Question about a TV Show Reference Book - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

StevieB · 03-15-2008, 01:21 PM

Does anybody out there have a copy of "Total Television" written by Alex McNeil? It is one of my favorite books about TV, but the author has not updated it since 1996. Does anybody know why he hasn't revised his book in over 12 years? Is the author involved in other projects, or did he pass away, perhaps?

Thank you in advance!

Sincerely, Steve B.

bencasey · 03-20-2008, 04:53 PM

I have it and it is indeed the best TV reference book out there. I do not know why he hasn't bothered to update it though. Personally, I don't really have any interest in shows from the intervening time so I wouldn't pick up an update edition anyway.

Jude The Obscure · 03-20-2008, 10:35 PM

My favorite reference book hasn't been updated since 1989!

It's Harry and Wally's Favorite TV Shows

bencasey · 03-22-2008, 03:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jude86

My favorite reference book hasn't been updated since 1989!

It's Harry and Wally's Favorite TV Shows

That book is a classic. I love their comments which are about 98% spot on. Too bad they haven't done another one like it.

StevieB · 03-22-2008, 04:57 PM

Yes, I also like "Harry and Wally's Favorite TV Shows" as well. But I have a soft spot for "Total Television" since it includes Saturday morning "Kiddie" shows as well as TV shows for Adults. Both books are classics, and should be revised and updated.

Cheers!

Sincerely,Steve B.

bencasey · 03-23-2008, 03:24 AM

By the short amount of posts in this thread its obvious that the majority of people on this board haven't a clue as to either book or what we are talking about. That's why they ask questions they would find the answer to in 2 seconds if they had a reference book.

Jude The Obscure · 03-24-2008, 03:34 PM

In the '70s I would go to my library to check out the two volume hardcover Complete Encyclopedia of TV Programs 1947-1979.

KurtfromPitts · 03-24-2008, 03:39 PM

I'd like to see Harry and Wally update "The TV Schedule Book", put out around 1983-84. I have had that book since '85 and it's falling apart.

StevieB · 04-05-2008, 01:20 PM

I remember looking at the "Complete Encyclopedia of TV Shows" at the library as well. If memory serves me well, it was a two volume hardcover book that covered Adult and "Kiddie" shows, as well.

Now that we are on the subject,what does everybody think of the "The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network TV Shows 1946-Present" by Tim Brooks and Earl Marsh? This book gives more plot information and trivia than "Total Television" but does not cover as many shows as the latter.

Cheers!

Jude The Obscure · 04-05-2008, 01:47 PM

I think each book serves a purpose and does it well.

TVFactFan · 04-05-2008, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StevieB

I remember looking at the "Complete Encyclopedia of TV Shows" at the library as well. If memory serves me well, it was a two volume hardcover book that covered Adult and "Kiddie" shows, as well.

Now that we are on the subject,what does everybody think of the "The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network TV Shows 1946-Present" by Tim Brooks and Earl Marsh? This book gives more plot information and trivia than "Total Television" but does not cover as many shows as the latter.

Cheers!

the complete directory book had some errors in it

StevieB · 04-12-2008, 01:31 AM

Yes, "The Complete Directory" does have some errors in it.

However, like "Jude 86" said, all of these "TV Reference" books are special in their own little way.

Cheers!

Sincerely, Steve B.

03-15-2008, 01:21 PM	#1
StevieB Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Mar 11, 2005 Posts: 97	Question about a TV Show Reference Book Does anybody out there have a copy of "Total Television" written by Alex McNeil? It is one of my favorite books about TV, but the author has not updated it since 1996. Does anybody know why he hasn't revised his book in over 12 years? Is the author involved in other projects, or did he pass away, perhaps? Thank you in advance! Sincerely, Steve B.

03-22-2008, 04:57 PM	#5
StevieB Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Mar 11, 2005 Posts: 97	Yes, I also like "Harry and Wally's Favorite TV Shows" as well. But I have a soft spot for "Total Television" since it includes Saturday morning "Kiddie" shows as well as TV shows for Adults. Both books are classics, and should be revised and updated. Cheers! Sincerely,Steve B.
	Last edited by StevieB; 07-02-2010 at 01:08 AM.

03-24-2008, 03:39 PM	#8
KurtfromPitts Member Senior Member Join Date: Feb 10, 2006 Location: Carnegie PA Posts: 1,532	TV Show reference book I'd like to see Harry and Wally update "The TV Schedule Book", put out around 1983-84. I have had that book since '85 and it's falling apart.

03-20-2008, 04:53 PM	#2
bencasey Member Senior Member Join Date: Dec 29, 2001 Location: Long Beach Posts: 1,692	I have it and it is indeed the best TV reference book out there. I do not know why he hasn't bothered to update it though. Personally, I don't really have any interest in shows from the intervening time so I wouldn't pick up an update edition anyway.

03-20-2008, 10:35 PM	#3
Jude The Obscure Retired Eternal Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Dec 10, 2006 Posts: 7,519	My favorite reference book hasn't been updated since 1989! It's Harry and Wally's Favorite TV Shows

03-23-2008, 03:24 AM	#6
bencasey Member Senior Member Join Date: Dec 29, 2001 Location: Long Beach Posts: 1,692	By the short amount of posts in this thread its obvious that the majority of people on this board haven't a clue as to either book or what we are talking about. That's why they ask questions they would find the answer to in 2 seconds if they had a reference book.

03-24-2008, 03:34 PM	#7
Jude The Obscure Retired Eternal Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Dec 10, 2006 Posts: 7,519	In the '70s I would go to my library to check out the two volume hardcover Complete Encyclopedia of TV Programs 1947-1979.

04-05-2008, 01:20 PM	#9
StevieB Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Mar 11, 2005 Posts: 97	I remember looking at the "Complete Encyclopedia of TV Shows" at the library as well. If memory serves me well, it was a two volume hardcover book that covered Adult and "Kiddie" shows, as well. Now that we are on the subject,what does everybody think of the "The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network TV Shows 1946-Present" by Tim Brooks and Earl Marsh? This book gives more plot information and trivia than "Total Television" but does not cover as many shows as the latter. Cheers!

04-05-2008, 01:47 PM	#10
Jude The Obscure Retired Eternal Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Dec 10, 2006 Posts: 7,519	I think each book serves a purpose and does it well.

04-12-2008, 01:31 AM	#12
StevieB Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Mar 11, 2005 Posts: 97	Yes, "The Complete Directory" does have some errors in it. However, like "Jude 86" said, all of these "TV Reference" books are special in their own little way. Cheers! Sincerely, Steve B.