After just two seasons, Deadwood® has become one of cable's highest rated series, a symbol of how great television can be when pushed to its limits. From the masterful acting to the surprisingly credible re-creation of a Western gold-rush town to the grippingly profane dialogue, Deadwood® is television made at the highest level of craft. Deadwood® is a vividly illustrated and comprehensive companion volume that brings fans behind the scenes to get the full story of HBO®'s award-winning drama--from Custer's opening of the Black Hills (and defeat by the Sioux), to the compelling story of the frontier Chinese and how they braved racism and formed a shadowy society in the west. With unprecedented access, the book gives readers in-depth interviews with cast, crew, writers, designers, and historians. Original, specially commissioned photography provides a fresh look at the people and places of Deadwood®, with new portraits of the lead characters (based on actual persons), detailed depictions of the set (including the Gem Saloon and Jack Langrishe's theater), and images revealing how the show is made, from costuming and makeup to the mixing of Deadwood® mud. A provocative, entertaining, and always evocative portrait of an era.
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Editorial Reviews
About the Author
David Milch is an award-winning screenwriter, producer, and director. He spent five seasons with Hill Street Blues as executive story editor and executive producer. In 1992, Milch co-created the history-making police drama NYPD Blue, which earned high ratings and multiple Emmy® Awards, including Best Drama Series and Best Writing in a Drama. He is the creator of Deadwood®, which received 11 Emmy nominations in its first season (winning two), and earned McShane a Golden Globe for Best Actor. He lives in California.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
55 of 57 people found the following review helpful
By Joe Piteo
Format:Hardcover
Was anyone ever described to you as "nice"? Scary isn't it. I am an ardent fan of Deadwood and a fan of David Milch. This book is a `nice' coffee-table addition that succeeds as a way of fondly recollecting the characters and singular moments of Deadwood. I was hoping for an extension and an amplification of Deadwood - more great Black Hill's tales from Milch's magic pen. In that respect, the book is disappointing.
It does add some insight to the Deadwood stories, that is, the Deadwood teleplay and the process of making it. Milch eloquently adds some detail and color to the Deadwood story. Since the "Deadwood story" is his interpreted and interpolated history, the story is only really complete in Milch's imagination. Those of us who would love more will buy this book and savor the bits we can get. It is not enough though, but then, it could never be enough.
The Deadwood actors also add detail and perspective in their own words. Milch's ability to blend the real actor's traits and skills with his visions of Deadwood is constantly recounted. The actors all seem to share their respect for Milch's stunning ability to shape the character to the actor and the actor from the character. Their introspections are interesting, but here again, too little and perhaps too hastily put together.
In the end, I recommend the book as a memento of Deadwood, three seasons of good television. However, if you are searching for more Deadwood stories, this is not the place. I suspect the huckster in Milch couldn't resist one more retail opportunity; I certainly do not begrudge him a dime for all the great entertainment he has afforded me. Still, I'd love to see "Deadwood, the novel by David Milch", alas, I can only hope.
It does add some insight to the Deadwood stories, that is, the Deadwood teleplay and the process of making it. Milch eloquently adds some detail and color to the Deadwood story. Since the "Deadwood story" is his interpreted and interpolated history, the story is only really complete in Milch's imagination. Those of us who would love more will buy this book and savor the bits we can get. It is not enough though, but then, it could never be enough.
The Deadwood actors also add detail and perspective in their own words. Milch's ability to blend the real actor's traits and skills with his visions of Deadwood is constantly recounted. The actors all seem to share their respect for Milch's stunning ability to shape the character to the actor and the actor from the character. Their introspections are interesting, but here again, too little and perhaps too hastily put together.
In the end, I recommend the book as a memento of Deadwood, three seasons of good television. However, if you are searching for more Deadwood stories, this is not the place. I suspect the huckster in Milch couldn't resist one more retail opportunity; I certainly do not begrudge him a dime for all the great entertainment he has afforded me. Still, I'd love to see "Deadwood, the novel by David Milch", alas, I can only hope.
25 of 25 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
First, let me say that we LOVE the "Deadwood" series (can't wait for series 3 to be available on DVD). This book is a great "companion" for the series, but if you are looking for a detailed historical reference on the town of Deadwood, this book is NOT for you.
However, if your interest lies in the area of "what is behind" the stories and characters of Deadwood, or "what makes David Milch tick", then I highly recommend this book. There is SOME historical information, mostly specifically related to individual characters. Most of the text, however, is made up of David Milch's "musings" on what made him write Deadwood, how the characters came to be, and what their motivations are - and it is fascinating! The book also contains character profiles dictated by the actors themselves, which give a real insight into each of them as individuals and their approach to acting - this was wonderful for people like us who are interested in actors and how they work.
