Our Books

Here’s some basics on the growing list of ECW TV titles. Still want to know more? Click on the book covers below to go to the ECW catalogue page for excerpts, additional details, reviews, author interviews, and more!

Kings of Madison Avenue: The Unofficial Guide to Mad Men

by Jesse McLean

Not since a certain mob boss battled anxiety attacks has a series tapped into the zeitgeist with such speed. And yet, this sophisticated show about 1960s Madison Avenue advertising house Sterling Cooper has surpassed even The Sopranos in cultural resonance. From critical reviews that swoon over the elegant storytelling to fashion designs that pay homage to the sleek sensibility, everyone is talking about Mad Men. Fans of creator Matthew Weiner’s show enjoy not only the high-calibre storytelling but the ironic view of recent history. As such, they thirst for a companion volume that will deepen their understanding and appreciation of the show. Kings of Madison Avenue provides detailed episode guides, cast biographies, and rich sidebar content (how to party like the Mad Men and a travel itinerary for the perfect Mad Men Manhattan weekend).
But because the fans of this show are also connoisseurs of history, this book offers further historical context not often available in companion guides, such as influences of the show (Sex & the Single Girl author Helen Gurley Brown, Revolutionary Road’s Richard Yates, Billy Wilder’s The Apartment), or historical touchstones intertwined in the storylines (the landmark ”Think Small” Volkswagen Beetle campaign, the Nixon/Kennedy presidential campaign, the creation of Lucky Strike’s “It’s toasted” slogan). A series that not only sketches the cultural landscape with skill but has also taken a place in that very landscape requires a guide that reflects the breadth and depth of this effect. Kings of Madison Avenue: The Unofficial Guide to Mad Men is just that book.

Best Served Cold: The Unofficial Guide to Revenge

by Erin Balser

A critical and commercial hit, Revenge has a rabid and rapidly growing fan base. It’s consistently the #1 show in its timeslot and it’s ABC’s biggest primetime hit since Lost, the first series in four years to match that show’s success in the coveted 18-49 demographic.
A fast-paced and complicated character-driven show with many plot twists and unanswered questions, fans will welcome insight and analysis into Emily Thorne’s master plan in this intelligent but playful companion to the series. Explorations of themes, characters, the show’s soapy and literary inspirations, and real-world events make this the must-have book for everyone who is watching Revenge.

Who Is The Doctor: The Unofficial Guide to Doctor Who: The New Series

by Graeme Burk and Robert Smith?

Who Is The Doctor is a fun and insightful episode guide that explores all facets of Doctor Who’s triumphant return to television. Covering the six seasons of the New Series, this is the essential companion for the most avid fan as well as the more casual viewer.
Doctor Who was already the world’s longest-running science fiction series when it returned in 2005 to huge success. An enormously popular series among genre fans in North America, Doctor Who encompasses horror, science fiction, comedy, action, and historical adventure, and is loved for its uniquely British wit and clever scripting. It’s no wonder the series’ hero, monsters, and even its theme song are pop culture icons.
In this volume, Doctor Who experts Graeme Burk and Robert Smith? bring insights into everything from the history of everything Doctor Who, including Daleks, Cybermen, and the eight Classic Series Doctors, to a guide to every episode of the New Series. Allons-y!

Who’s 50: The 50 Doctor Who Stories to Watch Before You Die — An Unofficial Companion

by Graeme Burk and Robert Smith?

Who’s 50: The 50 Doctor Who Stories to Watch Before You Die — An Unofficial Companion Travel through space and time with this guide to 50 years of Doctor Who! Doctor Who has been a television phenomenon since it began 50 years ago on November 23, 1963. But of all the hundreds of televised stories, which are the ones you must watch? Featuring 50 stories from all eleven Doctors, Who’s 50 is full of behind-the-scenes details, exhilarating moments, connections to Who lore, goofs, interesting trivia and much, much more. Who’s 50 tells the story of this global sensation: its successes, its tribulations and its triumphant return.

