Back to the Batcave

by Adam West, Jeff Rovin

The star of television's legendary show Batman gives a behind-the-scenes tour of what really went on in Gotham City, offering many revealing anecdotes, candid photographs, and a complete episode guide. Original.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Batman, Tv, Biography Memoir, Memoir, Autobiography

272 pages, Paperback

First published June 6, 1994

About the author

Adam West (1928 – 2017) was an American actor widely known for his role as Batman in the 1960s ABC series of the same name and its theatrical feature film.

Born William West Anderson, he began acting in films in 1959. Later in life, he performed voice work on The Fairly OddParents, The Simpsons, and Family Guy, playing fictional versions of himself in all three.

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I find it difficult to take life too seriously. Or, to take people too seriously - unless they're aiming a [gun] in my direction. Life is full of ironies and absurdities." -- Adam West, in a 2013 interview

Actor Adam West (born William West Anderson) can be a pretty divisive figure in the fandom world of Batlore - often you either enjoyed his work on the unique 1960's live-action Batman TV series OR felt that the show was somewhat of an insult to the long-running crimefighter character. (I suppose there is some middle ground . . . but it doesn't often feel like it.) Not that anyone asked, but I'm more in the former group that the latter - it was basically my kid-friendly introduction to the Dark Knight, via afternoon reruns on a local UHF station in the early 80's, when I was only six or so years old.

Whatever you may think of West's acting abilities, it turns out he's a pretty good raconteur. With some assistance from writer Jeff Rovin (better known these days for assuming a book series that was begun by the late Tom Clancy), West takes the readers through his childhood years - growing up on a ranch in rural Washington state, with a wonderfully supportive stepmother and actual cowboy father (!) - to his early career stops as a radio disc jockey and co-host of a Hawaiian-based children's TV show. But of course the lion's share of the text - which, in my head, I was hearing in West's distinct baritone voice and cadence - is about his three seasons and one movie attired in the cape and cowl. He includes a lot of great detailed and behind-the-scenes information about his years portraying Batman, and even politely dishes a little dirt about the staggering list of stars tapped to be the special guest villains. (However, the gracious West is far more likely to include a kind word or two about the name actors / actresses who were supportive co-stars.) West doesn't take himself too seriously, and it's obvious he felt very fortunate for this job opportunity and the lifelong fans.

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam West autographed my copy. How much did he charge? I don't remember, ha! ha!
Let's face it, he's an awful actor but was perfect in playing a two-dimensional comic book character. I like everything about this book, even the end where Burt Ward and he are reduced to wearing their costumes to supermarket openings in the early 1970's. Adam West will always be Batman, fuck Michael Keaton, George Clooney and all those other fakes!

[David Halford · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for any bat-fan. I grew up on this show and it gave me a lifelong obsession with the worlds greatest detective, and I have Adam West to thank for it. The book is an easy read, and while it's really a biography about Adam West, 95% of it is about his time as the caped crusader. There are a lot of fun 'did you know'-moments and some surprises for the fans, and most of the book is very lighthearted.

The final few chapters however are a bit heavier as Adam tells his side of the downfall of the series, which is a pretty sad tale and, sadly, will leave you with a melancholic feeling of nostalgia. I'd have loved to see the book end on a high note, but let's face it, the show didn't, so the book doesn't. Still, the last few chapters are worth a read and everything before them are a great read and will make you feel like that little kid dressing up as batman all over again!

As a bonus, and to lift your spirits after the last chapter, the book includes a complete episode guide with Adam's notes on each episode, the villains, and the story. Especially fun if you still have all of those episodes. (They have never been released on DVD but if you're a little internet-savvy you can find people that have recorded reruns.)

Bonus tip: you can get an autographed paperback (ie. a real book, made of paper) from Adam West's website, which will be made out to you personally if you ask for it, which makes it much more than 'just a book', it makes it memorabilia of your childhood.

[Steve McHenry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great trip down memory lane from my childhood! I was (and still am) a huge Batman fan.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was born in 1967 and became an avid Batman fan as a result of encountering reruns of the television show, back when I was too young to know it was a comedy. That led me to the comic books, in which I discovered the artwork of Neal Adams and the grim, gritty Batman of the early seventies (which, at least in part, eventually led to a career in illustrative design). So the pop art sixties Batman and "The Batman" in his darker incarnation always co-existed for me. Regardless, in my mind Adam West was the REAL Batman. This was confirmed when I actually shook his gloved hand at a Cleveland autorama in second grade.

I remember seeing West show up here and there on television while growing up, half the time as Batman or with other cast members. I was always kind of puzzled as to why he didn't have another show. Mr. Spock was hosting "In Search Of", and Capt. Kirk showed up on T.J. Hooker eventually. I remember seeing him in a few old movies or TV shows on Saturday afternoons.

