Dance Books

I am a big Larry David fan. So I bought this book to hear what he had to say about creating Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm. The interview with Larry was really great. The book is very well done.

This book blew me away. It's the single best book on television writing I've ever encountered. This should be required reading for every college course on television. The interviews with television's A-List are insightful, humorous, and inspiring. Anybody interested in breaking into television writing would benefit highly from this book.

I had an idea for a TV pilot brewing for quite a while. I spent a few months working on the concept. Then I spent another few months writing and rewriting it...trying to make the script the best I could. Then, when I was done I had the realization -- How Am I Going To Sell It? That question has troubled writers since the beginning of the fountain pen. So, I began to read script writing magazines and bought some books on the subject. None were hitting the core or practical enough for me to relate to. Well, that was until I opened Created By.

I have to say that this book showed me "the light at the end of the tunnel." I started reading advice from industry professionals that seemed real. I learned that many of the top TV show creators were once just like me -- a struggling writer with a script and a dream. I got some good solid and priceless advice on how to get my script read. I have just sent my pilot out to some agents!!!!

If you have a script just sitting in your hard drive with no idea how to sell it this book is your resource. Wish there were more books like this out in the marketplace.

I am a television writer who has seen a lot change in this business over the years. Because of the rapid popularity of reality television, it is harder than ever to break into the TV writing game. There are a lot of books out there that claim to show you how to get a job as a sitcom or drama writer. However, in my opinion this book is the best ever written on the subject. You get to hear from the TV show creators themselves how to write a spec script, rewrite a script, get hired on a show, pitch a network, market a show, hire talent, and much more. The author did his homework and rounded up some of the top TV show creators in this business. I found the questions asked and the stories told to be very interesting as well as encouraging. I tip my hat to the author. This is a must buy!

Created By is NOT just another one of those "how to" books that show struggling writer's how to go from crashing on their friends couch in Hollywood, to magically landing into the writers room of a top-rated sitcom. This book offers a lot more than that. It has depth and substance. It is a journey into the minds of some of the greatest television writers of our time.

Don't get me wrong, it surely gives you some great insight on how to make it. But it offers much more. I felt I really connected with the showrunners interviewed. I showed me that no one is an overnight success story. It also demonstrated that everyone has their own journey and road to success. It also taught me about what happens when the business side of the entertainment industry interacts with the creative side. Some of the stories made me laugh and some made me reflect. What a positive book!

I was not sure what I would get out of this book when I originally bought it. But I was pleasantly suprised and very inspired.

The subtitle is "a father's steps to a blended family that really works" A soundtrack MUSIC CD is included....lovely snapshots of life of a 3-6 year old little girl, her single-partent father and their blended family . She appears in the drawings -- he appers in tonggues using poetry to transcribe his daughter's drawings-- and prose....the title comes from the author's belief that a daddy is his daugher's first dance partner. This is a perfect book for giving at any age....on a birthday...after a divorce...or even on a daughter's first prom night...beautiful....Each of them could be filmed-- fabulous gift book....YES real men do go to tea parties...a lovely book for fathers, mothers and families....

Daddy Daughter Dinner Dance takes family values back to where they once were long ago. Although not tradtional in nature the displays of love and caring teach us all how to care. What a beautiful parent to take the time to see the beauty of all the
lovely drawings and make poetry out of each of them,while most of us hang our childrens drawings on the refrigerator and then file them somewhere,Bill teaches us the beauty in what we as parents can learn from our most precious gifts, our children.

Quateman breaks life down to it's lowest common denominator-the heart. Through his daughter's pictures and his touchingly open essays, we see for ourselves that there need be no boundaries when it comes to blending our families together.

The love in this book is a soulful eclispe that leaves its readers knowing all beauty is possible in every kind of family no matter the circumstances. Bill and India have touched on the most important relationship between a Daddy and his precious daughter. This book is a treasure, a teaching tool for parents,teachers,and psychologists as a model to follow."Daddy Daughter Dinner Dance" gives us life lessons that come straight from the heart.

