The Encyclopedia of TV Spies (Paperback)

~ Wesley Britton (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Before Bond, before Maxwell Smart and Mrs. Emma Peel, we''ve enjoyed a wide variety of TV Spies. From 1951''s Dangerous Assignment to today''s Burn Notice, we''ve watched cloak-and-dagger adventures from popular successes like Alias and Mission: Impossible to thoughtful mini-series like The Sandbaggers to cartoons and even live animals in shows like Lancelot Link, Secret Chimp. Our TV secret agents have worn masks and capes (Adventures of Zorro), fought in the historical past (Hogan's Heroes, Jack of All Trades), been as stylish as Napoleon Solo in The Man From U.N.C.L.E., or have been as frumpy as George Smiley in Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. No one knows more about the wide vista of these undercover operatives than Dr. Wesley Britton, author of the highly-acclaimed 2004 history of the genre, Spy Television. Now, Britton has compiled the first indispensable reference book on television espionage unveiling the secrets behind our beloved favorites, the nuggets we might have missed, and the programs that disappeared without a trace after their short original runs. Britton provides the behind-the-scenes creative process for TV spies drawn from both extensive research and his interviews with many participants. He uncovers the reasons why some dramas were either unforgettable hits or regrettable misses. But The Encyclopedia of TV Spies is more than a historical overview-. Britton offers analysis of the elements that made key shows innovative and trend-setting and why some of the best productions ever made never jelled with the networks or audiences. And, like a "Special Edition" DVD, The Encyclopedia of TV Spies also includes extra features including articles on tie-in novels and how to collect TV spy music. In short, no entertainment library is complete without The Encyclopedia of TV Spies, and no fan of television should be without it. Every reader should expect to discover surprises and suggestions for their own viewing, and will find themselves seeking out the best dramas and comedies available on DVD or online.

Product Details

• Paperback: 520 pages
• Publisher: BearManor Media (February 11, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1593933258
• ISBN-13: 978-1593933258
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,117,742 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thorough and interesting overview, February 17, 2009

By	Floyd Turbo "carl0086" (USA) - See all my reviews

Wes Britton has written a fabulous overlook of spies on TV. What sets this encyclopedia apart is its thoroughness and solid writing. It doesn't just cover the big names like Maxwell Smart and Napoleon Solo, but every spy that's appeared on TV, all the way down to Lancelot Link, Secret Chimp. The articles are interesting and filled with behind the scenes tidbits. It's not just a great resource, but also an interesting read for anyone who's a fan of espionage. I highly recommend it for all fans of TV and movie spies.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have for Every TV Reference Library, July 19, 2009

By	Lee Goldberg (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

Open Channel D! Wesley Britton has accomplished a mission impossible -- he's written the ultimate reference work on TV Spies on-the-air, in print, and even in music. Get Smart -- the ENCYCLOPEDIA OF TV SPIES is now available for pre-order from the publisher and you should grab it.

Britton's book is a long overdue and desperately needed reference work is not only a detailed and complete listing of every spy show on TV, it also includes appendices on TV spy soundtracks and novelizations that, on their own, are well worth the purchase price. This richly detailed encyclopedia will satisfy both the curiosity of fans and the scholarly needs of researchers. But it's not fanboy drool nor is it dry and academic. Britton clearly loves his subject and approaches it with enthusiasm that comes through on every page. I strongly recommend it!

5.0 out of 5 stars Spies and secret agents and more, May 27, 2009

By	Agitator76 (Levittown, NY United States) - See all my reviews

If you are a Baby Boomer who remembers with fondness growing up with Illya Kuryakin, John Drake, and Emma Peel or if you were born too late and want to get some idea what all the fuss was about, this is the book for you. Entries include valuable information on the availability of the different series on DVD. A wonderful companion to Spy Television also by Britton.