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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Lots of behind-the-scenes treasures in new Antiques Roadshow book, December 16, 2009
This review is from: Antiques Roadshow Behind the Scenes: An Insider's Guide to PBS's #1 Weekly Show (Paperback)
Antiques Roadshow Behind the Scenes is a fun and fascinating look at the no. 1 PBS weekly show, written by the program's longtime executive producer, Marsha Bemko.
Packed with quick hits called "Marsha's Musings," Bemko shares insights on the personalities and logistical demands that go into making ARS, but that's only the beginning. The book combines valuable "how to" tips for collectors with tales of wrap-party hi-jinks and appraisers' favorite recollections from 13 years of cross-country travels.
The show's history is honestly reviewed, warts and all, including the infamous "watermelon sword" episode in which two appraisers concocted a scenario to inflate the value of a Confederate weapon. The fraud resulted in a strict code of conduct for all ARS appraisers.
Hundreds of color photos feature happy (or shocked) collectors and treasures brought to the show, and profile the team in front of and behind the cameras. Bemko also recalls her favorite appraisal stories, and first on her list is Lark Mason being overcome with emotion as he views a carved marble lion from China (valued at more than $100,000).
But her fondest reminiscences are reserved for "ordinary people collecting what they love without really knowing, or caring, what the pieces may be worth." And that, in a nutshell, sums up the appeal of this book, and the continued success of Antiques Roadshow. It's not just the appraisers or the objects, but the curious collectors -- whether shy or outrageous -- that draw us to the show.
This will make an ideal gift for the antique lover on your Christmas list, no matter what their collecting passion.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inside information about a beloved show, January 3, 2010
This review is from: Antiques Roadshow Behind the Scenes: An Insider's Guide to PBS's #1 Weekly Show (Paperback)
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
I'm a true devotee of the show who has watched it since its first host, and this is my second and favorite _Antiques Roadshow_ read. The other is their Primer, which is more about how to collect antiques and may thus have a wider appeal; this book, written by the show's executive producer, is for fans who want to know more about the show itself.
Accompanied by mostly color photos and occasional sidebars, information includes how the show first came to America (it was inspired by one in Britain), an intriguing and shocking controversy from the first season, silly things people have brought to be appraised, how the show is set up in each town it visits, and information about and advice from the show's favorite appraisers. My favorite section is the last chapter, which contains updates on what happened to some of the antiques that appeared on the show. While _Antiques Roadshow_ does occasionally have these types of updates available on their official website, I wish this section were longer.
_Antiques Roadshow_ is a vast production, especially considering that
its set is created in each town it visits! It visited my state recently, and (not having any interesting antiques) I was tempted to get in their ticket raffle just to see how it all works! I didn't, but thankfully this book explains it all, without having to stand in line for hours! If you enjoy the show from the trunk opening with the catchy theme song playing in the background to the ending with the often-humorous feedback booth, you'll enjoy finding out all about its intricate workings and the people who work so enthusiastically to bring it to us.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I really enjoyed reading this book, February 1, 2010
This review is from: Antiques Roadshow Behind the Scenes: An Insider's Guide to PBS's #1 Weekly Show (Paperback)
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
My wife and I have been fans of PBS's series Antiques Roadshow for years now, so I was quite glad when this book fell into my hands. Written by Marsha Bemko, the executive producer of the Roadshow, the book gives the reader a real behind-the-scenes look at the show. It is well-produced with a lot of interesting pictures, a history of the show, plus plenty of facts and explanation and just plain digressions. Indeed, the hardest thing about reviewing this book is trying to give a nice, tight description of it, it contains so much!
Well, as a diehard fan of the show, I can say that I really enjoyed reading this book, and that I think that every other fan will like it as well. Do yourself a favor, and get this book!
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