Approaching the Possible: The World of SG-1

by Jo Storm

Approaching the Possible: The World of Stargate SG-1 serves as a comprehensive introduction for those who are just starting to watch SG-1 with an episode guide to the series, examining SG-1 season by season. For the long-time viewer, author Jo Storm explores multi-season storylines and character developments. Interesting facts for each episode and numerous sidebars uncover the mythology and science not only of the stories, but of the writing, directing, and special effects used to tell the stories. Exclusive interviews with cast members such as Teryl Rothery, Alex Zahara, writer Joseph Mallozzi, special effects supervisor James Tichenor, and Gateworld’s Darren Sumner, engage the Stargate universe from multiple angles. Including chapters devoted to the franchise as well as the ‘fanchise’ element of the MGM original series, the book showcases the passion this show inspires in its viewers — from real-life scientists to fan fiction writers. Approaching the Possible offers insight into the multiple reasons for the show’s popularity while tackling everything from the mythology of Ancient Egypt to the series’ evolution as a CGI wunderkind. With no other episode guide on the market that covers every season of the series, this book is a must-have addition to any fan’s library.

Bite Me!: The Unofficial Guide to the World of Buffy the Vampire Slayer

by Nikki Stafford

In the seven seasons that Buffy the Vampire Slayer was on TV, we watched her kill her true love (but he got better), graduate high school (by blowing it up), discover she had a sister (who . . . uh . . . was always there?), sacrifice her own life (but she got better), watch her sidekicks become heroes (and villains), and, essentially, grow up. Revised and updated, the 10th Buffyversary edition of Bite Me! contains all seven seasons of this groundbreaking series, chronicles what happened to all of its stars, gives the background story to why the series ended and what legacy it has had, and even contains information about the new Buffy “season eight” comic book series from Dark Horse. Bite Me! is the definitive guide for all Buffy fans.

Chasing Zebras: The Unofficial Guide to House, M.D.

by Barbara Barnett

Chasing Zebras is the essential companion to House, one of television’s most popular and fascinating series. Using her unique perspective and insight into the show, writer Barbara Barnett, noted as “one of the industry’s leading experts on the series,” immerses fans new and old into the heart and of soul television’s most compelling series. It will be a dog-eared resource for seasoned fans, an indispensable atlas to anyone new to the show, and a valuable guide to students of television, film, and pop culture. Exploring the series’ characters, story narratives, and overarching themes, Chasing Zebras provides an intelligent and thoughtful analysis of this complex series, and contains exclusive interviews with many of the show’s cast, its executive producers, writers for the show, and even some of the production staff.

Crash Into Me: The World of Roswell

by Robyn Burnett

Based on the popular book series Roswell High by Melinda Metz, Roswell explores the lives of three alien/human hybrid teenagers as they struggle with their human allies to keep their genetic secret while eluding the FBI, battling enemy forces, and most importantly, simply trying to grow up. Roswell incorporates the usual themes of romance, friendships, parental conflicts, and rebellion while incorporating an old sci-fi mystery that took America by storm. Roswell was instantly popular when it first aired in 1999, and both fans and the media loved the show. Crash Into Me features biographies of the actors and creators of the show, along with details on the original crash of 1947. Author Robyn Burnett includes in-depth commentaries on each episode, as well as exploring the alien mythology that has influenced the storylines. The focus of Crash Into Me is Roswell’s incredibly resilient fan base, which will stand behind the show no matter what.

Dimensions Behind the Twilight Zone: A Backstage Tribute to Television’s Groundbreaking Series

by Stewart T. Stanyard

Dimensions Behind the Twilight Zone is a visually stunning backstage glimpse through time and space, into the history and making of the Twilight Zone. Author Stewart T. Stanyard, creator of The Twilight Zone Archives online, invites readers to explore a portion of the archives collection: over 300 original behind-the-scenes production stills taken during the filming of the show. Accompanied by insightful captions, the book includes rare documents and interviews with 40 producers, directors, writers, and actors who worked on the series, such as Dennis Weaver, Bill Murray, Shelly Berman, Earl Holliman, and Earl Hamner, Jr. The book also features candid interviews with Serling’s wife Carol, brother and writer Robert, and Serling’s influential teacher Helen Foley. Aside from five informative and analytical chapters by the author, it features tribute essays by several Hollywood personalities, including Rush drummer Neil Peart, Simpsons producer Dana Gould, and Star Trek: Next Generation writer Robert Hewitt Wolfe.