This book tells the whole story, and as an adult, a few things strike me about it: 1) Adam West has had to deal with a lot of career disappointment in a life that probably seemed to have no limits at all at the height of the Batman craze, and that's rather painful to think about. 2) When I shook this man's hand, he was driven to wear his costume again by sheer economics and desperation for paying work. 3) Where many would have given up or drowned in self pity or humiliation, Adam West emerged as an appreciative and gracious man.

I suspect the book will be of little interest to those who are not fans of the Batman TV series, particularly because the author maintains some decorum and respect and dishes virtually no dirt. I found that refreshing. I gave the book four stars instead of five only because it seemed a little bit cursory.

As some have noted elsewhere, the book's epilogue about the Tim Burton film is somewhat regrettable. I can fully understand why West sees himself as the definitive Batman character, much in the same way Clayton Moore views himself as the true Lone Ranger. But he's wrong. Batman was a lot of things before Adam West, and he's been a lot of things since Adam West, and the TV show was just a sliver of the character's history (and a peculiar one at that). So while I agreed with West's assertion that a new Batman movie starring the old TV cast would have been interesting and possibly successful (particularly on television), there was nothing wrong in 1989 with a new approach that steered entirely clear of any connection to the comedic sixties incarnation. That said, Michael Keaton was a horrible Bruce Wayne.

It's been great in recent years to see Adam West embrace and capitalize on his pop icon status, and to see his humor and good natured self-deprecation on display. I find this almost heroic coming from a guy who reluctantly spent a couple of decades scratching out a living on the county fair and car show circuit. I personally think he's a brilliant comedian, a one-of-a-kind personality who could have accomplished nearly anything. It's nice to see him in demand and enjoying new popularity.

[Mick Meyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book,Adam adds just that touch of pathos to his assisted auto biography.working hard coming up through the ranks to take a chance with the batman series.i got the impression he would have liked to take it further than the three series but alas the short sighted TV execs and advertising had the last say.u like in the UK programmes are given time to prove themselves before cancellation.he says he was more then upset not to do a cameo in the Michael Keaton version of batman which I think I would have been good but alas his version is looked on as camp(sorry to use that term adam)and a parody.i read burt wards biography some years ago and I think he seem to get more enjoyment out of it.a good read and more poignant since the death of Adam.

[Dustin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read Burt Ward's tell-all style book first, unaware that Adam West also a BatBook out there predating Ward's. ("Why the sudden interest", you may not be asking yourself? A Batman marathon over the Fourth of July weekend. I still love that show). So, where Ward's book was a cheesy sort of scandal sheet style that went on at great length about Batman and Robin's sexual conquests, Adam West's book was more of a civilized remembrance of the Batman era. As the introduction states, it is not a full fledged autobiography. Just an honest look back on the period of his life involving the show and character that he's best known for. (Assuming you're not under the age of twenty and only think of him as the Mayor in 'Family Guy'). It's a quick, fun shot of BatNostalgia.

[Maurice Tougas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Batman, a favourite of my wasted youth, recently re-aired on the Silver Screen channel here in Canada, so I dug up (courtesy the library) Adam West's 'bat-ography' (sorry). After telling a bit of his story, West chronicles the short-lived Batman mania in generally amusing manner. West certainly had an eye for the ladies, but he was a gentleman and didn't kiss and tell, although you can read between the lines that he got more than his fair share (Julie Newmar, the first and best Catwoman, got several pages of her own, and why not?). The funniest part of the books is how seriously West took the Batman character, which is probably why he played it so well. If he played it straight-up serious, or as a total goof, it would have failed.
If you enjoyed Batman, either when it first aired or in reruns, Back to the Batcave is a breezy, easy read.

[Gef · Rating 4 out of 5]

We leave you good citizens of Gotham and the world as we move on to new crimes cappers and mysteries to solve. Adam's memories and stories return to the Bat-files of earlier days, forgotten youth. Truly a good read, will never know what took so long to get to it. Until we return.... same Bat-time same Bat-channel.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is 100% a guilty pleasure and will likely only be enjoyed by those who loved the 1960's series. Very detailed stories about the filming of the series and the guest stars that appeared. Written in 1994, does not cover the boom of comic cons and Mr West's time on Family Guy. A total fun read!

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adam West reminisces about his career and the 1966 "Batman" TV show. Nothing groundbreaking, but it is a very entertaining read with some amusing anecdotes and insights. Recommended to anyone who loved the show as much as I did.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A charming and entertaining memoir of Adam West's involvement with the 1960s Batman TV show and movies. Lots of fun!

