If it's OTR, it's in here.. (On the Air: The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio - John Dunning)

Member Name: dyrms86

Product:	On the Air: The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio - John Dunning
Date:	25/09/09 (25 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Comprehensive and complete.

Disadvantages: It would benefit from a few photos, only programmes from the USA.

I am addicted to Old Time Radio. There, I said it. I am not ashamed.

Some of you reading this may even wonder what "Old Time Radio" is. The phrase originates in the the USA but could apply anywhere in the world. Put simply, "Old Time Radio" (henceforth OTR) is old radio programs. "Old" can refer to anything as early as the first days of radio up to the 1970s and as time goes on, even later.

The 1940's and 1950's where the heyday of american radio and enthusiasts even more fanatical than I still refer to this as the Golden Age. Until it was trampled on by the television stampede, entire families gathered around the radio sets and listened to dramas and comedies that existed only in the theater of their imagination. Most of what is classed as OTR is easily availble online to either stream or download as mp3. This is possible due to their age and most are in the public domain.

My favourites are the Westerns, "Gunsmoke","Have Gun Will Travel" and "The Six Shooter". The latter being 40 episodes of the finest western radio drama you will ever find. It starred James Stewart and I defy you not to enjoy it.

Action & Science Fiction series like "X-Minus 1", "Escape" and "Suspense" offer wonderful escapism and are best listened to in a quiet room with your eyes closed. There is nothing quite like it on the radio today.

I had heard of John Dunning's book several times whilst browsing the net for more OTR and finally plucked up the courage to buy it. It is not cheap (Amazon currently sells it for around £50) but you may be able to find a used copy on Ebay. Don't let that put you off though. The level of detailed research is astounding.

It is not a bedside read, more a well-thumbed reference to 1000's of radio programme gems. Some defied John's best efforts and only get a few lines but many are given several pages. I have yet to download or buy any radio gem and not find information about it in this book.

If I have to be critical, I would have liked to see a few photographs.

Highly recommended.

Summary: It weighs a ton and it's expensive but I treasure my copy.