Don’t Stop Believin’: The Unofficial Guide to Glee

by Erin Balser and Suzanne Gardner

The kids in McKinley’s high school’s glee club “New Directions” might not be the most popular in school. For every chart-topping song “New Directions” belts out at practice the glee kids are liable to get a slushie tossed in their face by a football player or harassed online by the creme-de-la-creme of the school, one of McKinley’s “Cheerio” cheerleaders. But fictional popularity aside, the television show Glee is unquestionably a runaway hit, and audiences can’t get enough of their story: from the songs to the students, and especially the wacky teachers. Don’t Stop Believin’ is for Glee fans who demand more once the curtain falls. From information about the stars, the music, the trivia, and the in-jokes, to analysis of each relationship and fashion choice, Don’t Stop Believin’ is the go-to guide for all things Glee. The book is thorough enough to satiate even the most dedicated of fans, yet accessible enough that a casual viewer can enjoy it.

Finding Lost — Season One and Two: The Unofficial Guide

by Nikki Stafford

If you’re feeling as lost as the castaways on the show, Finding Lost is the crucial companion guide to help you unravel the mysteries of the island. This is the only book that offers an episode-by-episode guide to the first two seasons of Lost, following the developments of the characters, the plots, and the various connections fans must make to keep up. Full of exclusive photos and enough background to put you leagues ahead of other viewers, this book will finally help you “find” Lost.

Finding Lost — Season Three: The Unofficial Guide

by Nikki Stafford

The second installment in the critically acclaimed, bestselling Finding Lost series. The castaways on Lost spent two seasons trying to find rescue, dealing with the traumas of their past, and being baffled by the presence of polar bears on their deserted island. In season 3, they are focused on a bigger problem: the Others. With the mysteries of the island deepening and the puzzle becoming more convoluted, this book will help you put those pieces together to figure out where the series is going.

Finding Lost — Season Four: The Unofficial Guide

by Nikki Stafford

In Finding Lost — Season Four: The Unofficial Guide, Stafford continues to delve into the mysteries of this show. Season 1 was about trying to get rescued; season 2 was about adapting to the island; season 3 about the tension between the Lostaways and the Others. Season 4 is the turning point in the series, pointing fans to the future through flashforwards, rather than to the past. The Season Four guide will contain analyses on the Oceanic Six, how the time travel theories play into the greater mysteries on the show, how different characters are starting to come together, and point the way to how this series could possibly end.

Finding Lost — Season Five: The Unofficial Guide

by Nikki Stafford

Since its premiere in 2004, Lost has gone from weird (polar bears in the jungle) to weirder (a man living in a bunker hitting a button every 108 minutes to “save the world”) to just plain crazy (a large frozen wheel moving the island). And the fans love every minute of it. In the brilliant season 4, the outside world invaded the island and the Oceanic 6 were “rescued.” And now . . . they’re coming back. The pre-eminent source for fans, Nikki Stafford’s Finding Lost series — the only Lost books with a complete episode-by-episode guide — continues its exploration of the deeper meanings of the show.

Finding Lost — Season Six: The Unofficial Guide

by Nikki Stafford

The two words Lost fans have both craved and feared are here: The End. Five years of questions, mysteries, and . . . well . . . more questions all come down to one final season. Author Nikki Stafford has established herself in the Lost fandom through her comprehensive episode analysis, which has helped thousands of viewers watch the show with a deeper understanding of it season after season. This final installment of the Finding Lost series will tie together all of the pieces from season 1 to the end, showing the beginnings of each plot line and tracing its development throughout the series. The Season 6 book will include analyses on the war between good and evil and how it’s been epitomized in the black and white themes, and will provide possible explanations for many of the questions that will no doubt remain unanswered at the end of the series. The book will be filled with sidebars offering summaries for many of the show’s ongoing mysteries, and chapters on the show’s literary precursors, Stephen King’s The Stand and Milton’s Paradise Lost. Including exclusive behind-the-scenes photos of the filming of the season 6 episodes on location in Hawaii, Finding Lost: Season Six will be the only book Lost fans will need when the screen goes dark (or light) one final time.