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit long winded. I could hear his voice in my head reading every line.

[Marianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Moderately entertaining but the entire series notes are rushed into the last 70 pages or so. Not as much fun as I had hoped.

[Mathew Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read if you’re a Batman fan. Adam West shares his story of donning the cowl and what went on behind the scenes. A very good read!

[Drew Kenyon · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re a fan of the 1960’s Batman TV show then you’ll enjoy this easily digestible memoir by the greatest Batman of all, Adam West. KAPOW!

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written book that showed more of the "human" self of Adam, as well as the ups and downs of Hollywood.

[David Zora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice little ride back to an era where simplicity ruled and fun came on our screens a half hour at a time .

[Stormcrow Hayes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very enjoyable reminiscence on the original 1960's Batman show. I read half the book in my first sitting and I would recommend it to any Bat-fan!

[Michael P. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mixed bad, this book. First the positive: West and Roven were wise to make the vast majority of the book about the experience of being Batman in the TV series that began in 1966, for Adam West has not had a very interesting life apart from that, which he confesses without realizing he is confessing it. The first 50 pages about his life before Batman seem much longer as you read them. The rest is a very personal view of making the series that goes into more detail than I expected. Most of this will satisfy the curious.

The negative: West's perspective can't be in only one, and I would like to know how others view the same events. Quite differently, I imagine. There are times, many times, that he is so full of himself that he seems an unreliable witness. He tells us how important his children are to him, and I daresay he believes it, but it is also clear that he neglected them for long periods of time, rationalizing it with the importance of his career. He confesses promiscuity, and well-known women are named. It is not his place to out them as his lovers unless they consented. It seems pretty sleazy to name other well-known women who wanted him that he turned down. Does anybody really believe he had a shot at playing James Bond, with an offer on the table? Many actors were sounded out during the transition from Sean Connery to George Lazenby and again in the transition from Connery to Roger Moore. Somehow West's name never turns up in the press releases and gossip columns of the time or in the later Bond film documentaries. I could add twice as many other problems with the content.

As a material book, this one has its problems. The page layout was obviously made with a desk-top publishing program with all the ugly quirks that such programs had in the mid-nineties. The art program is terrible. Given the desk-top program, pictures could be dropped in anywhere, but often appear a dozen chapters after the event described. One picture has no reference in the book at all. The slick cover and premise sell the book, but the execution within is not very professional.

Brain-dead fans will no doubt lap this up. The rest of us can see the value of having West's reminiscences about this, let's face it, awful series, even if it is in such an ill-package.

[Jonathan Roth · Rating 5 out of 5]

interesting entertaining for those who loved the show and for those who want to know what happens
behind the scenes

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a child, I was a huge fan of the 1966 Batman television series. I watched it in reruns when I was in elementary school, and the nostalgia factor has made it a favorite of mine to this day. In this book, the TV show's star, Adam West (the man that played Bruce Wayne/Batman) gives us his bat-centric autobiography. I say "bat-centric" because the book doesn't describe a lot of West's life outside of his involvement with the Batman series.

It was fun to read behind-the-scenes anecdotes about the show's storylines or his co-workers. I also enjoyed learning of West's true appreciation for the Batman comic book.

There were some weird things about the book. For example, there were a lot of great photos from West's time on Batman, as well as from his other works. Unfortunately, the photos were scattered haphazardly throughout the book. They didn't line up with what was being discussed in the chapter the picture showed up in. There were times when the pictures would have helped to get across what West was describing in his narrative, yet, for some reason, the pictures would show up chapters earlier or chapters later.

Also, West talks a lot about all the women he slept with (or tried to sleep with). This with mostly uncomfortable because he was married during many of these liaisons with other women.

As a final score, I'd give this book a 3.5 out of 5. I feel comfortable rounding it up to a 4-star rating, though.

This is an enjoyable book about the history of the Batman TV series, and it reads very quickly. I'm glad I had a chance to read this before the release of the television series' Blu-ray collection later this year.

The back of the book has a list of every episode of the Batman TV show, as well as their original air dates. West gives a brief summary of each story, and for many of the episodes, leaves some short comments or insights about the guest stars that appeared on that episode, or something else that he found interesting.

[Mary Lou · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and amusing. A quick read.

