure to be treasured by Xena fans everywhere. The only question I have for the author is "When are you going to complete what you've begun and release a follow-up covering seasons 3, 4, 5 and 6?"

A must-have for sword-broad fans!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2002-04-19
What can I say? If you love Xena, you gotta have this!

Great Book With Awsome Photos! :)
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2003-07-04
This book is great. I have the Warrior Princess Costume all ready! Lucy Lawless Looks sharp on the front cover of this book and I got this with my staff at the Joyce Warner House... I really have to say is that it has great pictures! :) <3Cheeeeeyyyyaaa!Young Xena Warrior Princess

Television
Dora's Storytime Collection (Dora the Explorer)
Published in Hardcover by Simon Spotlight/Nickelodeon (2003-12-02)
Author: Various
List price: $10.95
New price: $10.67
Used price: $3.94

Average review score:

A great interactive book for little ones
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-19
My four-year-old daughter was a Dora fan just based on the pictures of her she had seen. She loves answering Dora's questions, and has enjoyed learning a bit of Spanish, too! I was surprised at that, since we live in Japan, and my daughter speaks English and Japanese.

Great value
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-28
I bought this for my daughter who loves Dora books. This book has a bunch of great titles and was an awesome price ($5!). The only thing is that pages started to fall out within a week of getting it. I was able to tape them back in, but it was kind of disappointing.

Excellent Choice
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-08
My three years old daughter simply loves this book. I have been reading the book to her more than 20 times if it is not 30 times already. She has been bring the book almost every night for bedtime story since the book was came to my door (the binding of hardcover becomes wiggly already). I am enjoying her responses when I read questions in the middle of the stories, just like Dora asked questions in the animation series. The book is big and colorful and lines of story are just short enough to keep my girl's attention to the page. It is clearly my best book purchase I ever made for my girl.

Too basic but it's Dora
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-02
These stories are VERY short, basic and not very interesting. BUT, it's Dora, so my daughters still ask to read them.

Great for long trip
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-02
Bought this as a surprise gift for my 2.5yo dd for a long plane trip we were taking. She loved all the stories, and I felt there was a nice variety of stories included. Great for any Dora fan, as long as you don't already own many Dora stories (to keep from having duplicates).

Television
Soul of the Bride
Published in Kindle Edition by Simon Pulse (2004-01-07)
Author: Elizabeth Lenhard
List price: $5.99
New price: $4.79

Average review score:

i love this book!!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2004-06-03
this is one of my favourite charmed books!!! as it shows true halliwell spirit. basically prue gets the oppertunaty for a front page photo. but the camera she uses sends all the models and pheobe into hades. in the effort to get there sister back piper and prue have to go through loads of greek mythology gods and creatures. this book is a must have for all charmed fans

Officially the best Charmed book ever!!!! *bows to Elizabeth Lenhard*
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-10-13
As far as I'm concerned, ALL other good Charmed books (The Queen's Curse, Whisper's from the past, Dark Vengeance, Mystic Knoll, Inherit the witch, Something Wiccan [just to name a few]) are small potatoes in comparison to this superbly penned Charmed book!!! NO other Charmed novel could possibly be better than Soul Of The Bride!!! Elizabeth's work here, is a masterpiece!!!!

What makes this story stand out from the other Charmed books is her impeccable blend of Greek Mythology and the Charmed ones tale aptly blended in. She mixed the two geneologies flawlessly, very well blended, I should add. Every single tiny detail added in is beneficial for the Charmed ones, and that's what stands out in this book. Alot! For example, the part where Piper takes a quick glance at Prue and realizes that she is still wearing Piper's necklace, makes Piper remember that she had to pay Charon the fee to take them over to the other side of River Acheron, which is taking the letter opener and mother-of-pearl inkwell, just in case. Turns out that the letter opener is useful in impaling the Sirens!!!