Frak You!: The Ultimate Unauthorized Guide to Battlestar Galactica

by Jo Storm

Frak You!: The Ultimate Unauthorized Guide to Battlestar Galactica examines the universe of BSG — a drastically reduced population living in an apocalyptic world, fighting for the survival of the human race. This book includes a look at the different ways in which apocalyptic events are depicted in science fiction; how the show blends current political content into a science fiction setting, dealing with topical subjects like treatment of war prisoners, armistice breaking, and the rules of engagement; how the current show compares to the original 1970s series and how the characters resemble their original namesakes; and it looks at how war and survival are portrayed on the series, using themes of apocalypse, losing one’s home, capturing enemies, political torture, and the choices we make in desperate situations. It also features an interview with the show’s executive producer, Ron Moore, and bios of the seven principal cast members. With an in–depth episode guide to the first three seasons of the show — analyzing the history of the Cylons and the show’s use of mythology, religion, and politics — and the interim “webisodes” that aired online between seasons two and three, Frak You! is the only guide to this amazing show that fans will need.

The House That Hugh Laurie Built: An Unauthorized Biography and Episode Guide

by Paul Challen

Who is the man behind the cane and acerbic wit? A musician? A motorcyclist? A comedian? Laurie is all these things and more. This biography sheds light on his childhood struggles to live up to his mother’s high demands and emulate his father’s accomplishments as a doctor and an Olympic gold medalist; his education at the prestigious academies of Eton and Cambridge; his comedic career with Emma Thompson, Stephen Fry, and Rowan Atkinson; his own personal struggle with depression; and how he came to be the best–loved curmudgeon on television. The House That Hugh Laurie Built serves as a magnifying glass, providing episode analysis, cast biographies, selections of Dr. House’s caustic wit, and production bloopers and medical mistakes that only a sleuth like Dr. House could expose.

Inside the West Wing: An Unauthorized Guide to Television’s Smartest Show

by Paul Challen

For anyone who’s ever wished the American president’s name was Bartlet . . . In Inside the West Wing, author Paul Challen takes a detailed look at this hugely popular series: how it’s put together, what ideas and political themes drive its plots, and ultimately, why it’s so popular. Through in-depth interviews, commentary from political and entertainment-industry observers, plus extensive searches of the numerous official and un-official show Web sites available in cyberspace, Challen provides a comprehensive look inside the show for die-hard fans and casual watchers alike. To round out the package, Inside the West Wing also contains actor profiles, and an episode-by-episode guide to the first two seasons.

Lost Ate My Life: The Inside Story of a Fandom Like No Other

by Jon Lachonis and Amy J. Johnston

Lost Ate my Life! has two central ideas: first, that the creators of Lost created a shift in the thinking of online communities, effectively removing the barrier between the artists and the patrons by hosting one of the largest officially sponsored independent discussion forums in history. Lost bloggers became important celebrities amongst the fan bases, some fans found themselves drawn into the inner circle, and the network began making decisions based on ebb and flow of fan sentiment. Interwoven with the story of the fandom is the examination of Lost’s story itself: its archetypal themes, and its evolution from bordering on the high-concept ‘cash in’ it was intended to be, to the high art mixture of philosophy, drama, redemption, science, and faith. What is it in the formula of Lost that speaks to our collective unconscious so well that millions of fans are easily able to endure such mammoth leaps of suspension-of-disbelief? The book’s story is told by two members of the fan community who witnessed the spread and impact of the fandom from the inside, eventually becoming insiders – to different degrees – themselves; one, Amy, deep within the inner sanctum of Lost labs, the other, Jon, ascending from the world of blogging to the world of professional media.