More 66% of families now days are consisted of "Broken Homes" or divorced parents. This causes much confusion especially for the son or daughter that has to go through the transit between different rules and structure. I have witnessed this first hand as my parents divorced when i was about seven or eight. It was tough having to understand the meaning to all this and often time blamed myself for the splitting of my parents. Myself just ending my teen years, read this book and look back and recognizing the value family communication and how important it is for the family to come together despite their differences. I believe this book is a cheat-sheet to parenting and helps guide you as a parent to bettering your relationship with the rest of your family. I strongly encourage you to take a look at this book because I think everyone needs a little cheat-sheet once in a while. =P

-dylan age 17

Dance of Death splits it's story 2 ways - there is the one set later in the century of the 1700's, and one set back a wee while when the characters first come about. This is an excellent idea and is used very well. We get to know the true nature of the characters, their motives and their ideas better. And it is all encapturing in its story, usually with these sorts of books, it's just like there is one great story you wanna keep reading, and the other one is really dragging on and you don't want to read it but you have to so you understand the ending. All the stories in this book are interesting, fun and really intelligent, so you are never bored. R.L. Stine uses descriptive language and good puncuation. If there was one flaw in this book, its that it may kind of leer itself off into the land of the ridiculous occassionally, but not very often. A great Fear Street read!

this was one of the best books i have. this is about a girl name madeline which this story goes during the 1700s fallin in love with a young doctor name justin fier who lives next door to her cousins house which she was sent to live there. but later she is warned by an old woman and a ghost to stay away from him becuase he hides a terrible secret. later in the end she discovers his terrible dark secret. this is really a good book i recommend it 2 any1 who loves these kinds of books.

I think this was the best book of all the sagas so far that I read. It was a great story and it was really scary. I definatly recommend it!

After the death of her parents, Madeline planned to put the past behind her. She went to stay with her cousins, Marcus and Deobrah, at Shadowbrook. On her very first arrival, she fell in love with a handome young doctor, Justin Fier. She was then warned by Tobias Morgan, a ghost, and Honoria Bancroft, an old lady whom her cousins plan to send a place for insane people. They both try to keep her away from Justin Fier. Nonetheless, Madeline is obstinate and she marries him. That is when she discovers his terrible and bloody secret...

After the death of her parents, Madeline planned to put the past behind her. She went to stay with her cousins, Marcus and Deobrah, at Shadowbrook. On her very first arrival, she fell in love with a handome young doctor, Justin Fier. She was then warned by Tobias Morgan, a ghost, and Honoria Bancroft, an old lady whom her cousins plan to send a place for insane people. They both try to keep her away from Justin Fier. Nonetheless, Madeline is obstinate and she marries him. That is when she discovers his terrible and bloody secret...

"Dance" by Elisha Cooper is a triumph. The illustrations have a wonderful grace and style sure to delight children of all ages. I treasure my copy.

I LOVED this book! I have ten kids to give holiday presents to this year and I'm getting Dance! for all of them. It's the best of what a kid's book should be -- mind-expanding and entertaining for the child, and just as entertaining for the adult who has to read it to them every night!

Cooper does what I didn't think was possible--he captures, on the page, the beauty and fluidity of dance. His exquisitely simple watercolors--and exquisitely spare prose--take us from the dancers' studio, to the neighborhood in which the dancers live, to the opening night stage. His artwork evokes rather than dictates, his prose suggests rather than explains. It's a gorgeous book. And my kids, the most important judges, loved it.

Three of my four children are or were involved in dance. After reading the review for Dance in the New York Times, I bought it for my youngest for a birthday present. I quickly found myself back in the bookstore buying copies for my other children (and for my sister's kids, and the author's Baseball book for my son) for Christmas. It truly was a wonderful find, and I'd suggest it to anyone who knows kids--or adults, for that matter--with an interest in dance. Highest recommendation.

