Review (PDF) The Man From U.N.C.L.E. Book: The Behind-the-Scenes Story Of A Television Classic

                
              
Review (PDF) 
The Man From U.N.C.L.E. Book: The Behind-the-Scenes Story Of A Television Classic
Drawing on extensive interviews with the cast and crew of The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Jon Heitland has assembled an incredibly comprehensive, fully illustrated account of the show's history, including:-the program's conception in conference with Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond-U.N.C.L.E.'s remarkable surge in popularity-the camaraderie between Robert Vaughn and David McCallum, the show's stars -the factors that led to the show's sudden cancellation-a complete episode guide, including companion program The Girl from U.N.C.L.E.-plus information and anecdotes on the show's production, filming, guest stars, stunts, props, merchandising, and much more.
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; 1st edition (December 15, 1987)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0312000529
ISBN-13: 978-0312000523
Product Dimensions:  7.5 x 0.6 x 9.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review:  4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (49 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #140,384 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)   #46 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Television > Guides & Reviews   #115 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Television > Shows   #2258 in Books > Arts & Photography > Performing Arts
I can't quite figure out the problem the few negative reviewers have with the book. I think their problem is more with the UNCLE series than with the book, or with a childhood they'd rather not remember. If you liked the series (with the exception of most of the 3rd season, which many believe was a disaster, and Heitland explains why)you'll like the book. If you didn't like the series you'll understandably not think much of the book. I loved the series, and even though as an adult I can see its short-comings, I enjoyed the book because it touched that part of my imagination that was filled with awe and wonder by the show. At the age of 12 and 13 I did not want to see behind the scenes-- the fantasy was too wonderful. U.N.C.L.E. was real to me. As an adult I enjoy reading about the mechanics of the series and having a fuller knowledge of a show that helped my imagination to grow.If you're a real Man From U.N.C.L.E. fan, do yourself a favor and buy the book.
This is the best book on "The Man from UNCLE" ever written. I've read the UNCLE Files and they just don't compare to this book. All these negative reviews must be from younger people who were not around when this show first appeared. Everything they know about secret agents they got from Austin Powers.When I read they should use an Uzi and not the UNCLE special it reminds me of Scott Evil saying "why don't you just shoot him "and Dr. Evil saying "you just don't get it do you Scott" .They just don't get it.
I've read a number of books about various TV series and this one is easily the finest of them all. Each page is densely packed with an amazing amount of detail. I've never seen such a thoroughly researched book in all my life. It's as though the author were able to go back in time and eavesdrop on every stage of the show's development. An amazing work. Better still, the writing style is enjoyable. There's nothing dry about this book. I've reread it several times. It also makes a great reference book on the series. I find myself refering back to various chapters all the time. Congratulations are due to author Jon Heitland. Fans of this wonderful show owe him a true debt of gratitude.
I bought this book when it was first published. Being a Man From UNCLE fan this book brought back so many wonderful memories. It was well worth the price when I bought it originally. It allowed me to travel back to those days when I could not wait for the next episode of The Man From UNCLE. Very informative and a great find for UNCLE or any 60's cult television fan.
As an overview of the inner workings and production of one of the defining television shows of the 1960's, "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." book is simply excellent, the best on the subject - much more so than the later "U.N.C.L.E. Tribute Book". Subjects such as writing, photography/cinematography, music, direction, special effects, props, the development of the pilot and series concept and the like are all covered in exhaustive detail. There are also many rare photos, all in B & W.However, the book does have a serious shortcoming in my opinion, which prevents me from giving it 5 stars, in that it does not really go into much detail in discussing the episodes themselves - the 100 episodes of MFU itself and the season's worth of its sister show, "The Girl from U.N.C.L.E.". MFU fans will need to search out the long-out-of-print Files Magazine series "The U.N.C.L.E. Files", which has extensive discussions of every single episode. It must also be said that "The U.N.C.L.E. Tribute Book" does better than this book in reviewing the various MFU novels and the magazine short stories.
I recently bought this book from this great  site and am very pleased with it. It contains many rare pictures from the show and insights into the production of one of my favorite shows on 60s television. The price was very reasonable and I am glad that I ordered it. Highly recommended book!
The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Tv series was the most innovative & creative Tv series of all time, specially during the first seasons. It became a Tv & commercial hit. Heitland's Man from U.N.C.L.E. book does the series justice. It is full of interesting behind the scene photos as well as nostalgic promotion photos. The narrative is detailed. Heitland interviwed the stars & the behind the camera staff. He produced a very informative book on the series' creation, production, success, changes & eventual end. An excellent book for all U.N.C.L.E. fans & for all who are interested in Tv history & for all who just want a good book.
Jon Heitland delves into incredible detail about how this wonderful, trend-setting spy series came into being, later essentially destroyed itself with self-parody & camp, then tried too late for redemption. Featuring interviews with surviving crew & cast, Heitland's exhaustive research provides far more than just a sentimental journey down memory lane -- he gives insight into a pop culture icon & the turbulent generation into which it was born & helped to shape. A must for any serious U.N.C.L.E. fan, & a cracking good read even for the most casual viewer.
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