Love to Love You Bradys: The Bizarre Story of The Brady Bunch Variety Hour

by Ted Nichelson and Susan Olsen and Lisa Sutton

After decades under lock and key, Hollywood’s best kept secret is about to be revealed. Love to Love You Bradys: The Bizarre Story of The Brady Bunch Variety Hour is an in-depth look at the most disastrous offering in television history brought to you by Cindy Brady herself, Susan Olsen. In this colourful, glitter-filled retrospective Susan and co-author Ted Nichelson investigate in very Brady detail how and why the rarely seen Variety Hour was conceived, produced, and ended up ranked in TV Guide’s top five “Worst Shows of All-Time.” Behind the scenes, this production was chock full of very serious human conflict: drug addiction, sexuality, weight issues, religion, and heated power struggles — all ultimately shattering the Bradys’ perfect image and forever scarring the legacy of TV’s favorite family. Love to Love You Bradys features hundreds of never-before-published photos and interviews with cast, crew, and production staff, including the Brady Bunch, Sherwood Schwartz, Sid and Marty Krofft, Bruce Vilanch, Paul Shaffer, and Rip Taylor.

Love You to Death: The Unofficial Companion to The Vampire Diaries

by Crissy Calhoun

Premiering in the thick of the current vampire craze, The Vampire Diaries at first glance seemed like just another addition to the overpopulated, undead pop-culture racket. But with veteran writer/producer Kevin Williamson at the helm (Dawson’s Creek, the Scream movies), the CW found it had a new hit TV show on its hands. Love You to Death: The Unofficial Companion to The Vampire Diaries is the only book that takes you deep into the heart of Mystic Falls with an episode-by-episode guide to the first season. Featuring bios of the cast, the story behind the creation of the show, the bestselling book series by L.J. Smith that first introduced Elena and the Salvatore brothers, as well as background details on the rich history and mythology, Love You to Death is the essential fan bible for The Vampire Diaries.

Love You to Death: The Unofficial Companion to The Vampire Diaries — Season 2

by Crissy Calhoun

Go deep into the heart of Mystic Falls with this episode-by-episode look at the second season of The Vampire Diaries. This next volume in a series School Library Journal called “well written and thoroughly detailed,” Love You to Death: The Unofficial Companion to The Vampire Diaries — Season 2 is the essential guide to the show, featuring insightful explorations of each episode with information on the rich history, supernatural mythology, film references, character development, and much more; chapters on the vampire, werewolf, and doppelgänger lore that inspired the series; and details on the making of the show, the people who put it together, and the fandom that keeps it alive. With photos of the irresistible cast and of the show’s filming locations, this second installment captures the fun, fangs, and fear that make this bloodcurdling show so epic.

Love You to Death: The Unofficial Companion to The Vampire Diaries — Season 3

by Crissy Calhoun

The Vampire Diaries’ ultimate fan bible returns for season 3!

Go deep into the heart of Mystic Falls with the latest volume in a series School Library Journal called “well written and thoroughly detailed.” Love You to Death features insightful explorations of each episode of season 3 with information on the rich history, supernatural mythology, film references, and character development; chapters on the supernatural lore that inspired the series; and details on the making of the show, the people who put it together, and the audience that keeps it alive. The Vampire Diaries’ popularity and acclaim continue to grow, and Love You to Death feeds the frenzy by engaging the fandom with a companion guide that readers return to again and again.

Love You to Death: The Unofficial Companion to The Vampire Diaries — Season 4

by Crissy Calhoun

The ultimate Vampire Diaries fan bible returns

With a foreword by co-creator Julie Plec, the fan-favorite Love You to Death series returns with an essential guide to the fourth season of The CW’s hit show The Vampire Diaries. This season four companion delves headlong into the twists and turns of each episode, exploring the layers of rich history, supernatural mythology, historical and pop culture references, and the complexities and motivations of the show’s memorable cast of characters. Add expanded chapters on the making of the show, the people who bring the world of Mystic Falls to life, and the intensely loyal audience that keeps it thriving, and you have a guide as compelling and addictive as the show itself.