[Dominick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I guess I shouldn't be surprised that this was something of a letdown. Actually, I'm a bit sad that I didn't like it better, as West comes across as honest and fairly decent, acknowledging (tastefully) his pecadilloes and being generous (usually) in his comments about others. But the book just doesn't have that much to offer. Even within its narrow scope--West is up-front from the beginning that this isn't a full-blown auitobiography but specifically a book about the Bat-phenomenon--it just comes across as superficial. Seasons two and three are glossed over with barely a comment, other than West's general expression of disappointment with how they panned out. There are few recollectinos that provide significant insight into the mechanics of the show or its cult status. At times, I almost found myself wishing he had opted to do a full-bore autobiography, as that might have been more diverse. West does provide some worthwhile comment, as in his argument against viewing the show as camp (I see his point), and every now and then the uglier side of Hollywood seeps through, but West is perhaps too much of a gentleman really to delve into the nitty-gritty. Not a good sign that, even with the book being relatively short (only a bit over two hundred pages, with pictures and short chapters), several pages at the end are merely episode summaries, many with tantalizingly brief specific recollections. Recommended for inveterate enthusiasts for the show, not so much for others.

[Ed Nemo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Adam West. It is that simple. He is an actor that has been one of my favorite characters of all time. Reading this book you get the feel of what it is like to be the most desired TV star in the world for an all too brief amount of time. Girls in the trailer, getting thrown out of Hollywood orgies with the Riddler, (this part was thankfully written as an aside and tastefully).

I find the comparisons between William Shatner and Adam West to be frighteningly accurate. Both were extremely famous for roles that were absolute gold. Money and fame, until the series ended and then typecast to the point where finding work is difficult.

The characterization of producers and directors are absolutely unfathomable. People that make the big decisions all appear to be power-hungry jerks will make you dance for a coveted role. The one thing I learned above all else, I would not make it in Hollywood. If I had to deal with one of these guys, they would get punched, I would be blacklisted and...well, I guess I could write a memorable biography. Adam West did that without hitting anyone! He truly is a great actor!

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn't you always wanted to know what life was like playing as Batman ? Well Adam west did and he wanted to do it since he grew in Walla Walla, Washington. He was just a farmer boy until he found a stack full of batman comics and watched the serials from the 40's. But then moved to Hawaii to become a actor. He was in many films and shows. Until one day he got a called from William Dozier and asked him if he wanted a role in Batman. He said, sure while reading through the script and started laughing. Will was surprise that it was funny and they went with it being a comedy but had a little bit of it being a little serious.

I loved the book it was nice to learn a lot about Adam west for what he did before and after in Batman. It was great to know he was in other movies and TV shows besides Batman. I found interesting and really good. I recommend this book for anyone who is a fan of Adam west and 1966 Batman

[Chuck White · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been a Batman fan all my life, and a fan of the 60s series since the early 70s, when the show was on nightly in syndication. I've met Adam West on three occasions and he has always been kind, funny and gracious with his time. This attitude is reflected in this engaging trip down memory lane, as Adam recounts his childhood, his early years in Hollywood, the era of Batmania and finally, his career since. Since this book was published in 1994, my only wish is that Adam does an updated version, or a companion biography, as I would love to read what he's been up to in the 20 years since. Of course, I do know about many of his roles in that time, but hearing him tell about it would be that much more enjoyable.


Highly recommended to Bat-fans, fans of the show, fans of Adam West, fans of biographies and/or television history. That should pretty much cover everyone.

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy blast to the past, Batman! If you haven't guessed by about half of the books I've read this year so far, I am a huge Batman fan; some of my fondest memories were as a kid watching the old reruns of the Batman TV show from the 1960s with my grandparents when I would stay with them on the weekends. This book brought me back to those times, especially with the sporadic pictures of West as the famed Caped Crusader. (In fact, it may have been this hint of nostalgia that made me rate the book so high.) Through this book, you get a little bit of West's autobiography prior to and following the success of Batman. Most of the book however, deals with the show itself, it's successes and failures and the pitfalls West had to face playing one of the most icon characters ever created. 4/5

[Duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

a great read for all batfans. you may already be aware of some of the stories in this book (such at the on set antics of otto preminger)but is still a great read. it does deal with the events leading up to and after the batman series and adam is brave enough to voice his opinions on certains matters. interestingly as he was a contemporary of roger moore's he also conducts himself well with greta decorum and no real kiss and tell stuff. things maybe alluded to but never specified. all in all I think that if you either like the Batman TV seires or don't you will find a better understanding of the show and the actor that portrayed an icon (with only a month's preperation!)
highly recommended

[Andrew Ives · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read, with insightful, occasionally poignant chapters on life after Batman and the cancellation of the show. Possibly exaggerated in places for comedic purposes and possibly a bit one-sided at times, it was nonetheless a measured and reasonably humble behind-the-scenes account of the 'glory days' of the late 1960s. I personally liked Adam West's take on how a late 1980s Batman film could've been, rather than the Tim Burton version we all know. It would've been nice to see such a film ever reach the silver screen.

This book is an absolute must for any Batfan.