Brooks on Books: When Television Was Young by Ed McMahon with David Fisher

Given that this 2007 book features the following notice above its title on the front page:

"Includes Memories of Legends of the Small Screen"

...I expected a kind of oral history of early television. In fact, it's more of a narrative approach to TV history, with an emphasis on the various programming genres of the Golden Age of the boob tube. Those "memories" are rather scarce, sprinkled throughout the book and integrated into the text. Don't buy the book for that sort of thing unless the prospect of a few quotes from Penny Marshall thrills you.

This is by no means a comprehensive or groundbreaking history, but what is here is quite entertaining. Serious scholars of the medium's beginnings may not find a lot of new anecdotes here, but the stories and info are presented in a light, fun manner. I'm no TV scholar, but I have read a few books here and there, and I found enough amusing new-to-me tidbits to make this a worthwhile read.

I don't know how much Ed McMahon actually wrote. His "collaborator" David Fisher co-wrote several books with Ed already, and he also co-authored bios like "The Umpire Strikes Back," a very funny, anecdote-based memoir from major league ump Ron Luciano. He's clearly an experienced guy and an old hand at putting over funny stories on the page. Whoever is responsible in this effort deserves credit for crafting a book that flows nicely and combines information and entertainment in an effective manner.

The odd thing about "When Television Was Young" is that sometimes it is blatantly written from McMahon's point of view, as when he interjects his own experiences hosting local TV in Philly or, of course, teaming with Johnny Carson, but often it just reads like a casual, joke-filled story of TV. I find it hard to imagine McMahon hunched over his laptop, scanning his notes on "The Ed Wynn Show" and thinking of a clever way to connect it with other comedy-variety programs. But though Big Ed's career isn't the focus of the book, there are enough specific references throughout to remind you who the credited author is and to give you the feel that he really is chatting with you and filling you in on those early days.

The important thing is, the guys have fun with this project, and though they maintain a healthy respect for the medium and its pioneers, they never take this too seriously. Some readers may be irritated by the jokey style, which sometimes borders on corny, but I enjoyed it. There are a few gimmicks that somehow work. For example, there is a running bit in which Milton Berle supposedly interjects some of his own groaners to comment on the proceedings, then the author gets exasperated and tells him to buzz off. It sounds awful, but it works.

"When Television Was Young" is a fun read and a fine starter book for anyone interested in the Golden Age of TV. Even those who know a lot of the history can get something out of the entertaining presentation of the material. I cheaped out and borrowed it from the library, but I'd recommend you leaf through it and make sure you can handle the style before buying the hardback.