I'm not going to reveal details of the story, but I guarantee, whether or not you know about Greek Mythology, you will definitely enjoy this story. Soul Of The Bride is a must-have for all Charmed fans!!!!!! My fave bit is when Phoebe is determined not to give up and succumb to the tasty grub kept in Hades, only to realize they are tainted to make people an empty-headed party animal. Also, all 3 sisters had a vital part to play, and with their team work, girly (and sisterly) support, all the loose knots are tied, the i's are dotted and its a happy ending for them.

My only thumbs-down about this story is just that its seems like a pretty huge coincidence that Nikos had known about Prue's photo shoot and sent Mitchell to make sure Prue's topic is on Victorian Portraiture, using Greek Mythology, which then lures Phoebe to Hades. In the Charmed Universe, coincidence is extremely rare, unless Nikos had known it all along, and places a spell on the them to find out.


But other than that, it is 100% recommeded, you WILL love it, like I did!!!
I paid $9 for this book and every single cent was worth it!!!!

Two Thumbs WAAAY up for Miss Lenhard!! *G*
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-06-23
This one of the best Charmed books ever written. I loved the combination of Greek Mythology and Charmed. Unlike the 'Oh My Goddess' episodes, this book blends both genres together effortlessly. The writing is top-notch... it really pulls you into what's going on. I had a hard time putting this book down (finished it in a couple days.. even with work).

HIGHLY recommend this to Charmed fans. You won't be disappointed :).

Best book yet!!!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2004-08-22
I am a huge, HUGE fan of charmed, I love the series, but ANY OTHER BOOK PALES IN COMPARISON TO THE SOUL OF THE BRIDE!!! It follows the story of the power of three flawlessly!!! If you are interested in any kind of mythology, or even if you're not, the soul of the bride is a MUST-HAVE!!!!

Greek Myths+ Life
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2004-07-10
i have read all the books in the charmed series and this is one of my favorites. it combines the greek mythologies with modern day life, which i think is quite creative. i highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys greek myths.

Television
Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge (Public Television Storytime Books)
Published in Unknown Binding by Perfection Learning (1989-09)
Author: Mem Fox
List price: $15.60
New price: $10.12
Used price: $11.27

Average review score:

Wonderful Children's Book!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-27
I discovered this book when my roommate told me it was one of her favorite children's book. Both my roommate and I are currently pursuing our Master's Degree in Elementary Education and are always looking for great books for our future classrooms. She informed me that this book is one she had to have immediately after reading it! Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge is a young boy who lives next door to an "old people's home" and he describes each of the elderly people he has become friends with. His favorite is Nancy Alison Delacourt Cooper because she has four names just like he does. When Wilford overhears family members discussing the sadness of Miss Nancy losing her memory he sets out to find out what a memory is by asking all his elderly friends. He takes all the things he thinks are a memory and gives them to Miss Nancy. She begins to reminisce about the memories that the items remind her of and she is so happy that Wilford has given her back her memory. This book is incredibly sweet and will have you "awwwww"ing on each and every page. The illustrations are hilarious and depict abstract pictures of the elderly people and Wilford. As a 21 year old I found the book touching and think that children of any age will also be able to relate to it. It is a wonderful book to read to children who have grandparents or family members who have Alzheimer's and can make a little sense about the aspect of losing a memory. This book will most definitely be in my classroom no matter what grade I teach. I would recommend this book to anyone of any age!
-Andrea W.

Absolutely wonderful!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-28
This book was a favorite of mine when I was young and now I love reading it to my girls. It is so sweet and wonderfully illustrated. My absolute favorite from the spectacular body of work of Mem Fox.

Got Grandparents?
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-27
This is a beautiful story. It's perfect for reading to children who have grandparents with major memory loss. The illustrations by Julie Vivas are equally beautiful.

my all time favorite
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-21
All I can say is I have had this book for many years and it is one of my FAVORITE children's books. Cutely written and the message is wonderful.