Elisha Cooper's book Dance! is wonderful for what it says and shows but also for what it does not spell out. He shows us some of the exquisite details in the daily lives of the dancers, in the practice studios, posing and touching and relating to each other..walking on your partners back for example. But I'm pleased to say he stops before you get the big show, just when the curtain is about to go up. Now young and old a like will stretch their creative imagination to envision the performance. Almost like the good old days of radio shows when you listened carefully and visualized what was going on. Maybe Elisha Copper will someday give us Act I so we can compare it to ours. He gets better with each book.

Join author, Elisha Cooper, as he pays tribute to the marvelous world of dance. This is a unique book about the process, not the performance. Arrive at the studio and warm up with the troupe, stretching and working at the barre. Meet the choreographer and watch as he demonstrates steps and teaches the new dance, bending bodies and correcting positions "as if he were molding clay." Then practice, practice, practice. "The dancers rehearse until their arms and legs remember the steps." There are costumes to fit, tickets to sell, programs to print, and advertisements to write. Lights, music, and scenery need to be coordinated with the dance and dancers, and even flowers need to be bought to give to the dancers after the performance. So much to do in only four short weeks... Mr Cooper's lyrical text is filled with imagery, magic, and passion as it creatively mimics its subject and dances across the pages. His simple pencil and watercolor artwork dazzles, complementing the prose beautifully, and captivates with grace, energy, and motion. Perfect for youngsters 8-12, or as a read aloud for younger children, Dance is an evocative and exciting experience that builds with each page turn. "Opening night. A crowd forms outside the theater, bustling for tickets. The dancers gather backstage. They can hear the buzz of the audience finding seats, the beating of their own hearts. They hug. The choreographer tells them they are wonderful. The lights go down. The curtain goes up."

Katherine Warrick has brought ballroom dancing competion to life in her book "Dancing With His Heart." Alex and Lauren have an undeniable chemistry from the start. Katherine's character, Lauren also deals with the challenge of raising a child with autism. Together Lauren and Alex step up to the challenges they each have in their lives and manage to find common ground they can relate on. A must read, I didn't put it down once I picked it up!

Katherine Warwick mixes escapist romance and personal poignancy with "Dancing With His Heart". It's the story of Lauren Peay, a champion ballroom dancer who has to deal with an old acquaintance coming back into her life (Alex Saunders) and the feelings that stirs up, while struggling to raise an daughter with autism. While reading the book, you may find that the scenes with Lauren and her daughter are rife with love, anguish and pain. Then when you read the "About The Author" section in the rear of the book, you'll discover that Ms. Warwick is herself the mother of child with autism. This gives the book a realism and a poignancy that gives the love story a real-life obstacle to overcome, rather than your usual romance novel challenge. I've read Ms. Warwick's "Noon"...and while I enjoyed that, I enjoyed "DWTH" more because of the storyline with Lauren and her daughter, because I didn't feel like I was reading about Lauren Peay. I felt like I was reading part of the Katherine Warwick story. Recommended read.

Katherine does a GREAT job bring Alex and Lauren to life in this great book. She does an incredible job combining dance and romance! Is a must read!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I absolutely LOVED this book! I was hooked from the first page. If you like romance/dance novels or just a good, light read, this is definately for you!!! I loved the discriptions and insights into the characters, which sometimes made me laugh, sometimes smile, and even sometimes squirm. You do not have to come from a dance background to understand or like this piece either, it's easy to pick up, and I found I learnt a lot along the way.

An entracing, well reccommended read! I now have a new favourite authour, that's how much I loved it.

I recently discovered Katherine Warwick's Dancing With His Heart and I'm excited to say I enjoyed it so tremendously that she's now on my autobuy list! I haven't come across any romance that touches on competitive ballroom dancing before and I found it extremely fresh and original.

This book is a perfect example of how romantic tension can be fiery hot without the use of any offensive or explicit language. Readers of sweet to sensual romance willl be pleased and I think those whose taste run to the more explicit will be pleasantly surprised (I read a spectrum of both). As Alex tries to circumvent Lauren's instinctive antagonism and distrust due to an incident in their past, their undeniable attraction humms and vibrates like a strummed music string.