Features exclusive interviews with: co-creator Julie Plec, executive producer Caroline Dries, writer Jose Molina, producer Pascal Verschooris, director Joshua Butler, cinematographer Dave Perkal, editor Tyler Cook, and composer Michael Suby.

Once Bitten: An Unofficial Guide to the World of Angel

by Nikki Stafford

Welcome to world of Angel, the most original and thought-provoking show on television. The show is a spin-off of the equally intelligent Buffy the Vampire Slayer, a show that broke new ground for its portrayal of strong women. Now that Buffy has staked her last vampire, Angel has gotten more notice from critics and fans, out from the shadow of its predecessor. This book features: a history of the show and how it has changed over the years; a summary of the 2003 Posting Board Party in L.A. that was attended by many of the actors of Angel; a section on the best Angel Web sites, including a profile of cityofangel.com, the official source of Angel information; a trivia quiz; a look at Buffy and Angel‘s recognition in academic circles; a complete episode guide of all five seasons of Angel, complete with brief summaries, analyses, highlights, continuity errors, interesting facts, music/bands, and other interesting facts; an episode guide to the final season of Buffy that will act as a completion to Bite Me!, and exclusive behind-the-scenes photos.

Pretty, Pretty, Pretty Good: Larry David and the Making of Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm

by Josh Levine

As a comedian, then producer of Seinfeld, and now the creator and star of Curb Your Enthusiasm, Larry David has a fanatical following. In his early stand-up days, if he walked on stage and didn’t like the crowd, he would walk off. Together with Jerry Seinfeld, they pitched NBC on a sitcom where nothing happens. A whole show could be about waiting in line at a Chinese restaurant. And somehow Seinfeld became the most successful comedy show of all time. After nine years of writing and producing the show, and after making a huge amount of money, Larry David began to create a new show for HBO. Without much separation between himself and the character he plays, Curb follows the daily routines of Larry David. Being politically correct is far from Larry’s mind, and the audience cringes as he berates, torments, and blusters his way into the hearts of TV watchers. Follow the early exploits of Larry’s stand-up career, his days writing for Seinfeld, and learn how Curb was conceived and developed. Pretty, Pretty, Pretty Good — titled after Larry’s key catchphrase — also explores Larry’s on- and off-screen relationships with famous pals like Richard Lewis, Ted Danson, Mary Steenburgen, and the cast of Seinfeld, and contains an in-depth episode guide to Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Saving the World: A Guide to Heroes

by Lynnette Porter and David Lavery and Hillary Robson

“Save the Cheerleader, Save the World” With that immediately memorable mantra, Heroes became the top–rated new series of fall 2006. It touches our inner comic book fan, even if we’ve never cracked open a comic book. Saving the World: A Guide to Heroes includes essay analyses of the many reasons that keep Heroes’ audience tuning in each week. Authors Lynnette Porter, David Lavery, and Hillary Robson are experts in the field of television analysis, having penned books on Lost, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Deadwood, Seinfeld, The Sopranos, and many others. In this book, they explore the history of comic books making their way to the screen, and how this show has been affected by the decades of comic book superheroes that precede it; the series’ archetypal characters; the fandom surrounding the show; its link to other current series such as Lost; creator Tim Kring and how he is the driving force behind the show. The book also includes brief episode guides of each installment of the series.

Spotted: Your One and Only Unofficial Guide to Gossip Girl

by Crissy Calhoun

In its first two seasons Gossip Girl has proved itself a popular and critical darling, influencing the culture it critiques and setting trends while providing biting social commentary on this generation of entitled, tech-savvy youth. In Spotted: Your One and Only Unofficial Guide to Gossip Girl, you’ll find an episode-by-episode exploration of seasons 1 and 2, tracing the development of the characters and storylines; bios of the cast and the show’s creators, Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage; comparisons to the show’s teen soap and literary predecessors, including how the Gossip Girl books were adapted; summaries of the movies that inspire each episode’s title; sidebars of fun trivia; all the details on the music, the fashion, and the NYC locations where Gossip Girl films (complete with exclusive photos!); Chuck Bass (and he’s wearing purple). Second only to a Blair Waldorf–inspired hair band, Spotted is the must-have accessory for any fan who says, “Not enough!” when the end credits roll.