Great for the 100th day of school!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-06
I use this book as part of my 100th day of school celebration. It helps my k students to have empathy for the elderly. We also discuss what they may look like when they are 100. Wonderful illustrations - typical Mem Fox style - perfect! Love it!

Television
Don't Look Back, We're Not Going That Way
Published in Paperback by Off The Wall Publications (2004-03)
Author: Marcia Wallace
List price: $15.00
New price: $7.75
Used price: $0.02
Collectible price: $15.00

Average review score:

Great stuff
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-18
I have always admired Marcia Wallace. Although I was not around to see the original broadcasts of the "Newhart Show", she made a permanent impression on me through the countless hours of reruns that I've seen over the years. She has endlessly been called a 'one trick pony' - inasmuch as she is only really known for one role, that of Carol Kester Bondurant on the "Newhart Show". And Marcia herself admits that she has never really gotten good reviews for any of her other work (save of course for the also iconoclastic Ms. Edna Krubappel voicethrowing that she's done on "The Simpsons" for years.) Nonetheless, the character of Carol was a significant contribution to television history. She was very much her own person, and Marcia's comedic talents made her unforgettable. Carol Burnett, a genius herself, has said that 'if you're too pretty, you can't be a comedian.' Such was the case with Marcia. No, she wasn't that attractive - but she had a perfect look that lent itself perfectly, even if it was only for that one role. She never even had to read for the part - she was hired instantly by MTM Enterprises.

Marcia's life has indeed been a rocky one - and the tone of this book is fine. She's a survivor and she isn't full of self pity. Despite the rags, she's gotten plenty of riches, which included a brief marriage to a man who was very much the one-and-only for her, and a great kid.
However, I think the book overly emphasizes her marriage, the adoption of their son, and her husband's subsequent death. Virtually no details are given about her work on the "Newhart Show", "The Simpsons", or much of anything else. And in that regard, the book is a disappointment.
If these things were added, it would be an absolutely killer book.
Hopefully someday a second edition will be done. Nonetheless, what is presented is a very enjoyable read.

Don't Look Back, Look Into The Future!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-12
Marcia Wallace-what can be said? She is a woman on the umpteenth wit and full of honesty, always saved from being too sorrowful with her God-given ability to bring humor to situations that would bring the regular person to their knees...but Marcia isn't one of those "regular" people. I love this book because it tells anyone, no matter what circumstances they find themselves in, with a bit of keen-sighted observations and an always open pot of humor, they can achieve all of their dreams one day at a time.

Inspirational, emotional, motivational and laugh out loud funny.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-11
I just finished reading Marcia Wallace's autobiography. This is an incredible read. She opens the door to her life for us as if she were opening the door to her closest confident and friend. I laughed out loud at her many mishaps and cried during the deepest loss a person can experience. This is a great gift for anyone who has had cancer touch his or her life, and who hasn't. It is also a celebration of life, friendship and family. This is a wonderful gift to share with girlfriends of all ages.

ATTENTION OPRAH!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-03-30
This book is NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER material. Marcia Wallace's book is as deeply profound as it is silly. It doesn't matter if nothing or everything has happended to you in your lifetime, you will relate to the humanity in her stories.
The book is bursting with self empowerment and triumph over tragedy and it's one of the funniest books I've ever read.

Marcia looks back with genuine laughter
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2005-09-26
Look, if everyone who wrote a memoir was a literary writer, would we all be devouring memoirs like we are? Heck no--we've already heard that story. Marcia's story is... well, it's not your typical, 'here's-my-life-as-an-actress' kind of story. Marcia acknowledges indirectly that who we are has a lot to do not only with where we came from but also what we've been through. And heaven knows, she's been through a lot. But somehow she manages to remain a genuinely sincere person who seems to have a rainbow hovering quite near her at all times--something I will now try to be aware of in my own life after reading her book. Unlike many memoirs currently on the market, this is not an outpouring of self-absorbed angst (as it would be if I were writing it). It's a riotous celebration of the absurdity of human life and the power of the human spirit to triumph against all odds. Marcia writes the way she talks, and she's hilariously funny. Buy this book and read it all the way through the next time you have a "life sucks" day. That's my prescription for happiness.

