Reviews for TV's M*A*S*H - the Ultimate Guide Book

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  • To learn a little about Ed Solomonson & Mark O'Neill, please click the "MORE" link above
  • A must have for M*A*S*H fans, November 23, 2009
    By     Amy B. "Amy B."
    This book is a must-have for any M*A*S*H fan. Almost an encyclopedia, it's filled with M*A*S*H facts, trivia, interviews and commentary in addition to synopses of each episode. Want to know what James Callahan had to say about "Sometimes You Hear the Bullet"? It's in there. What Gary Burghoff thought about flashing his rear end in "The Sniper"? Yep, that's there too. Interviews with actors like Enid Kent, Richard Lee Sung and Stuart Margolin, writers such as Ken Levine, Thad Mumford, Burt Prelutsky, and with producers Burt Metcalfe and Gene Reynolds --as well as the magnificent Larry Gelbart--add layers of information and a new perspective. Years in the making (I was "in the loop" at times during the process of its creation), TV's M*A*S*H: The Ultimate Guide Book will probably be the last word on M*A*S*H from a number of the interviewees, some of whom have already passed on, including Larry Gelbart whose input provides enlightenment on many of the episodes from the seasons during which he was involved. It's a gift for new and long-time fans.
  • A fine tribute to both M*A*S*H and the brilliant Larry Gelbart, November 27, 2009
    By Mr. W. D. Kernohan (Ballymena, N.I.)
    Ed Solomonson & Mark O'Neill have put together a real labour of love here, an 800pp+ tome all about the 1972-83 CBS/Twentieth Century-Fox sitcom (for want of a better word in this case), one of the best television series ever made. With two authors who know their subject inside out plus interviews and lengthy comments by an impressive array of series alumni this really is what it says on the cover. The late Larry Gelbart has contributed heavily too, bringing his wit and wisdom to the pages just as he did for the four wonderful years he was in charge of the show. There are far too many gems in here to mention but, for instance, learn from former T.C.F. Television President Bill Self exactly how M*A*S*H came to TV in the first place; and who knew that there were actually six half-hour episodes of the show made *after* the much-celebrated finale "Goodbye, Farewell, Amen". An ideal present for any M*A*S*H fan or anyone with an interest in television history.
  • Everyone should visit the 4077th, December 4, 2009
    By Paul C. Visby (Eagan, MN United States)
    I just received a copy of this book today and I want to add to the two previous reviews about this excellent book. Wow! This is the best book I've seen on this classic series. No, it doesn't go into the behind-the-scenes making of the show but is a wonderful reference book for those who watch the syndicated reruns or have the show on DVD. Besides the interviews (which do give some background information on the series) is an incredible episode guide - the best I've ever seen for M*A*S*H. The episodes are divided by season, in order of airing (which is rare). Each episode includes the title, original airdate, where it is found on the Columbia House VHS Tape or the DVD, regular cast and producers/directors/writers, guest cast (including non-credited), the chapters if watching on DVD, a list of the closing credits stills, the synopsis, commentary by various people, and Authors' Notes (which includes whose voice is heard making the PA announcements and lots of trivia - such as the photo of Mildred Potter seen on Col. Potter's desk is actually a photo of Harry Morgan's wife). At the end of each season, there are character profiles, pranks pulled on Frank (Seasons 1-5), all references to movies/ songs/etc., and Broadcast/Production Order for the season. There is even more information following the episode guide. All I can say is this book is a definite must-have for any M*A*S*H fan. It is so worth the higher price tag.

Review from Anonymous Posted December 11, 2009 B&N: After reviewing this book- I can only say that this is the only book one needs to get the most comprhensive information if you are a true M*A*S*H lover. The time and accuracy that the authors took to write this must have been a chore in itself. I don't think that there will be another book that covers the show and its characters like this one.