Warwick's voice is clean and vibrant, with some beautiful metaphors, and I like how she explored the other aspects of Alex's and Lauren's lives apart from the romance. Her portrayal of the challenges in raising a child with autism was so realistic it came as no surprise when I found out one of her children also has autism. I thought the suspense angle could have been explored further but it's a minor issue. One of my favourite parts of the book was the epilogue-very romantic and fitting to the theme.

If I can afford the time, I just might take up ballroom dancing lessons. That's how good this book is!

It's a toss-up as to which of Mick LaSalle's great pre-Code books (his previous is COMPLICATED WOMEN) is superior. COMPLICATED WOMEN is a work of advocacy, in a sense -- he wants to rescue the women of pre-Code from obscurity and critical neglect, and he does so ably. This book is more cool-headed amd critical. It's also funnier. It feels more grounded in the real politics and culture of the early 1930s. The research goes deeper. The book is longer. I think they're both essential reading, demonstrating a passion for film and an understanding of history that's impressive, rare and indispensable.

The Golden Age of movies is sometimes taken as the glorious silent era. However, it can be argued that the films made right after the advent of sound provided more realism and more to think about than movies before or since. In a vital and entertaining study, _Dangerous Men: Pre-Code Hollywood and the Birth of the Modern Man_ (Thomas Dunne), Mick LaSalle lovingly analyzes the films and movie heroes from around 1929 until 1934 when censorship took over. Those interested in the history of film, and in learning more about giants like Cagney and Gable, as well as about important but forgotten former stars like Richard Barthelmess and Warren William, will find this book irresistible. After 1934, it was a long while before American films were made without a censor able to clip scenes, and LaSalle demonstrates that the pre-censorship (or "pre-Code") era was a time for realism as well as idealism in the movies.

LaSalle demonstrates that silent films were really productions of the Victorian era; men were expected to have sobriety and character. World War I, Prohibition, and the Great Depression changed all that. There was a deluge of pre-Code gangster movies, and every major actor played a gangster, even Spencer Tracy and Boris Karloff. The gangster movies, and the war movies, provided a new look at how a person might live in the world and live with himself; there was a good deal of introspection within the characters displayed on screen that would vanish when the Code came into force. Along with serious evaluation of such moral matters, pre-Code movies were full of pacifism. Repeatedly the young idealistic heroes go into battle only to be shocked at the destruction they themselves have wrought. These movies exalted individuality and distrust of governments that led citizens into pointless wars. Pre-Code films emphasized the heroism of getting wise and taking care of oneself, not the heroism of battles and bugles. There is a good brief history of Code censorship here, showing the role of the Catholic Legion of Decency and its regrettable effects. Not only did the Code enforcers impose wholesomeness on future movies, they insisted that when the pre-Code films were re-released they be re-cut into more acceptable form. Sadly, sometimes the censored version of a pre-Code film is all that remains. It was not until the ratings system came in 1968 that the Code was dismantled.

Partly LaSalle's book is a warning, and one especially pointed now that certain forces within the government find censorship in various forms appealing. LaSalle has enormous admiration for the films described here, but says, "Even vitality such as this can be squelched if a close-minded faction is obsessed, pernicious, and willing to organize." He has seen a lot more of these pre-Code pictures than his readers have, but anyone who enjoys the movies will be eager to take a look at these films after reading this book. Pre-Code films showed war brutality, governmental corruption, and harnessing courage to subvert the system. LaSalle writes, "These may be healthy things for individuals to know, but they aren't what governments like to see pumped into the public consciousness."

I wish I could have given this book 5 stars, but Mr. LaSalle had made a minor mistake. In the book's first chapter, he made the mistake of comparing most of the major actors of this era - especially Clark Gable - to the recent film star, Tom Cruise. In some attempt to put Cruise at a disadvantage, he described the actor as being "amiable" and youthful in compare to Gable. One, Cruis is more than an "amiable" actor. He has made a career of portraying some rather ambiguous and/or dark characters during the past twenty-five years. And two, he stopped being youthful a long time ago. I think that Mr. LaSalle may have been blinded by Cruise's famous smile and failed to give a more accurate portrayal of the actor's career.

