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The Soap Opera Encyclopedia
The Soap Opera Encyclopedia is a 1985 reference book by Christopher Schemering which assembles comprehensive information about all daytime and prime time soap operas broadcast up to the date of publication. It was revised and reprinted in 1987 and 1988, but is currently out of print.
The Soap Opera Encyclopedia features commentary, analysis and criticism of "every daytime and prime-time television soap opera broadcast on the three major networks, as well as a selection of syndicated, cable, and foreign efforts." It also discusses background, significant storylines and impact of each program, and lists performers and characters. Schemering also includes a "Short History of Television Soap Opera," as well as profiles of major performers, writers and producers in the genre in a section entitled "Who's Who in Soap Opera." Finally, the book contains 30 pages of photos from various programs.
Published in a time before the internet, the Encyclopedia was a primary source of background information and commentary on soap opera; it and Schemering have been quoted in various articles, books and web pages. It was revised and reprinted in 1987 (ISBN 0-345-35344-7) and 1988.
According to the Encyclopedia, Schemering "spent fifteen years collecting memorabilia and information about the soap opera phenomenon" and wrote a syndicated column on the genre. He was also a regular contributor to The Washington Post Book World and had published film and television articles in The New Republic, USA Today, the Chicago Tribune, the San Francisco Chronicle, the New York Daily News and other publications. Schemering is also the author of Guiding Light: A 50th Anniversary Celebration (1986).
The Soap Opera Encyclopedia features commentary, analysis and criticism of "every daytime and prime-time television soap opera broadcast on the three major networks, as well as a selection of syndicated, cable, and foreign efforts." It also discusses background, significant storylines and impact of each program, and lists performers and characters. Schemering also includes a "Short History of Television Soap Opera," as well as profiles of major performers, writers and producers in the genre in a section entitled "Who's Who in Soap Opera." Finally, the book contains 30 pages of photos from various programs.
Published in a time before the internet, the Encyclopedia was a primary source of background information and commentary on soap opera; it and Schemering have been quoted in various articles, books and web pages. It was revised and reprinted in 1987 (ISBN 0-345-35344-7) and 1988.
According to the Encyclopedia, Schemering "spent fifteen years collecting memorabilia and information about the soap opera phenomenon" and wrote a syndicated column on the genre. He was also a regular contributor to The Washington Post Book World and had published film and television articles in The New Republic, USA Today, the Chicago Tribune, the San Francisco Chronicle, the New York Daily News and other publications. Schemering is also the author of Guiding Light: A 50th Anniversary Celebration (1986).
370 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1985
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
August 11, 2019
This is a book I have used so many times since I first purchased it. I originally bought the first book - the 1985 version and then years later picked up the 1987 edition. This is a truly phenomenal reference book that no soap opera enthusiast should be without. It is an alphabetized guide to every serialized television production, daytime and prime time, up to 1987 that is immaculately researched and detailed.
Included in the book is a fact-filled 7-page long history of the soaps as well as individual sections for each soap with background information, a nice cast listing and history for each, a 'Who's Who in Soaps', a history of The Nielsen ratings for daytime serials, and a history of the Daytime Emmy Awards, and many other lists compiled by the author. One of the greatest features of the book is the 32 pages of black and white photos.
As the author himself says better than I can -- this is "a history of the phenomenon for the student, a reference guide for the librarian, a fact-filled binge for the fan."
I wish there had been another update to the books, but even without an update they still serve as one of the all time handy authorities on the subject of the American serialized television medium.
Included in the book is a fact-filled 7-page long history of the soaps as well as individual sections for each soap with background information, a nice cast listing and history for each, a 'Who's Who in Soaps', a history of The Nielsen ratings for daytime serials, and a history of the Daytime Emmy Awards, and many other lists compiled by the author. One of the greatest features of the book is the 32 pages of black and white photos.
As the author himself says better than I can -- this is "a history of the phenomenon for the student, a reference guide for the librarian, a fact-filled binge for the fan."
I wish there had been another update to the books, but even without an update they still serve as one of the all time handy authorities on the subject of the American serialized television medium.
June 1, 2016
A fascinating and thoroughly researched history of the television soap opera. Loved this book from the moment I picked it up as a teen in 1985 and go back to it for reference often. So worth having in any collection.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews