Customer Reviews

Serling: The Rise and Twilight of Television's Last Angry Man (1st Edition)

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This is a well-written resource concerning life and times of the creator of TV's "Twilight Zone". It is not an "authorized biography", which is a good thing. The text flows well, and covers Serling's childhood years, as well as his career before and after "The Zone". Notes bibliography and index are included, as are appendices covering videography, filmography and awards received by Mr. Serling. A few photos make up a center spread, resulting in a work that sould make a worthwhile addition to the library of anyone interested in Rod Serling, his life, and his creations.

Growing up, I was fascinated by "The Twilight Zone" and entranced by Rod Serling's persona--the deep voice, the intense manner, the eerie quality of his show. I have just finished reading Gorden F. Sander's excellent book. I strongly recommend it to anyone who, like me, has always enjoyed Serling and "The Twilight Zone," but knows little about him or the early days of television. Sander does an excellent job of putting Serling into context--the context of his times, his medium, his contemporaries. The book is balanced and fair. The author clearly has deep affection and respect for Serling, but is not afraid to be appropriately critical where he thinks it justified. The book is a wonderful read.

Great source of information...recommend for any real fan of the Twilight Zone....gives background of a life that has interested Americans for decades...a page turner to be sure...

Sanders is a storyteller in his own right by thoroughly researching and accurately detailing Serling's life. From Serling's childhood, his personal relationships with family and friends, his inner demons, his early career struggles to the apex of his TV writing career and beyond. The book is very well-written, intelligent prose and definitely does justice to Serling the man whom you come to know "personally" through Sanders words. A must-read for any Serling or Twilight Zone fan.

Not a bad book if you are new to Rod Serling's career. However, it's sad when even Rod Serling's widow speaks publicly on a negative level about this book. For a starting point of interest, there are better books available within an arm's reach. Chances are, if you are looking at this book on Amazon as a possible purchase it is because you are seeking out a book about THE TWILIGHT ZONE or NIGHT GALLERY. If this is so, save your money and avoid this book and buy the two listed below. You'll do yourself justice and thank me in the long run.

ROD SERLING'S NIGHT GALLERY: AN AFTER-HOURS TOUR by Scott Skelton and Jim Benson offers 390 plus pages of behind-the-scenes critical analysis and facts with exclusive interviews with cast and crew.

THE TWILIGHT ZONE: UNLOCKING THE DOOR TO A TELEVISION CLASSIC by Martin Grams is 800 plsu pages and includes "everything" about the classic series. The details about Serling's writing career on radio, early television and Twilight Zone is well researched and highly detailed. Exclusive interviews with cast and crew and behind-the-scenes trivia will floor you.

Both books available on Amazon.com

There is a lot of good info in here. It's a fairly interesting book if you're a Rod Serling fan. It just suffers from a common ailment among biographies: It's insulting to its subject. It seems heavily weighted toward showing Serling's negative aspects and weaknesses. Also, the sections on the Twilight Zone and Night Gallery seemed rather terse, considering those were his two biggest shows. Too bad Serling never wrote an autobiography.