Television
The Little Rascals: The Life and Times of Our Gang
Published in Paperback by Three Rivers Press (1992-11-24)
Authors: Leonard Maltin and Richard W. Bann
List price: $21.95
New price: $13.95
Used price: $8.50
Collectible price: $21.95

Average review score:

Rascal mania
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-07
A lot of info that a lot of people did not know about those little darlings. Very interesting, good reading, very well done. Thank You.

A Must Have For Our Gang Fans
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-07
Excellent book....Leonard really digs deep to document and convey all things "Rascal". It's worth the purchase price.

A Nostalgic Treasure
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-09-26
Revised in 1992, Leonard Maltin and Richard W. Bann's "The Little Rascals" is a must for anyone who has enjoyed the antics of Spanky and the gang. The authors' exhaustive research and warm-hearted nostalgia is evident as they chronicle the history of these enduring comedy shorts. Along with biographies of the ever-changing cast and crew, the book offers a detailed critical analysis from the golden Hal Roach period (1922-38) to the sad decline at MGM (1938-44). It's the ultimate Our Gang celebration, with a treasure trove of rare photographs and publicity material.

Brought back many old memories.
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-30
I have been looking for this book for ages.Answers so many questions about all the Little Rascals.Some didn`t live long and very few are still with us.Being from Long Island I watched them on CH.11 on the Officer Joe Bolton Show every day after school.Kids today have nothing like them on TV.The facts in this book are fantastic and the pictures are great.If you love the Little Rascals buy this book.

Highly Recommended
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2005-09-30
The Little Rascals: The Life and Times of Our Gang is the most comprehensive book available about the popular short series. Leonard Maltin, longtime fan of both Hal Roach comedies and the Our Gang series itself, writes both intelligently and lovingly about the series with the help of Richard W. Bann.

This book opens with a short history of the Hal Roach film company and the Our Gang series.

Then, it leads to a collection of all of the shorts made for the series including the cast, release date, and highly effective synopses and analyses of each short. These are listed chronologically and noted according to ownership and distributor and silent and sound. Some of the silent have been lost, but they are not neglected. Instead, Maltin has used reviews from the time period to give the reader a sense of the short and an idea of its quality. Opinions are used, but they are obviously separate from the factual information and are supported by facts. They add to the effectiveness of the synopses and paint a more vivid picture of the shorts that are unavailable. What is also unique about this book is the listing of the MGM shorts that are often regarded as the worst quality episodes of the series. Skipping these films, although understandable, would have made this book far less complete.

Next, the spin-offs and pop culture effects of the series are addressed, including the Saturday Night Live spoofs of Buckwheat and the cartoon versions of the show.

Last, the book includes a brief history of all of the major stars of the series and a few sentences about the more minor players. Sadly, this section needs to be updated because of the deaths of the cast members after this second publication. However, the information that is included is accurate and valuable, as much of it cannot be easily found anywhere else, especially interviews.

One must also comment on the abundant photographs utilized in the book including rare publicity stills.

Overall, this is a high quality history of The Little Rascals.

Television
Lyrics
Published in Paperback by Simon + Schuster Uk (2006-10-31)
Author: Bob Dylan
List price:
Used price: $31.51

Average review score:

Lyrics, 1962-1985
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-17
This book is a treasure. I have used it many times to check the lyrics of a song. Dylan is a favorite poet of mine.

A great resource
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2002-12-27
This book is a must for anyone who loves Bob Dylans lyrics. If a course were taught on Bob, this would be the textbook, and any fans will gets endless hours of enjoyment out of it.

A necessity for any Dylan fan
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2002-02-19
The book is beautifully produced, but badly out of date (getting more so with each new album) and suffers from a certain lack of attention to the lyrics as the man sings them. Even so, ya gotta have it.

