- Hardcover: 840 pages
- Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; Subsequent edition (1998)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0195076788
- ISBN-13: 978-0195076783
- Product Dimensions: 26.1 x 19.2 x 6.4 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
1,524,063 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #48 in Books > Music, Stage & Screen > Radio > Reference
- See Complete Table of Contents
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is a great book for the OldTimeRadio Enthusiast which is what I'd call myself at times I suppose.
I was a little disappointed with one thing though: I thought that maybe there would be listings of when the shows aired and how many episodes of the shows there were etc. (the amount of episodes is listed for many of them).
I suppose I was expecting too much as, to have a book which gives you information and the background stories, anecdotes and other quirks of info on the shows, to also have a full show index really would result in a book that would be so large and heavy it would probably weigh in at over a tonne!
So I realised this and accepted how dumb I was being! Heh.
This book, without the huge show index, really is a great one and I cannot recommend it enough for anyone who loves the old time radio that has enjoyed somewhat of a revival in recent years.
If you are just starting out in collecting or have been at it for a while...get this book! You will learn many things!
I was a little disappointed with one thing though: I thought that maybe there would be listings of when the shows aired and how many episodes of the shows there were etc. (the amount of episodes is listed for many of them).
I suppose I was expecting too much as, to have a book which gives you information and the background stories, anecdotes and other quirks of info on the shows, to also have a full show index really would result in a book that would be so large and heavy it would probably weigh in at over a tonne!
So I realised this and accepted how dumb I was being! Heh.
This book, without the huge show index, really is a great one and I cannot recommend it enough for anyone who loves the old time radio that has enjoyed somewhat of a revival in recent years.
If you are just starting out in collecting or have been at it for a while...get this book! You will learn many things!
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
The great value of this book as a "good read" or as an aid to sorting one's collection of old time radio recordings is covered very well by other reviewers on this site. I want to point out its use as an educational tool. Social Studies classes are all too often made boring by reliance on textbooks (which are either outdated or too politically correct to be of any use) or on films and tapes, which are better but still pretty factual (whatever the bias) and dull to many students. I have always in my classes used the music of the period to liven things up a bit; but what about using radio broadcasts? Each one of them is a reflection of the people and events that shaped these shows and so many of them are available on tapes and CDs from such catalogues as Radio Spirits. <On the Air> is a fantastic resource manual for a teacher who wants to see what is appropriate for any particular class and to provide the background information for the students. Oxford University Press might want to consider this angle in their advertizing. But even all this aside, it does make for some fascinating reading!
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
From the A&P Gypsies to the Ziegfield Follies of the Air, the entire spectrum of radio in its heyday (1930's 40's, 50's) is all here, with as fabulous a cast of characters as were ever gathered into one industry.
The 1500 entries detail the broadcast history of each show (including dates, times, network, and sponsors), cast members major and minor, announcers, musicians and singers, producers and directors, sound effects technicians, and more.
Shows of special significance, such as "Gunsmoke" (1952-61) are treated in extensive essays describing their history and development, with background information derived from numerous interviews and meticulous research. There are also special categories, or "umbrella entries", covering concert, news, and religious shows, and the remote broadcasts of the great bands, such as Glenn Miller and Woody Herman. For hardcore radio buffs and collectors information on the availability of tapes of old shows will be a special treat. With its fine bibliography and generous index, Dunning's work is a first rate production, essential for anyone interested in old time radio.
The 1500 entries detail the broadcast history of each show (including dates, times, network, and sponsors), cast members major and minor, announcers, musicians and singers, producers and directors, sound effects technicians, and more.
Shows of special significance, such as "Gunsmoke" (1952-61) are treated in extensive essays describing their history and development, with background information derived from numerous interviews and meticulous research. There are also special categories, or "umbrella entries", covering concert, news, and religious shows, and the remote broadcasts of the great bands, such as Glenn Miller and Woody Herman. For hardcore radio buffs and collectors information on the availability of tapes of old shows will be a special treat. With its fine bibliography and generous index, Dunning's work is a first rate production, essential for anyone interested in old time radio.
(The "score" rating is an unfortunately ineradicable feature of the page. This reviewer does not "score" books.)
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
The Definitive Book on Old-Time Radio
John's 1976 "Tune In Yesterday" is a classic. "On The Air" is more than just a revision of his earlier book. Read more
Published on 26 Sep 1998
An outstanding resource guide! I just wish it had pictures.
On The Air: The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio is a must-have for any Old-Time Radio buff. The book has already helped me arrange my collection of shows. Read more
Published on 12 Aug 1998
Outstanding! An encyclopedia that's fun to read.
This book is an exhaustive works which contains complete information on just about every old time radio show that was ever on the air. Read more
Published on 3 Aug 1998
This is the second edition, but the first was great fun.
The original verison of this book came out years ago (1970-ish). Very popular with OTR folks because it lists obscure shows too. Not many - if any - photos in the first edition. Read more
Published on 26 July 1998
This is the second edition, but the first was great fun.
The original verison of this book came out years ago (1970-ish). Very popular with OTR folks because it lists obscure shows too. Not many - if any - photos in the first edition. Read more
Published on 26 July 1998
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