Tune in Yesterday: The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio, 1925-1976

by John Dunning

Descriptions of the plots and characters of the most popular radio shows are included as well as basic information on schedules, writers, sponsors, and performers

Genres: Reference

703 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1976

About the author

John Dunning was an American writer of non-fiction and detective fiction. He was known for his reference books on old-time radio and his series of mysteries featuring Denver bookseller and ex-policeman Cliff Janeway.

Reviews

[H (trying to keep up with GR friends) Balikov · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second review after eight more years - 4.5*

I have been surprised how often I go back to this book for more information. It is great on details.

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First read 2011
Only for those who want to know background on the "prime time" radio shows of the "golden age" of radio.

Dunning is both detail-oriented and very willing to offer his own assessment of each program, from the Damon Runyon Theater to the Abbott and Costello Show.

If you need such info, this is a book to consult.
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[Jill H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a huge book but an easy read and it is only for the fan of the heyday of radio. It is all encompassing and covers each show alphabetically that was carried by the major networks (and the not so major ones such as the Don Lee network on the west coast which eventually morphed into Mutual). I find old radio fascinating and some of the programs made their way into early television with some success. The soap operas such as Ma Perkins, Our Gal Sunday, and Helen Trent ruled the afternoon airways and some of the situations are laughable today. Amnesia seemed to strike the characters as often as the common cold and it appeared that no one was happy for long......but that is the fun of it..... seeing what people enjoyed during the Depression and WWII as they sought to escape into the world of make believe. Some programs hold up well today such as those of Fred Allen and Henry Morgan, and the plays of Arch Oboler but most were pretty corny.Nevertheless, it was what kept people entertained and is treasured by old radio buffs like me.

[Tim Finn · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're nostalgic for the days of yesteryear, this is a fairly thorough listing of old time radio shows...there are some missing that I have on disc, and some entries are lengthier based on the author's tastes. It's not really a book you sit down and read cover to cover, but more of the sample entries here and there volume; although it is easy to get lost in its pages.

[Ronnie Cramer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I spent many years reading about my favorite old time radio shows in this entertaining reference book. In 1998, Dunning came out with ON THE AIR, an even more comprehensive guide.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Dunning's first Encyclopedia of Old Time Radio. While not as complete or accurate as his later tomb, it set the standard for all future OTR books. Great read.

[Wayne Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Certainly useful but I was hoping for more stories about the people involved in the early days of radio.

[Robert Bussie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great resource for old time radio shows. I noticed that some shows were missing, but for the most popular and some of the more obscure shows this book is very helpful.