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Best of the Britcoms: From Fawlty Towers to Absolutely Fabulous was published in October of 1999 by Taylor Publishing in Dallas. As the title suggests, the book celebrates the finest British TV sitcoms to cross the Atlantic and appear on American television (mostly on PBS stations and cable networks) since the mid-1970s. It came about when I realized one day in 1995 that I had hundreds of hours of Britcoms amassed on countless videotapes, so I decided to do something constructive with my addiction. I was certain that there were others like me across the U.S. who loved Britcoms but had not had the opportunity to learn much about them, and who would most likely appreciate a book dedicated to Britcoms. I was also certain that I was the person to write it. Best of the Britcoms is basically a viewer’s guide to the genre, and serves as an introduction for those who aren’t yet as familiar with the 50 different comedy series covered in the book. It was a pleasure to research and write. The most memorable moments were those long-distance calls to the U.K to interview the writers, directors, and actors whom I’ve long admired and who deserve the credit for creating some of television’s most brilliant situation comedies on either side of the Atlantic.
What they’ve said about Best of the Britcoms: “What do you do when you have almost 100 videos full of British comedy threatening to take over your living room and kitchen, not to mention your life? Well, if you’re self-confessed Anglophile Garry Berman, you take what’s on those videos and create a new book, Best of the Britcoms. And for comedy fans everywhere, there is much rejoicing.” -- The Insider (BBC publication for PBS members) “Thanks to his interviews with 20 of the genre’s most prolific writers, Berman has also gleaned insights into the shows’ creative beginnings. The result: a book compiled with such intelligence and care that you could call its author a telly visionary.” --Entertainment Weekly “It is a gold mine of information …I only wish it were longer.” -- Frank Behrens, The Keene Sentinel “It is a splendid production and I am honored to have done the foreword.” -- Richard Briers, star of Good Neighbors (The Good Life) and other Britcoms. “A thoroughly entertaining book.” -- Harold Snoad, Britcom producer (Are You Being Served?, Keeping Up Appearances, Dad’s Army) “A must for the growing legions of Britcom fans.” -- Midwest Book Review
Eva de Romarate, who, in the early days of my research, was my lifeline to the “Beeb.” In her capacity as Assistant Press and Publicity officer, Eva never failed, despite her own busy workload, to try her best to obtain materials, phone numbers, and countless miscellaneous bits of information for me that proved invaluable to Best of the Britcoms. Eva has since moved elsewhere within the BBC, but will forever have my gratitude for her help in making the book possible. While on our honeymoon, Karen and I met with Eva at a pleasant pub in London, so I could thank her in person! To Buy this book, please go to
To read excerpts from my book, click here |
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