The Prisoner: A Televisionary Masterpiece [Paperback]

Alain Carraze (Author), Helene Oswald (Author), Christine Donougher (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1996

Of all the ground-breaking television programmes made in the 1960s, some are fondly remembered, a few received critical acclaim and one or two created scandal. "The Prisoner", probably the only programme to insite all three reactions, included a total of 17 episodes. This book provides a complete history of the series, with an analysis of all 17 episodes and interviews with key personnel. It also looks at the difficulties of making the programmes, personality clashes and the unparalleled following the programme enjoys today.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: London Bridge (T) (August 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0863695574
• ISBN-13: 978-0863695575
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 7.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #132,249 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Too Bad It's Out of Print, April 9, 2001

By 

Nancy A. Fox (West Covina, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Prisoner: A Televisionary Masterpiece (Paperback)

This is a beautiful guide to the classic television series, The Prisoner. It is richly illustrated with many color photographs from the series, and its location of Portmeirion, Wales. It's a terrific vehicle to re-visit the series and learn about what it took to produce this program. Since A&E is currently re-releasing The Prisoner on VHS and DVD, it is too bad that this book is out of print, since I think viewers would enjoy some of the background that this book provides.

At the heart of the book is an in-depth summary of the 17 episodes that make up The Prisoner. However, it is more than just an episode guide. The book also contains a brief interview with Patrick McGoohan (circa 1989), a series of essays about the program, a description of Danger Man (McGoohan's secret agent series before The Prisoner), a biography of McGoohan, background on the creation and filming process, information about the real village of Portmeirion, and information about Six of One, the official Prisoner fan club.

It's a very informative and fun book written by two fans, who are still able to turn a critical eye on the series. The essays about the series by various authors are also very enjoyable. I especially loved the one by Isaac Asimov. The one negative I have about the book, is that there seemed to be a printing problem with my book. In the chapter outlining the creation and production of the series, I had one section repeated twice, and another section appears to have been omitted. In spite of the printing defect, this is a fun book for Prisoner fans, and if you can find a copy I highly recommend it.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An interesting and indepth look at "The Prisoner", January 12, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Prisoner: A Televisionary Masterpiece (Paperback)

A man resigns from his job. He heads home. He's followed. He packs a suitcase. He falls unconscious. He awakens. He's in his apartment. He looks outside. He isn't in London anymore. The Prisoner: A Televisionary Masterpiece provides an in-depth look at one of the most brilliant pieces of work in television history. Alain Carraze and Helene Oswald provide an in-depth summary to a 17 episode plight of a man who is trapped in a resort like community simply known as the "Village" from which there is no escape. Several attempts are made to break his mental integrity, but he perseveres by maintaining his individuality. The book also features an interesting interview with the star and creator of the series, Patrick McGoohan, essays from fans and writers such as Isaac Asimov, and an in-depth look at the making of the series. Anyone looking for an intriguing, highly intellectually stimulating experience should read this book, because "The Prisoner" is relevant to each and every one of us. Reviewed by John K.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Source Book!, October 31, 2000

By 

Stephanie Manley (Houston, TX) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Prisoner: A Televisionary Masterpiece (Paperback)

This book has a wealth of source material. Sometimes watching the series can be a bit nebulous. This book easily aides you in knowing what each episode wished to convey. There are a massive amount of photos for each episode, and in making. The book also has several in dept articles in which Patrick McGoohan tells his motivations, and about making the series. If you are a Prisoner fan, you know that information about is pretty scare, then again it was all about information wasn't it?