- Paperback: 448 pages
- Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux; Reprint edition (Feb 2002)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0374527180
- ISBN-13: 978-0374527181
- Product Dimensions: 21.4 x 14 x 3.8 cm
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 5,361,796 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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11 reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Outstanding Television History Lesson for All Interested
10 July 2002
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Although I initially intended on simply reviewing Bogle's masterwork, I feel that along with a personal reflection on the book, it is necessary to contradict statements made by an earlier reviewer.
Yes, the book is "exhaustive" but never is it boring. Every profile of African-American actors on the tube is carefully detailed and extensively covered, with little asides that make for intriguing reading. To this reader, it is clear that Bogle feels that there have been significant improvements in the representation of Blacks on television, but there are still some significant inroads, in front of and behind the camera, that need to be made. By covering as thoroughly as he has the entirety of those African-American pioneers and trendsetters, the author satisfies those that have longed to see such a mammoth undertaking published.
I, for one, savor the profiles of such underrated performers as Rosalind Cash, Joe Morton, Shirley Hemphill, Juano Hernandez, James Edwards, and a slew of others that labored with many less-than-distinguished parts and managed to create something memorable. It is further refreshing to see the author give the backgrounds of the more familiar African-American superstars like Bill Cosby, Cicely Tyson, and Diahann Carroll.
While I do not particularly care for the programs that have a "monochromatic cast" (Friends, Martin, and the various UPN "black-block" shows), I understand and appreciate Bogle's belief that television shows have a responsibility to inform and present a realistic portrayal of society, be that program a sitcom or a drama.
It is true that television is primarily entertainment; however, in that entertainment, thought-provoking writing and occasional commentary on society is warranted. That is one of Bogle's premises that he eloquently expresses.
This is a top-notch historical/editorial reference that makes for great reading and a worthwhile addition to the library of any fan of the "boob tube."
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
A CLASSIC,BUT WITH A FEW FLAWS
29 Sep 2001
Format:Hardcover
PRIMETIME BLUES is an excellent history of African-Americans
on primetime television,from the days of "Beluah" to "The Parkers".Smart,honest,and very,very,very insightful,PRIMETIME
BLUES makes you want to read even more.But if I had to put in
some complaints,it'd be Donald Bogle's political bias.Suggesting
that all Blacks live rough and that any Black show that wants to
show a normal,calm Black family is phony.And at times,PRIMETIME
BLUES comes off a textbook as well.But anyway,buy this book
for excellent coverage of Blacks on your TV screen!
on primetime television,from the days of "Beluah" to "The Parkers".Smart,honest,and very,very,very insightful,PRIMETIME
BLUES makes you want to read even more.But if I had to put in
some complaints,it'd be Donald Bogle's political bias.Suggesting
that all Blacks live rough and that any Black show that wants to
show a normal,calm Black family is phony.And at times,PRIMETIME
BLUES comes off a textbook as well.But anyway,buy this book
for excellent coverage of Blacks on your TV screen!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
"The" book of African Americans in the history of television
18 Sep 2001
Format:Hardcover
Just a splendid, engrossing work that details the history of African Americans in television. More than just a cursory glance, Bogle unearths all sorts of African Americans who have made contributions, no matter how small their part.
For everyone who wants to see a reference for 1) where we have been as far as minority representation on tv 2) where we are now and most importantly 3) where we SHOULD BE.
Essential for anyone who has a real passion for the medium!
For everyone who wants to see a reference for 1) where we have been as far as minority representation on tv 2) where we are now and most importantly 3) where we SHOULD BE.
Essential for anyone who has a real passion for the medium!
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