Encyclopedia of Television
Posted on December 24, 2010 - Filed Under References and Resources
If you love “all things” about television, whether its public access or otherwise, you will probably really enjoy learning “all things” about television so you can best be prepared for your next water cooler conversation. If so, we suggest you take a look at the second edition of the Encyclopedia of Television which has been regarded as the “foremost reference” on the study of the medium. The four volume sets includes the following key features over the first edition:
- Almost 200 new entries have been added and nearly all of the original entries from the first edition have been revised and updated
- Expanded international coverage from the first edition
- Comprehensive coverage of the explosive growth of cable television and popularity of reality television in the last decade
- Reflects the new developments in the television industry since the first edition such as new programs, new companies, merged conglomerates, and individuals who have risen to prominence
- Illustrated with over 745 black-and-white photographs including show stills, persons, and other facets of television history
- Helpful research tools include a comprehensive analytical index, a network of cross-references, and bibliographies for suggestions for further reading and research
- Program entries contain cast lists, programming histories, and production personnel
- Entries range in length from about 1,000 words for most entries to 7,000 words for overview entries on topics such as Americanization and Music on Television
- More than 1150 signed A-Z entries by over 300 contributors, critics and scholars from around the world
And yes, it might come in pricey at 675, but with the increased closures of more and more public access television stations with each passing year, the book is sure to become an important historical reference, as well.