Mick LaSalle has done a fine job in recording the accomplishments of actresses before the pre code "censorship" era (1929-1934 or thereabouts!) . If you are at all interested
in films of the thirties this is a MUST! And if you are just interested in films in general this will surely be "of interest". And if you are a Norma Shearer fan it is a MUST!

I guess it's too early to have a favorite book of the year, but I can say with certainty that, had I completed it in 2002, Dangerous Men would qualify as one of my top two or three -- and probably the best non-fiction book I've read: So smart, so authoritative and, as some other readers have pointed out, so funny -- funny, even as you're learning something fascinating on every page.
It is hardly the usual sort of film book. Rather it's a brilliant investigation into the nature of manhood in the twentieth century, using these films as markers along the way. At the same time, it is a movie book in the sense that you come away dying to see the movies. I'm going to be using the list that the book provides to help make my video choices in the coming months.
What a wonderful Christmas gift. I already ordered Complicated Women, because now I can't get enough of the subject. You'll probably feel the same way, too. By all means, this is a book to get.

This book really is the definitive source of all things Disney by the keeper of its archives. It is fascinating and complete, containing information about theme parks, characters, movies, television shows, music, and more. It is the must-have reference for Disney fans like myself.

This is a must have for Disney fans. Everything from ABC's LOST to the Alice Comedies and from Steamboat Willy to Meet the Robinsons is covered here. Some articles are more detailed than others but everything is covered. Makes an interesting read just on its own. Film historians and students will find a wealth of connective material here to jump start them on research and fill in the dots on hard to find questions. A beautiful display of pictures is included with this volume. If you can't actually visit the archives (and I certainly would like to) then this is the next best thing.

"Disney A to Z" is an awesome book that a true Disney fan cannot live without. It is a great book that will help you find out about old Disney movies, that you might have not seen. "Disney A to Z" encyclopedia is also an essential source for those that love to play the "Disney Seen it" board game. It gives a short description of ALL Disney movies including the short ones that came out after the World War II. I LOVE IT!!!

This is a great gift for any Disney fan. Many listing bring back great memories and coll trivia.

This book is a great resource for all Disney fans. All the characters, all the movies (unfortunately, the Mephisto movie made in collaboration with Salvador Dali is not in the book) and all the attractions, parks, properties and influentials employees are mentioned. Maybe just not as exhaustive as I would like it; it is, however, a great resource.

A fascinating look at the birth and eventual fall of the Group Theatre through the eyes of Harold Clurman, who was the heart and soul of this theatre troupe. The Group Theatre would eventually change the course of American acting through their embrace of the Stanislavsky method of acting. Anyone with a love of theatre and it's rich history would love this book. Any actor should read it. The names that came out of the Group Theatre are like the 'Gods' of American acting and teaching "the Method". Stella Adler, Bobby Lewis, Stanford Meisner, Lee Strasberg, Clifford Odets.

As an actor this book filled me with a rediscovery of why my work matters and it inspired me to continue in an industry where success is so dificult. Though I am not a method actor i respect the accomplishments of the group theatre immensely and to hear harold clurman tell it is to hear it thorugh the glue of it all. Read this if you love theatre.

What a wonderful book. I've always loved reading history and books of all topics and times of history dominate my shelf. However there is a void that is now apparent of books of the theatre and of the artists working within it. This has been a wonderful introduction to how much can really be said about the formation of a theatre and the ups and downs of its life.

Certainly anyone aspiring to be an actor or anyone in the business looking to see what finding the art in your work is all about, this is a must read. Clurman has an amazing memory, vividly retells all that took place during those turbulent years, and does so with a powerful, strong refreshingly opinionated point of view.

All in all, really a wonderful book in both story telling and lessons that I would love to revisit soon.

The Group Theatre, modeled off of the equally influencial Moscow Art Theatre, was an artistic organization that completely and drastically revolutionized not only American Theatre, but World Theatre as well.

Formed in the 1930's and comprised of what has become a literal who's who of Theatre: Clifford Odets, Elia Kazan, Harold Clurman, Robert Lewis, Stella Adler, Lee Strasberg, Cheryl Crawford, John Garfield, Sanford Meisner and many others, The Group Theatre sought to create a vibrant and organic native theatre that sought to not only mirror the times but also instigate radical social change.

