The Encyclopedia of 20th Century American Television

by Ronald W. Lackmann

There is no denying the influence television has had on Americans over the past 50 years. This volume is a celebration of the medium as well as a fact-filled reference. It provides a historical guide... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0816045550
• ISBN13: 9780816045556
• Release Date: January 2002
• Publisher: Checkmark Books
• Length: 466 Pages
• Weight: 2.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 8.4" x 11.1"

Customer Reviews

Total TV for the baby boomer generation

As a baby-boomer I've always had an interest in television. I mean, in my case it's pretty much all I remember. Two reviews I read intrigued me and so I bought a copy of THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF 20TH CENTURY AMERICAN TELEVISION. David M. Lisa in his Library Journal review of Feb. 15, 2003 said: "Nearly three years ago, Facts on File published Lackmann's excellent THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF AMERICAN RADIO: An A-Z Guide to Radio from Jack Benny to Howard Stern. Its companion volume is just as valuable, in addition to being fun to read and use. Similar in scope and format to its predecessor, AMERICAN TELEVISION presents more than 1000 capsule descriptions of all major network and syndicated television series from 1947 through 2000, with entries for primary television personalities also included. The attention to detail that characterized AMERICAN RADIO is evident here as well, with listings of broadcast schedules, network information, and show trivia included in each description. In addition, Lackmann offers two excellent appendixes: a listing of the top-rated programs from 1952 to 1999 (divided by television season and including yearly ratings for each program) and Emmy Award winners from 1948 to 1999. Black and white photographs accompany the major entries, and the book's index makes it easy to find your favorite program or personality. Alex McNeil's TOTAL TELEVISION has a similar setup but only goes up to 1995, and while Tim Brooks and Earle Marsh's THE COMPLETE DIRECTORY OF PRIME TIME NETWORK AND CABLE TV SHOWS, 7th ed. covers cable, unlike Lackmann's book, it cuts off at 1998. Overall then AMERICAN TELEVISION is the most current, concise, and affordable work available on the subject. This important reference will be used by public and academic libraries for many years and is highly recommended." Mark van Lummel, described the contents of this book in his review which was included in his list of newly released reference books. He said: "This survey encyclopedia, covers popular broadcast television shows and specials from 1945 to 2000. Standard appendixes of yearly top-rated programs and annual Emmy awards are included, along with a thorough index. The majority of entries are for programs and actors. Each program entry includes a description of the show, times the show aired, complete cast listings and notable guest stars, and the occasional interesting fact. Biographical entries include dates of birth and death, along with actor's television credits. Any significant acting work done outside of television is also mentioned. All entries are enhanced with excellent cross-references to related shows and actors. Coverage of special television events and programs is also included, but not extensive. While the author includes his criteria for selection, there are a few surprises in the actors and programs selected for inclusion." van Lummel also said, "Within its own limits, THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF AMERICAN TELEVISION is well written and e

Massive task well executed

What a massive task, to review and include all the television shows from the beginning through 2000. Our first TV entered our home in '50 and has been a fixture ever since. So, to read the sketches for so many of the shows that have been available for this vast period has been a real treat. This book will serve as a useful reference for anyone researching the "vast wasteland" and/or is just looking back on their own history. You will like this book.

A concise and useful reference book

This is a wonderful, concise and helpful general reference souce for anyone researching the major television shows and stars of the past century. Unlike other books on the subject, The Encyclopedia of American Television, is easy to read, gives only the important highlights of each show and major personality and is a very attractive looking book. The photographs in the book are nostalgic and provocative. The back of the book has lists of the top twenty shows of the 20th Century, as well as Emmy winners. I think this book would be most useful to school aged children and adults who are interested in an overview of television and its major stars of the past century.