  • Review from Gary Burghoff
    The following review was sent to me from Gary Burghoff, someone who I am honored to call a good friend. My co-author, Eddie, and I are equally honored to post Gary's review here, with his blessing.
    To: "MARK AND EDDIE
    Date: Thursday, January 21, 2010, 3:21 PM
    OK Mark and Eddie, the Book is just AMAZING! I'm no M*A*S*H "librarian", I don't believe any of us M*A*S*H people are. What you have written has not only educated us, IT IS AN INSPIRATION TO US. We always felt we were doing "good work", and hoped others would appreciate it. We had NO IDEA someone was LIVING it right along with us; the joy, the discovery, the pride, the pain. Richard Lee Sung's interview touched me to the point of tears. I felt my tired, old heart expand and grow 20 years younger as I read it. What a WONDERFUL HUMAN BEING. I LOVE him very much. Gene Reynolds' interview, in short decisive insights, brought back the security I always felt when he was "in charge". He was always so focused and ALWAYS directing us in the right direction. Gene's comment about a sense of humor being a form of extending "good will" made me aware of another reason we all should be glad HE was our producer! Your tribute to Larry (Gelbart) brought tears also; my genius FRIEND. Our feeling of loss can not be expressed, but your book a very comforting rememberance and tribute to his love and kindness. The other cast and guest actor interviews brought true joy to my heart. What they all remembered encompassed the BEST of my memories and I very much need, now, to remember only the BEST parts of my life. Mark and Eddie, you have brought us all together, through your positive outlook and love, in a way I believe we, as a creative group who struggled together, have soo longed for. God Bless you both! And God Bless your WONDERFUL BOOK! With Great Fondness -GARY BURGHOFF-**********TEN STARS!
  • Impressed, March 8, 2010
    By G. Pace "G Pace" (Hartford City, Ind.)
    Thank you Ed and Mark, I am impressed, I have read many M*A*S*H reports because of my OCD with anything M*A*S*H, I need not look any further. I own the best.You added to my life in a positive way.
  • Exhaustive, Yet Somehow Breezy Visit to the 4077th, March 22, 2010
    By Graceann Macleod "Books Fuel My Life" (London, UK) 
  • This is an astounding testament to the continuing influence of this seminal television program. Over more than 800 pages, Ed Solomonson and Mark O'Neill share secrets regarding how M*A*S*H got off the ground, and how the different characters grew over its eleven years. Not every detail is accurate (for instance, two possible explanations for Col. Potter saying "Courage, Camille" in an episode are offered, and neither are correct), but overall the attention to detail is amazing. This project clearly had the support of the late, great Larry Gelbart, and that shows to the benefit of the final product. Other people who were involved with the show in ways large and small are interviewed, and it's great fun to read the observations of actors like Jeff "Igor" Maxwell and Richard Lee "This is me!" Sung. This is obviously a warmly remembered time in their careers, and they are generous with their reminiscences. When someone asked me how I was enjoying M*A*S*H: The Ultimate Guide Book, I said that I wasn't reading it, I was savoring it. Now that I've read through it completely, I'll keep it on my coffee table and refer to it when I'm watching my favorite television program of all time. This book will be a permanent part of my collection, and I'm thrilled that it's available.
  • GREAT BOOK-Must have this one!, April 21, 2010
    By     MASH Lover "KE" (NY)
    This book is AMAZING. MASH is filled with great detail, funny stories and brings every episode back to life. If you ever watched the show MASH-you must have this book. It brings back great memories.
  • If you're a M*A*S*H fan, you MUST have this book, April 21, 2010
    By     B. Whitford "Brad" (Melbourne, Australia)
    "TV's M*A*S*H: The Ultimate Guide Book", is essential reading for anyone who claims to be a true M*A*S*H fan. Buy the book and place it in the cabinet next to your M*A*S*H DVD's/videos. The book covers every episode individually with a synopsis, commentaries, author's notes and information on what to look for, and things you may have missed. Just when you thought you knew everything about this great series, along comes this book. I always considered myself an expert who could have a good showing at a M*A*S*H trivia game, but after reading this book, I felt like I knew nothing. I particularly like the new interviews with one or two shot actors on M*A*S*H. Remember Harvey J Goldenberg? He was the dentist in season 1. Melinda Mullins, Stuart Margolin, Enid Kent all contribute too, as does the great Richard Lee Sung who's responsible for some of the funniest moments of the show. His interview is very revealing. Jeff Maxwell tells many amusing anecdotes including how he came to be known as "Igor". The writers also contribute much to the book, as well as the actors. And Larry Gelbart wrote some new M*A*S*H dialogue exclusively for the book! Anyway, Ed Solomonson and Mark O'Neill have done a superb job here. I could picture them sitting two feet from the TV, with a notepad and a pencil smaller than Radar's, going through each episode frame by frame. Countless hours I'd imagine. It was worth it. The result is amazing.

    Well done guys.