At no other time in American history has an artistic group been comprised of so many talented individuals focused on one aesthetic and political goal. Despite one's political leanings (make no mistake, The Group Theatre were extreme leftest liberals), The Fervent Years provides and endless and bountiful amount of inspiration and stimulation for any theatre artist.

Clurman writes in a fine dramatic style that boils with passion, wit and insight. The Fervent Years is required reading for all devotees of The Theatre. But don't let that scare you, it is a most entertaining read at the same time.

This book is a beautiful account of the struggles and events surrounding Harold Clurman during his time with the Group Theater. Harold starts off by revealing how his life brought him to establish the Group along with Lee Strasberg and Cheryl Crawford. It then continues and describes the significant struggles and events encountered by the Group and its members along with some beautiful and extremely important observations Harold made, not only regarding the theater community and its participants, but also about our society in general and its effect on art in general.

This book is an absolute must for any serious actor or director. For that matter, anyone serious about life would gain from reading this book. The Group Theater was a wonderful "experiment" fostered by some very passionate people who not only helped to shape theater in America, but they also played a significant role in laying the groundwork from which some of the best acting and directing has emerged as seen in films and theater since that time.

I stand in disbelief when folks in the "business" don't know about Harold Clurman or the Group Theater and it members.

I've only read about half of this book for my History of American Film class this semester at Century College,and I must say that the books Bruce writes are just as cool,calm,and collected as he is in person!Anyone who would like to get a better understanding about film in general should think of this book as an overview;it's full of interesting vocabulary terms,tidbits about some of the best films ever created,and just the way the material is presented:slow-paced with humor to keep your mind involved in the material.If you want to learn how to accomplish more at the movie theater or in your living room than sitting and watching,get this book;soon you'll be thinking about films the way the director intended!

For people who want to go beyond Hollywood and explore the real world of film, this is a great starting place. Here is a book that covers the whole gamut of film study. Concise and precise, this book is eclectic and bold. It is hard to put down. If you are at all interested in film, or if you are tired of the Hollywood offerings, then this is the book to begin with. It includes all the essentials, but in a compact form. I loved reading the author's way of writing and opinions. Not just facts, but passion is displayed in this amazing book. I look at films differently now. I appreciate them more, and feel much more comfortable talking about them because of this book. A great introduction to the cinema from an academic point of view, as well as offering a wealth of recommended films that are very up-to-date and historically important.

This is exactly the book you need if you are at all interested in films. It covers everything, is short, easy to read, well-written, and fascinating. A wonderful introduction including lots of film titles, opinions, vocabulary, history, art, and genres. There is information on film history, techniques, and artistic evaluations. Also, the appendix includes a list of great films organized by date, by foreign and American films. A marvelous book about films and art.

Being a movie buff,I love the fact that this book helps you to be a critical viewer as well as a fan.Written for experts & the lay person alike, you find concise definitions & explanations of all movie terminology & nomenclature.It literally teaches you how to be a film critic and familiarizes you with the technical aspects as well.A highly recommended read.

Being someone who ordinarily uses movies purely for escapism & entertainment value,I was a little skeptical as to the notion of film as art.However, after reading Mr. Hinrich's book,I am forced to rethink my sensibilities on the subject.Because now,I am able to enjoy films on multiple levels, and appreciate the way he was able to cater to the layperson and the expert alike.This book (if comprehended properly) literally teaches you how to critique movies & films from both the film student and casual viewers standpoint.Mixing both professorial as well as easily understandable terminology & nomenclature,Film & Art hits the mark accurately.If Gene Siskel were still with us, I'm sure he'd give it a well deserved thumbs up.

