Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The whole of Blue Peter in one book, 27 Mar 2009
I was surprised that I'd missed this when it first came out, and I really was in two minds about buying it. However, I took the plunge and I'm so glad I did. True, as the other reviews say, it's no good trying to read this book from start to finish, you'll never manage it because this is simply a Blue Peter Directory.
But don't let that put you off. Every single programme ever made (up until the end of the 2007-8 series) is listed here... even shows that were cancelled (plus one that was affected by a strike, and only consisted of the programme's filmed features linked together by the continuity announcer!).
Each show's listing contains a 'running order' of featured items along with production credits and other notable comments, plus in many instances a critical comment on the show from the Editor (Biddy didn't mince her words!).
I was surprised at how well I had remembered odd little things about the show, such as Mike Oldfield's opening and closing themes receiving their debut on totally different shows, a few weeks apart (OK, I know it's a little 'sad' to remember that, but it's all listed - my memory didn't cheat).
Although Amazon may show that this is out of stock, I placed my order and they were able to fulfil it within 3 weeks, not bad considering this is an independent publication (alternatively you could always look up the publishers... but Amazon are cheaper!).
As a complete record of a television programme it's hard to beat, and it's the perfect companion to author (and former Blue Peter Editor) Richard Marson's other, official "Blue Peter" 50th Anniversary Book: The Story of Television's Longest-running Children's Programme. Indeed, only in the 'Inside The Archives' book will you be able to read Richard's honest description about the end of his time with the programme. In my humble opinion, he should still be working on the programme... however...
The book is lovingly dedicated to Richard's son, who very sadly died in 2008, but had been a great fan of the programme.
Well worth it, in so many ways.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A phenomenal companion, 9 Feb 2009
Whatever you do with this book, don't try to read it... Why? Inside this thick volume you'll find a long list, printed in a tiny font, detailing every episode of "Blue Peter" from the very start, listing each piece and filmed segment along with transmission dates and other details. Scattered throughout you'll find a few black and white photos, but as a book this is purely an archive of information. One highlight for me is the inclusion of notes from the series editors such as Biddy Baxter and Richard Marson after some shows detailing mistakes which were made, such as presenters fluffing their lines or getting the giggles. If you want an entertaining book about a real national treasure of a show but Marson's stunning 50th anniversary book, but if you want to know when a particular show was on, or when a particular presenter first appeared, or you're just a "Blue Peter" geek, this is for you.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant Blue Peter reference book!, 2 Feb 2009
If you, a friend or relative has ever appeared on Blue Peter in the past then this is a brilliant reference for tracing a particular episode.
There's a 16 page introduction by Richard Marson and then it lists every Blue Peter programme broadcast from the very first programme on 16 October 1958 to 7 August 2008 (including Specials/tie-in programmes) with a brief summary of the programme's contents.
Now that I've found the episode, how can order a copy of the DVD of that programme to send as a gift...
Since there's no description of book above, here's what's on the back cover of the book:
"RICHARD MARSON worked on Blue Peter for ten years, four of them as Editor. In that time, he directed more than one hundred films and edited over five hundred editions of the programme, winning a BAFTA and casting three presenters, two cats, a dog and a gardener! He also devised and executive produced BBC FOUR's Children's TV On Trial: The Kid's Verdict.
Blue Peter is the world's longest running children's programme. The 'Blue Peter' is actually the name of a flag, traditionally lowered 24 hours before a ship sets sail on new voyage. The show's creator John Hunter Blair, chose the name because he thought that each edition should be like setting off on a new voyage. He had no idea how far his ship would sail or that it would become a cultural phenomenon in it's own right. Since that first transmission on 16 October 1958 there have been over 4400 editions, thirty-four presenters and a whole menagerie of pets.
Among its many impressive statistics, Blue Peter has one of the finest and most eclectic archives in broadcasting history, its producers hoarding and retaining material at a time when the usual practice was to junk and destroy - assuming, of course, that you recorded your output in the first place. Many of the live programmes were recorded 'off air' and so today provide a priceless legacy of continuity and trails from the golden age of TV.
In this book, you will find a fully comprehensive guide, not only to that fabulous archive, but also to the wide range of spin-off programmes which came out of the Blue Peter stable - from Blue Peter Special Assignments and Val Meets The VIPs to Treasure Houses and Duncan Dares. There is also a section on much of the relevant and existing related material, from radio and television - interviews, behind-the-scenes reports and documentaries.
This detailed chronicle covering the fifty year life span of one of British Television's most iconic series provides readers and researchers with a treasure trove of information - reflecting the social history, changing styles and famous faces of each decade - over 400 pages taking you back in time for a unique slice of British childhood."
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by Biddy Baxter
by Dorling Kindersley
by Graham Kibble-White
by BBC
With an Amazon.co.uk Gift Certificate, you can get them what they want (even if you don't know what that is). 
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