Watching M.A.S.H, Watching America: A Social History of the 1972-1983 Television Series [Hardcover]

James H. Wittebols (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1998 | ISBN-10: 0786404574 | ISBN-13: 978-0786404575

It has been said that M*A*S*H was a show set in the 1950s which reflected the shifting values of the 1970s and early 1980s. Hawkeye Pierce, Radar O'Reilly, Margaret (Hot Lips) Houlihan-these and the many other characters who populated the MASH 4077 used the Korean War as a backdrop to comment on many of the social issues of their day.

How the series presented these issues and its success in doing so are the subjects of this critical study. An episode listing-synopses, casts and credits, air dates, and titles-is also provided.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"impeccably researched...a must for any serious M*A*S*H fan.... Wittebols' obvious knowledge of the series and its relevance to culture is extraordinary" -- Buffalo Beat

"provide[s] an interesting study of one of the most popular television series of all time" -- Classic Images

"reveals how US sitcoms have always responded to changes...examines the value systems that guide TV programming" -- Choice

About the Author

James H. Wittebols, chairman of the Communications Studies Department at Niagara University, lives in Buffalo.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Mcfarland & Co Inc Pub (July 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786404574
• ISBN-13: 978-0786404575
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,430,058 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Agood read, October 11, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Watching M.A.S.H, Watching America: A Social History of the 1972-1983 Television Series (Hardcover)

This book is very readable, well organized and certainly is based on a very interesting premise. Is TV programing influenced by culture or is culture influenced by TV. This concept is all the more relevant in light of recent violence in our schools and the debates that have resulted from it. Makes a wonderful Christmas present

3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, August 24, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Blasdell, New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Watching M.A.S.H, Watching America: A Social History of the 1972-1983 Television Series (Hardcover)

This book is just out and it is a great read. As a big fan of the show I especially loved the Episode Guide. Highly recommended.