Dylan - a songwriter, musician, poet, innovator and creative genius - all reflected here!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2005-10-10
A friend and I were out shopping a few weeks ago and we both picked up Bob Dylan's "No Direction Home: The Soundtrack" CD, which is the 7th volume in Dylan's archival Bootleg Series, and also the soundtrack for Martin Scorsese's excellent PBS documentary of the same title. The album is outstanding and now that my shopping pal's birthday is coming up, Halloween actually, I decided that Dylan's "Lyrics, 1962-1985" would be a near perfect gift. She is a major Dylan fan, as am I, and we have been for almost forty years. Time flies!

One of the deciding factors for making this purchase is that the hardcover volume edition makes an excellent, elegant presentation. The cover is laminated and each poem is printed singly on large, cream-stock pages with colored headers. Arranged by album, the book is a compilation of all of Dylan's writings and drawings, ('62 - '85), some wonderful pen sketches ranging in topic from roadside scenes to the romantic, plus 120 new compositions and an Index of song titles. "Lyrics, 1962-1985" is an extraordinary celebration of the artist's/composer's work.

"Highway 61 Revisited," "Blonde on Blonde," Tangled Up In Blue," "Masters of War," "Don't Think Twice, It's Alright," "With God On Our Side," "It Ain't Me Babe," "My Back Pages," "Subterranean Homesick Blues," "Stuck Inside of Mobile With the Memphis Blues Again," "You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go," "Tonight I'll Be Staying Here With You," "This Wheel's On Fire," "Shelter From The Storm," etc., and hundreds of others - they're all here! Dylan's liner notes and stream-of-consciousness short prose pieces really enhance the text.

Bob Dylan is a songwriter, musician and poet - an artistic genius and innovator whose tremendous body of work has had a major impact on over 40 years of American music, from the oldest anonymous folk ballads through blues and country into rock-and-roll. He expanded popular music by including politics, social commentary and philosophy into its vocabulary. He told more folks what was happening than the politicians and news reporters combined...and the counterculture loved him! We still do! While exploring and creating musical styles, Dylan did remain true to his roots in traditional American song.

I am so sorry that the book is out of print. Fortunately, I was able to purchase it, "New," from an Amazon marketplace seller at a very reasonable price. Highly recommended!
JANA

Universal Appeal
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2002-06-13
I love this book. Dylan's output covering a 23-year span is right there in front of you. Whether you read the lyrics as they are or read while listening, any Dylan fan will soak up this wonderful book.

Interestingly enough, I have loaned this book to people who can't stand Dylan, but appreciate him as a writer. Their appreciation for the man and his talent always increases as a result. Sometimes this leads them to buy the discs, and they're forever hooked.

As much as I love the book, it is badly in need of an new edition covering Dylan's work since 1985, which includes at least 12 discs worth of work. But taken as it is, this book is priceless. Buy it.

Television
The Munsters: A Trip Down Mockingbird Lane
Published in Paperback by Back Stage Books (2006-09-01)
Author: Stephen Cox
List price: $21.95
New price: $12.46
Used price: $9.95

Average review score:

A Trip Down Mockingbird Lane
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-15
The Munsters was one of the greatest shows on television. It brought together fans of both the old Universal Monsters and situational comedy. Why it only lasted two seasons is anyone's guess (even the author questions this perplexion).

This book brings together the history of The Munsters. From concept to filming to cancellation. It even features the continuing history such as the theatrical and TV movies, along with the reinvention of "The Munsters Today." It contains biographies of each actor, an episode guide/summary, and a brief biography of its arch nemesis, The Addams Family. Not to mention great photos too...

If you are a Munsters fan, then this is the holy grail. If you are a passing fan, then I still recommend this book.

P.S.-Pushing all debates aside as to which series was better (although the Munsters take the prize), I would like to see an Addams family book of this nature.

