From The Shadow to National Public Radio's All Things Considered, The Encyclopedia of American Radio is a celebration of the medium that changed the way the world was entertained and informed. This updated, easy-to-use reference covers legendary radio shows and personalities from the 1920s to the present. It brings to life the mysteries, comedies, adventure tales, soap operas, and characters--both real and imagined--that have fascinated four generations of radio listeners. The Encyclopedia of American Radio features more than 1,000 entries on all the major radio programs, including their characters, sponsors, storylines, the stations that carried them, and more. Accompanying the text entries are 120 photographs as well as appendixes on show chronologies, vintage radio show clubs, newsletters, organizations, dates, and cast lists. It is a must-have reference for students of broadcasting, communications, and American social history; historians; and vintage radio buffs. Among the personalities, characters, and topics covered are: Lucille Ball, whose My Favorite Husband became TV's I Love LucyOrson Wells, who began his radio career as Lamont Cranston, a.k.a. The ShadowThe comedy shows of Bob Hope and Jack BennyThe Mercury Theater's broadcasts of literary classics, such as H.G. Wells' The War of the WorldsCharacters, such as Dick Tracy, Li'l Abner, The Lone Ranger, and Fibber McGee and MollyToday's radio personalities, such as Howard Stern and Larry KingShow synopses, their broadcast histories, and air times. Excerpted from Encyclopedia of American Radio: An A-Z Guide to Radio from Jack Benny to Howard Stern by Ronald W. Lackmann All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.