Truly, Madly, Deadly: The Unofficial Guide to True Blood

by Becca Wilcott

Created by Alan Ball, the Oscar-winning writer of American Beauty and creator of HBO’s cult ensemble sensation Six Feet Under, True Blood has surpassed The Sopranos as the largest-ever audience for a cable show, and boasts one of the most vibrant online communities of any television series. Truly, Madly, Deadly: The Unofficial True Blood Companion is an all-in-one treasure tomb for the “truest” fans of the first two seasons of HBO’s immensely popular vampire series True Blood. Truly, Madly, Deadly includes: an in-depth look at every episode in seasons 1 and 2, linking the events in each season to the series’ overall themes, including highlights, little-known facts, musical notes, and Becca’s relationship nitpicks, as well as her vote for creepiest moment of each episode, biographies of each major cast member, along with pictures and fan quotes, an overview of literary and cinematic vampiretainment, an introduction to and exclusive interview with Charlaine Harris, the woman behind the Sookie Stackhouse novels that sparked the fan frenzy, full chapters that tackle some of the underlying themes of True Blood such as the paranormal appeal, the minority politics of sexuality and gender, and the use of monsters as metaphor, contributions from real-life vampires and vampyre lifestylers, a special focus on the extremely popular True Blood Twitter Players, exclusive interviews with members of the True Blood cast, as well as location and on-set photos.

Uncovering Alias: An Unofficial Guide

by Nikki Stafford and Robyn Burnett

TV Guide has called it “one of TV’s most enjoyably escapist hours ever.” Its star, Jennifer Garner, has gone from a relative unknown to a huge superstar. Since it premiered in September 2001 it has consistently shown up on critics’ top 10 lists, has a large, devoted following, and has won two Emmys and a Golden Globe. There’s no denying it: Alias is a smash hit. But what is the show about? Ask 10 viewers of the show and you’ll probably get 10 different answers. Even Alias’s most diehard viewers can’t help but feel a general “huh?” after every episode, despite being able to follow the overreaching arc of this excellent show. But Uncovering Alias is here to help solve the viewer’s questions.

TV Goes to Hell: An Unofficial Guide to Supernatural

Ed. David Lavery and Stacey Abbott

Less focused on individual episodes, this book is split into three parts, each discussing a broad element of the narrative experience of the first three seasons of this multilayered show. As a natural heir to the long-running television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer,Supernatural has risen to prominence with a strong cult following, and this collection of essays from contributors around the globe investigates the genre-bending series’ cultural footprint both in North America and abroad. The book explores topics such as folklore, religion, gender and sexuality, comedy, music, and much more, and offers a brief guide to all the episodes as well.

Into the Looking Glass: Exploring the Worlds of Fringe

by Sarah Clarke Stuart

Offering a holistic approach to television criticism, this analytical companion to the popular show Fringeexamines the drama’s mythology and unveils its mysteries while exposing significant cultural issues addressed in each episode. With a strong basis in science fiction, Fringe has all of the archetypal characters and themes of the genre, from the covert mastermind and the mad scientist to dangerous advances in technology, parallel worlds, and man-made monsters. Along with many other post–9/11 television shows aired in the West, Fringe has demonstrated a society’s collective paranoia about foreign invaders, on the one hand, and domestic corruption on the other. It also lays bare the fear of radical advances in technology and urges its viewers to ponder the ethical limitations of science. This guide explores how the show uses these elements to tap into a deeper understanding of the human experience.

