Synopsis
The world History series examines the eras, events, civilizations, and movements that have shaped human history, providing readers with insight into the past and its many legacies. Vivid writing, full-color photographs and extensive use of fully cited primary and secondary source quotations provide a sense of immediacy. Sidebars, time lines, indexes, and annotated bibliographies, which appear in every volume, offer a wealth of additional information as well as provide launching points for further discussion and study.
VOYA
Each slim volume in this series covers an historical event or period from various cultures and eras. The History of Television begins by describing the scientific advances that preceded television and then chronicles the rise of networks, the establishment of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the development of cable and satellite television, the global presence of cable stations such as CNN, and the effects of technology on consumers—from remote controls to DVRs. Central to the narrative are descriptions and photos of popular shows like Texaco Star Theater with Milton Berle, I Love Lucy, Gunsmoke, Father Knows Best, CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite, Dallas, The Cosby Show, Seinfeld, American Idol, and Law and Order. The history of the sitcom is discussed, mentioning why certain sitcoms were popular in particular eras. The author posits that the future of television will involve more technological advances, more interactivity, and more involvement with the Internet. The primary focus is the explanation of how the medium has impacted consumers. The concise histories in this series focus on the effects of each topic on ordinary people. Each volume includes a time line of important dates. Other titles include The Inquisition, Mayan Civilization, Vietnam War, Islamic Empire, and Transatlantic Slave Trade. The books are excellent sources for teachers and student researchers. Reviewer: Florence H. Munat