From The Batcave To The Twilight Zone And Beyond

As we conclude our look at television related Summer Reading Recommendations we turn our attention to books by or about three very different people from the world of television - Rod Serling, Chuck Jones and Burt Ward. As you will see, all are worth a look.

"Rod Serling: The Dreams and Nightmares of Life in the Twilight Zone" Author: Joel Engel Publisher: Contemporary Books Cost: $18.95

Few people had the talent or the impact on television that Rod Serling did. Probably best known for creating/hosting the classic series "The Twilight Zone," Serling also was one of the best writers in the business.

"The Dreams and Nightmares of Life in the Twilight Zone" examines the life of Rod Serling and offers many photos as well. Writer Joel Engel does a marvelous job of filling in the background on Serling and his life. Some of these experiences include his idyllic boyhood in a small town and his harrowing experiences in World War II.

In addition to writing many of "The Twilight Zone" scripts, Serling won many prestigious writing awards including two Emmy's and a Peabody, the highest honors in television. His work appeared on many shows of the "golden age" of television including "Playhouse 90." After "The Twilight Zone" Serling went on to other projects including "Night Gallery," the original film version of "Planet of the Apes" and as the voice over specialist for the Jacques Custeau adventure specials on ABC.

Unfortunately for us, Serling died on the operating table in 1975. He was having open-heart surgery when he suffered a fatal attack. Fortunately for us, however, Serling lives on in repeats of "The Twilight Zone" and his many other creations. If you are at all a fan of classic television or Rod Serling, pick up a copy of this book. You won't regret it.

"Chuck Amuck: The Life and Times of an Animated Cartoonist" Author: Chuck Jones Publisher: HarperCollins Cost: $45/00"

For many animation lovers there are few people equal to Chuck Jones. He is the creator/producer/animator of many of the classic Warner Brothers cartoon characters such as Buggs Bunny, Daffy Duck, The Coyote and Roadrunner, to name just a few.

Though much of his work was originally created for film, his famous Warner Brothers' characters have appeared countless times on television. Also, over the years Jones has been involved in the production of many television productions including the animated classic "How The Grinch Stole Christmas." It is for these reasons that his book is included here.

"Chuck Amuck" is the perfect coffee table book. Though the price is a bit

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