I really like this book, it goes way back to the radio programs...
I love seeing and reading about the people who played the parts years ago and have since passed away or left the show.
It is a great book for Guiding Light fans.
If you don't have it GET IT!

i have the hardback version of this book. This magnificent book came along in 1997 when "Guiding Light" was celebrating it's then 60th Anniversary. This month marks the show's 67th Anniversary {it having began on radio in January 1937 as a 15 minute sermon from various reverends from the Little Church in Five Points}. The radio show expanded to traditional serial melodrama by 1948 with the introduction of the German immigrant Bauer clan, a family that's STILL a part of the show to this very day, plus a host of other families. The book talks in-depth about each and every storyline that had a major impact or is at least memorable to fans. Admittedly, the first generation of fans who recall when the show was on radio are either no longer with us or are in their 80s or 90s by now. And so, this book, as i see it, was also designed to highlight the radio years for the contemporary fans of today who might've started watching in the mid '80s or the early '90s and afterward. The show moved to TV in June 1952 (continuing on radio until 1956). By now the Bauers were the focal point and the storylines were written to revolve around the Bauers and the conflicts they had with each other and the community. Bert was a social climber at first but she out-grew it by the early '60s after she had a pap smear, one of the first storylines in a soap opera to deal with such topics; Bill was a womanizer and an alchoholic; Papa Frederich was the German immigrant patriarch; and as the decade grew, Bill and Bert's son Ed became a doctor and an alcoholic while brother Mike became a womanizing lawyer. The book really gets "juicy" when the '70s section rolls around. 1971 was the debut of Michael Zazlow as Roger Thorpe, the scheming corporate ladder climber who was always being over-shadowed by nemesis Ed Bauer. And so, the '70s were dominated by the quadrangle of Roger Thorpe/Holly Norris/Ed Bauer/Peggy Fletcher. Storylines like that, plus the 1977 arrival of the wealthy yet sinister Spaulding clan would prove to be the show's success, causing ANOTHER very popular triangle of Alan Spaulding/Elizabeth Spaulding/Mike Bauer. The book gets vague in the mid '80s section because i recall things that the book leaves out: like 1986's return of Alan Spaulding. The book says Alan made his return with help from Baron von Halkein...which is true. But the book leaves out Alan's missing years (1984-1986) and never lets the reader know that Alan had been living life as 'Gregory Samuels' in San Rios after having been shot and presumed dead by the FBI, who were hot on his trail in early 1984. Alan had managed to seize control of several emerald mines and use an alias to avoid detection. If fans see this review they'll now know about Alan's missing years. Apart from that bit of history left out of the book, i have no complaints. The back pages of the book give histories of the families that were currently on the show: Bauer, Spaulding, Lewis, Reardon, Chamberlain, and Cooper. There are two tributes to the two most popular characters: Roger Thorpe and Reva Shane. Charita Bauer, the actress who played Bertha "Bert" Bauer from 1949-1984, is also given high praise. All of the awards from the industry to fan-voted are also shown. There's even a section where favorite couples are highlighted: Phillip and Beth; Mike and Elizabeth; Rick and Abigail; etc. Jerry ver Dorn gives the introduction and he holds the record for second longest running cast-member. He's played attorney Ross Marler since 1979. The record holder is Charita Bauer, of course, with 35 years as Bert. The other person with the most consecutive years behind Charita's 35 and Jerry's 25, is Tina Sloan...she's played Nurse Lillian Raines since 1983, this is her 21st year on the show. This book is dated, of course. A lot has happened on the show since late 1996/early 1997. seek out back issues of Soap Opera Digest for re-caps of action post 1996. This book is a must for all fans of the show both young and old. Until someone comes along with a potential 70th Anniversary book in 2007, this 60th Anniversary is an excellant introduction to the show.

Great book! Lots of information about GL. I enjoyed reading what happened in the episodes before I was an avid watcher.

Hopefully, there will be future update editions of this wonderful missive on the history of daytime's oldest soap. Not just for fans, either!

I have been a huge fan of GL for a few yrs now..the only thing that sux about this book is that all the great gl stars have left.. wendy moniz as dinah marler and cynthia watros as annie dutton will greatly be missed..

it is a great show...but the WRITING DESPERATELY NEEDS to improve...but the memories from 1990-1997 were truly spectacular...finally we see THE LIGHT!