The Munsters A Trip Down Mockingbird Lane
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-02
This was a terrific book and provided detailed information about the show that took a lot of research. It was equally as entertaining. I would highly recommend that Munster fans (young and old). Illustrations are wonderful.

A Book with Bite!!!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-14
WOW, what an incredible book. This is just everything you need and want to know about the Munsters TV show. It has it all and doesn't skip a beat. The things you will learn about the tv show is just awesome. Wanna know about the makeup? It's there. Wanna know about the cars? It's there. What the cast has and is doing? It's there. Get the point.

Let me also say what a fabulous job of how the book was designed. Color photos and behind the scene shots thru out the book. These are just some of the most spectacular photos on the tv show I have seen. Nice Rare stuff. You will love it.

What a remarkable update to Mr. Cox original book. This is definately a whole new book. Get one before you can never find one like this again.

I Still Don't Believe Butch Patrick was Born in 1953
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-05
A TRIP DOWN MOCKINGBIRD LANE is exactly that: a compilation of recollections from cast and crew that more or less leave a good feeling about the show and is akin to an album a family might collect in time for a reunion. There are no major revelations in this publication; stories are repeated throughout and must be fan favorites that folks enjoy being told again and again.

There are hints about Patrick Lily (better known as Butch Patrick) and his behavior on the set. There is mention of Fred and Al's constant bickering with the powers-that-were, but nothing concrete. Someday I would like to read a biography that would focus on Patrick's experience as a child actor. I do not believe he was born in 1953, he looks nine (at oldest) when the show first premiers. I think his age was lied about so he could get into makeup and be on the set longer than a younger child would have been allowed (I surmise this because he still looks no older than 12 in 1968 when he does "The Phantom Tollbooth"). Although I love "The Munsters" television series, and generally believe a good experience was had by all, I would be interested in reading Lily's story; I think we would find that his grandmother used acting as some use modern-day foster care.

As for this work, it is rare that a television series receive such a loving treatment: the color photos are vivid, the black and whites are brillaint, there are several trivia features that are fun, but would not have been thought of by a lesser biographer. It is a terrific keepsake for Munsters' fans and television adhearants in general.

Wonderfully Detailed Tribute To Television's First Family Of Fright
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-07
Having recently acquired this wonderful book by author Stephen Cox titled "The Munsters: A Trip Down Mockingbird Lane", as well as the recently released Two Seasons of the classic series on DVD, I once again never fail to marvel at this brilliant and totally original series that ran from 1964-66. Part domestic sitcom, part tribute to the Universal Monsters of old, and part satire on the "then", state of society as we perhaps knew it, "The Munsters" were really one of a kind, a sort of ghoul's version of "Father Knows Best". Produced in what I still firmly believe was the most creative decade on television, the swinging 1960's, "The Munsters", entry into the television schedule was perfectly timed and this most unusual of families slotted right in with the fantastic and totally "out of this world", programming of the time that featured beautiful suburban witches, talking horses, multi-millionaire hillbillies, bumbling spies, and sexy Genies.

Stephen Cox's loving tribute to this classic series makes first rate reading, chock full of terrific and highly informative information and dozens of truly stunning photos never before seen that will delight the heart of any reader. It truly is essential in the book collection of any devoted "Munster", fan like myself. In a similar vein to his other writing efforts that explored such much loved series from the 1960's as "The Beverly Hillbillies", and "Green Acres", Mr. Cox here explores everything to do with the show in a easily read format. Everything "Munster" is here from the original ideas that formed the basis for the eventual series, to information on the series' incredible cast and production crew, to a detailed look at the show's lavish attention to detail in terms of sets, costumes and makeup. Discussion is also given by Mr. Cox on the still mysterious reasons for the show's cancellation after only two years and then examines the amazing after life of "The Munsters", that continues on as strong as ever after 40 years when many of the more "realistic", sitcoms that replaced it are now only hazy memories. In short it's the perfect book for "Munster", lovers and anyone who has a real interest in how television was produced in that golden decade of the 1960's.


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