Television : an international history /

This impressive collection of original essays quite successfully places television in its historical and international context. Smith (president of Magdalen College, Oxford Univ., and respected author and media authority) pulled together an international team to match the subject matter. The 15 substantial chapters (20-30 pages each) discuss the origins and institutions of television (Al Abramson on the invention of television, William Boddy on beginnings of American television, and Smith on television as a public service medium); forms and genres (Richard Patterson on drama and entertainment, Michael Tracey reviewing nonfiction television, Steven Barnett discussing sports, and Daniel Dayan and Elihu Katz assessing political ceremony and instant history); television and society (Susan Briggs on television in the home and family, Collin Shaw discussing taste and standards, and Phillip Schlesinger on terrorism); and television across the world (the American networks by Les Brown, Hidetoshi Kato on Japan, and additional chapters on the Third World, Australia, and Africa). A brief epilogue by the editor and Patterson discusses the future of the medium. This handsome, substantive volume offers considerable food for thought. Smith has included photos (some in color) and a list of television museums and archives. All collections. C. Sterling; George Washington University

In this collection of 12 essays, we learn that the word ``television'' was used for the first time at the 1900 Paris Exhibition. The first demonstration of TV was conducted in 1909. And although in the U.S. the medium was ready to go commercial in 1939, the advent of WWII delayed its debut until 1947; even then, only 60,000 sets had been sold here. But by the early 1950s, with the help of such shows as I Love Lucy and Dragnet, TV had become a part of American home life. In other areas of the world, Charles de Gaulle became the first politician to use TV to his personal advantage; and the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 was the kickstart for British TV viewing. The chapter titled ``Non-Fiction Television'' gives us a political blow-by-blow from Senator Joe McCarthy through the Watergate hearings; ``Television in the Home and Family'' examines the sociological effects of TV on family life; and another essay looks into the perpetual debates about ``Taste, Decency, and Standards.'' We also see examples of Soviet TV propaganda: Your Leninist Library; and how the 1964 Tokyo Olympics ushered in the age of color TV in Japan. Smith, a former BBC producer, has edited an academic, and sometimes dry, look at a vital medium. Photos. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Serious observers of the sociology of television will appreciate the breadth and depth of this history. It contains articles by various specalists and is grouped into several thematic sections: the invention, marketing, and early uses of TV; specific forms and genres (entertainment, sports, news/talk, political events, etc.); TV and society (addressing everything from the family to terrorism); and, finally, international TV. Intriguing issues are raised, particularly concerning the influence of this medium on contemporary society and vice versa. Other topics include government regulations, censorship, and the mechanics of the industry, to name a few. Each perspective is closely analyzed, and points are supported with historical details, technical data, and thoughtful conclusions. For academic libraries and public libraries with large media collections.‘Carol J. Binkowski, Bloomfield, N.J. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.