Storytellers to the Nation: A History of American Television Writing (Television Series) [Paperback]

Tom Stempel (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1996 | Series: Television Series

Filled with hundreds of anecdotes and quotes from in-depth interviews with more than 41 TV writers--including Norman Lear, Rod Serling, and Steve Bochco--this insider's history of American television writing tells of the writers' experiences working--and fighting--with the networks, sponsors, producers, stars, and censors, as they tried to create their shows.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Stempel's (cinema, Los Angeles City Coll.) subtitle is no idle boast: He tries to provide the first comprehensive view of TV from the writer's perspective. Because much of the early history of the medium is becoming harder to research as its pioneers age and die, this largely chronological book is stronger in its later chapters. The author provides lengthy stories on the making of China Beach (1988-91), Hill Street Blues (1981-87), and thirtysomething (1987-91); would that he could have done the same for the live dramatic anthologies of the 1950s. Stempel covers not only prime-time comedy and drama, but variety and documentary shows; one notable omission: soap operas. Stronger for its anecdotal material than its analytical content, this volume is a worthy attempt to cover a subject much in need of further research.
- Thomas Wiener, formerly with "American Film"
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 307 pages
• Publisher: Syracuse Univ Pr (Sd) (July 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0815603681
• ISBN-13: 978-0815603689
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,331,464 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A Classic, July 13, 2011

By 

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

This review is from: Storytellers to the Nation: A History of American Television Writing (Television Series) (Paperback)

One of the best books I have ever read about the television business...a true classic in the field of television scholarship...and a hell of a read to boot. And I say that as someone who has read dozens of books on the subject and who has twenty years experience as a writer/producer. The book is as relevant today as it was when it was first published. I wish Stempel would write a sequel.

Lee

5.0 out of 5 stars From The Texaco Star Theatre to ER, January 25, 2009

By 

Trent (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Storytellers to the Nation: A History of American Television Writing (Television Series) (Paperback)

This is easily Tom Stempel's best book. If you would like to travel back in time and hear critical analysis about the development and progress of television writing, then this is the book for you.

It was very hard to put this book down. Stempel's writing is much like a relaxed and informative conversation. He has a wonderful way of balancing history and humor. No punches were pulled here, you'll see who didn't like who back in the day and why. He interviewed numerous writers, so we get to "listen in" on conversations about how television writing developed from firsthand accounts.

It was also very interesting to read how certain shows failed and how others succeeded. All of your favorite shows are in his book, everything from the early days of television to the early nineties.

It's a must read for anyone who enjoys a good book about writing, writers, or television.

I highly recommend it!