Overall, I believe that the book is a fabulous example of a "merchandising" item that actually adds value to fans by supplying really interesting background information, rather than a lot of "glossy photos". If you like/love "Deadwood", if you want to know more about "why" it was made, "who" is involved, and "where" it's going, then I highly recommend this book.
However, if your interest lies in the area of "what is behind" the stories and characters of Deadwood, or "what makes David Milch tick", then I highly recommend this book. There is SOME historical information, mostly specifically related to individual characters. Most of the text, however, is made up of David Milch's "musings" on what made him write Deadwood, how the characters came to be, and what their motivations are - and it is fascinating! The book also contains character profiles dictated by the actors themselves, which give a real insight into each of them as individuals and their approach to acting - this was wonderful for people like us who are interested in actors and how they work.
Overall, I believe that the book is a fabulous example of a "merchandising" item that actually adds value to fans by supplying really interesting background information, rather than a lot of "glossy photos". If you like/love "Deadwood", if you want to know more about "why" it was made, "who" is involved, and "where" it's going, then I highly recommend this book.
20 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
As a faithful observer of the characters in Deadwood, I picked up a copy of this book as soon as it was released and read it from cover to cover in one, long, sitting.
I think "Deadwood" renders great insights into the characters through interviews the actors who portray them and their interpretations of Milch's vision.
And while I'm on Milch's vision, I found his narrative fascinating, not only for his explanation of that vision, but also his take on life. This lends a very personal element to the book that is uncommon and very welcome.
Finally, I particularly enjoyed the actual stories of the real Deadwood about which I knew very little. I certainly knew that Wild Bill Hickock was real and met his demise in Deadwood, but I was unaware of how many of the characters actually lived and breathed there in real life.
So I thought the book satisfied my at several levels: details about the show and its characters; the creative force behind the show; and the history lessons as well. This is a must read for fans of "Deadwood".
I think "Deadwood" renders great insights into the characters through interviews the actors who portray them and their interpretations of Milch's vision.
And while I'm on Milch's vision, I found his narrative fascinating, not only for his explanation of that vision, but also his take on life. This lends a very personal element to the book that is uncommon and very welcome.
Finally, I particularly enjoyed the actual stories of the real Deadwood about which I knew very little. I certainly knew that Wild Bill Hickock was real and met his demise in Deadwood, but I was unaware of how many of the characters actually lived and breathed there in real life.
So I thought the book satisfied my at several levels: details about the show and its characters; the creative force behind the show; and the history lessons as well. This is a must read for fans of "Deadwood".
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Nice book ...
I ordered this book as a Christmas gift. It was shipped to me defective as the binding of the book was ripped. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Amy
2.0 out of 5 stars
ok...
Fairly decent companion book, if you're willing to overlook a number of story-line errors. My main complaint is that this book must have been designed as some kind of twisted... Read more
Published 4 months ago by John Rankin
5.0 out of 5 stars
Deadwood is back!
Great pictures and David Milch named chapters. If you love Deadwood you will want to have this book on your coffee table.
Published 4 months ago by C. Mattes
5.0 out of 5 stars
Deadwood: Stories of the Black HILLS
This book is the perfect companion to the three volume set of CDs, seasons one, two, and three. It gives you a short summary of each episode by season, making it easy for you to... Read more
Published 4 months ago by William D. Wuchter
3.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting
A few nice tidbits from the actors in here. It was fun to learn how each actor sees the character they play and what little pieces of their own experience have colored their... Read more
Published 14 months ago by Confused
5.0 out of 5 stars
Deadwood - How did normal society begin ?
What makes a truly good story ? A group of complicated yet likeable characters who's lives are interwoven in the most extreme situations. Read more
Published 20 months ago by MikePietrobon
5.0 out of 5 stars
DEADWOOD Collectors MUST have this book!
If you LOVE the "DEADWOOD" series (3 Seasons total) you MUST have this book. I recently purchased all 3 seasons for my husband as a birthday gift. Read more
Published on April 18, 2011 by MrsB
5.0 out of 5 stars
Milch and Dexter
I love all things Deadwood--this book, the music, the DVDs. I even visited Deadwood a few years ago. This book is, of course, fabulous. Read more
Published on August 5, 2010 by Carol S. Johnson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not a fan of the show....but love this book
Got this as gift from a family member. I'm a life-long history buff, and it was thought I would enjoy this as a new addition to my library's Wild west section. Read more
Published on January 29, 2010 by R. CROSBY
5.0 out of 5 stars
my husband loves it and so do I
bought this for my husband and he was surprised and loves it.. I also love Deadwood and was very happy with this book
Published on May 9, 2009 by BLRombold-Gillies
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