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Game Show Confidential: The Story of an American Obsession by Hadleigh, Boze

by Hadleigh, Boze | PB | VeryGood
US $6.32
ApproximatelyS$ 8.21
Condition:
Very Good
Former library book; May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ... Read moreabout condition
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Located in: Aurora, Illinois, United States
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eBay item number:376469181715
Last updated on Oct 10, 2025 05:53:08 SGTView all revisionsView all revisions

Item specifics

Condition
Very Good
A book that has been read but is in excellent condition. No obvious damage to the cover, with the dust jacket included for hard covers. No missing or damaged pages, no creases or tears, and no underlining/highlighting of text or writing in the margins. May be very minimal identifying marks on the inside cover. Very minimal wear and tear. See all condition definitionsopens in a new window or tab
Seller Notes
“Former library book; May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ...
Binding
Paperback
Weight
0 lbs
Product Group
Book
IsTextBook
No
ISBN
9781493072583
Category

About this product

Product Identifiers

Publisher
Globe Pequot Press, T.H.E.
ISBN-10
1493072587
ISBN-13
9781493072583
eBay Product ID (ePID)
24057265945

Product Key Features

Book Title
Game Show Confidential
Number of Pages
304 Pages
Language
English
Topic
United States / 20th Century, Television / Genres / Reality, Game Shows & Talk Shows
Publication Year
2023
Illustrator
Yes
Genre
Non-Classifiable, Performing Arts, History
Author
Boze Hadleigh
Format
Trade Paperback

Dimensions

Item Height
0.8 in
Item Weight
15.2 Oz
Item Length
8.7 in
Item Width
6 in

Additional Product Features

Intended Audience
Trade
LCCN
2022-048494
Reviews
Former Jeopardy! winner Hadleigh (Scandals, Secrets, and Swan Songs) traces the trajectory of game shows from their radio origins to television. He divides them into the categories of tests of knowledge, physical-challenge bouts, and guessing contests. While the author mentions famous incidents, such as the quiz-show scandals of the 1950s, he also documents behind-the-scenes misconduct and uncovers the obscure. For example, not everyone knows that To Tell the Truth imposters get pre-game information to appear genuine. The book pays tribute to professional game-show panelists, such as Peggy Cass, Kitty Carlisle, Orson Bean, Steve Allen, and Rose Marie. It also honors quintessential hosts (Groucho Marx, Allen Ludden, Gene Rayburn, Chuck Barris, Bob Barker, and Bill Cullen, who hosted a record 23 different game shows). Pioneers Arlene Francis and Betty White were early, short-termed women hosts, while Meredith Vieira became the longest-serving woman emcee. Intended for general readers, the book references iconic programs like Password, Match Game, Family Feud, Truth or Consequences, Let's Make a Deal, What's My Line?, Wheel of Fortune, and Who Wants To Be a Millionaire? VERDICT Offered more for information than extensive sociological analysis, this is an entertaining treat for nostalgia and trivia lovers., "You'll read about game show hosts and history, scandals and salesmanship, gaffes and greats including the irrepressible Paul Lynde, who Hadleigh calls 'The King of the Zingers." There's a wealth of information inside this book, and plenty of nostalgia, making it great enjoyment for anyone who spent summers in front of a rotating fan and a television, playing along in your grandma's living room." --Eureka Springs Times-Echo
Synopsis
Game and quiz shows first started appearing on radio broadcasts in the 1930s, led by the CBS network's Professor Quiz, hosted by a man who was neither a professor nor even a college graduate, the first of several frauds that seemed to be endemic to the genre. Professor Quiz was followed by other such game shows as Uncle Jim's Question Bee and Ask ......, Game and quiz shows first started appearing on radio broadcasts in the 1930s, led by the CBS network's Professor Quiz, hosted by a man who was neither a professor nor even a college graduate, the first of several frauds that seemed to be endemic to the genre. Professor Quiz was followed by other such game shows as Uncle Jim's Question Bee and Ask It Basket, which in turn spawned successful box games for at-home play. The show Truth or Consequences made the transition from radio to television in the late 1940s and was so popular that a town in New Mexico was named for the show. Television proved to be the perfect platform for game shows since they were very popular and cheap to produce. Even in reruns today, the older shows still draw huge audiences. This book describes the evolution of the game show, its larger-than-life producers and hosts, as well as the scandals that have rocked it from time to time, including bloopers from such "adult" oriented shows as The Dating Game, The Newlywed Game, and Hollywood Squares. This is an entertaining and lively look at an American phenomenon whose popularity doesn't seem to be going away.
LC Classification Number
PN1992.8.Q5.H33 2023

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    Unfortunately I received a damaged book, the item and the package both were damaged and it was clearly evident its appearance that it happened during transit. The seller was very understanding and gave me a full refund for the damaged book, though it was no fault of their own. Other than the damage, the book was as described, the quality and condition aside from the damaged spot was like new. The cost of the book was reasonable. I would definitely purchase from the seller again.
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    Past 6 months
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    Although this book was not as described, with no picture of it in the listing, the seller communicated well and quickly gave me a full refund while letting me keep it. The minimal packaging left the book a bit vulnerable (typical for ThriftBooks), but it did arrive safely and timely. As usual, it’s hit or miss with this seller, but often times you can get great values, and their customer service is always very good. Many other sellers with millions of transactions don’t even communicate.
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