Where There’s Smoke . . . Musings of a Cigarette Smoking Man

by William B. Davis

One of the most iconic villains in the history of television, the enigmatic Cigarette Smoking Man fascinated legions of fans of the 1990s’ hit TV series,The X-Files. Best known as “Cancerman,” he was voted Television’s Favourite Villain by the readers ofTV Guide. The man behind the villain, William B. Davis, is a Canadian actor and director, whose revelations in this memoir will entertain and intrigue the millions of X-Files aficionados worldwide. But there is more to Davis’s story than just The X-Files. Davis’s extensive acting experience began when he was a child in Ontario in the 1950s, and grew to encompass radio, theatre, film, and television. At the University of Toronto, where he graduated with a degree in philosophy, he turned his hand to directing, a move that took him to theatre school in Britain and a directing career. There, he reconnected with his undergraduate colleague, Donald Sutherland, and worked at the National Theatre, with such notables as Sir Laurence Olivier, Dame Maggie Smith, and Albert Finney. Those who love the theatre will delight in his recollections of the Straw Hat Players in Ontario or the trials and tribulations of an artistic director of repertory theatre in Dundee, Scotland, or his valiant attempt to create a theatre in Quebec devoted to the Canadian repertoire. Those who love history will relive with Davis those “golden years” of Canadian radio drama and theatre, not to mention enjoying an inside look at the National Theatre School of Canada where he directed the English Acting Program in the ’60s. Those who love a bit of scandalous gossip will not be disappointed. Written in an easy conversational style, this memoir truly is “The Musings of the Cigarette Smoking Man” – as William B. Davis reflects on his loves, his losses, his hopes, his fears, and his accomplishments in this unique and engaging autobiography.

Inside Pee-wee’s Playhouse: The Untold, Unauthorized and Unpredicatable Story of a Pop Phenomenon

by Caseen Gaines

Between 1986 and 1991, nearly ten million people a week watched Pee-wee’s Playhouse, the critically acclaimed and widely successful children’s program broadcast on CBS. Now, on the 25th anniversary of the show, the complete behind-the-scenes story is being told for the first time by those who experienced it. Complete with an episode guide, biographical information about the cast and key members of the show’s creative team, never-before-told anecdotes, and previously unpublished photos, Inside Pee-wee’s Playhousetakes the first in-depth look behind the program TV Guide recently cited as one of the top ten cult classics of all time.

Rosewood Confidential: The Unofficial Companion to Pretty Little Liars

by Liv Spencer

Rosewood Confidential is the first companion book to the dark deeds, ugly secrets, and flashy fashion of Pretty Little Liars. With six Teen Choice Awards (including Choice Summer TV Show two years in a row) and nominations from People’s Choice and GLAAD Media Awards, the show is a fan favourite, ratings success, and trending Twitter topic every time a new episode airs.

Rosewood Confidential features an episode guide to the first two seasons of ABC Family’s hit show, bios of the stars, and the story of how a New York Times bestselling book series by Sara Shepard became a pop culture phenomenon. It’s as thrilling as a text message from a dead girl.

A Christmas Story: Behind the Scenes of a Holiday Classic

by Caseen Gaines

Unwrap a treasure trove of stories and photos behind a Christmas tradition

A Christmas Story has become a perennial holiday favourite since its release in 1983. While millions watch the movie every year on television, few know the story behind the film’s production, release, and unlikely ascent. Ralphie Parker’s quest for “a Red Ryder carbine action, two hundred shot Range Model air rifle with a compass in the stock and this thing which tells time” didn’t begin or end with the release of Bob Clark’s sleeper hit. Adapted from Jean Shepherd’s radio broadcasts and short stories, A Christmas Story has inspired a mountain of merchandise, sequels, a stage adaptation, and a big-budget Broadway musical. There’s also a tourist attraction in Cleveland and annual conventions. Not bad for a movie that was only a modest hit during its original theatrical run. Now, in time for its 30th anniversary, the story of the making of the film — and what happened afterwards — is being told for the first time. Complete with rare and previously unreleased photographs and drawing on original interviews with cast and crew, A Christmas Story: Behind the Scenes of a Holiday Classic is sure to make you glad you didn’t shoot your eye out!