REVIEW AND BOOK GIVEAWAY

Review of: Making Masterpiece: 25 years Behind the Scenes at Masterpiece Theatre and Mystery! on PBS, by Rebecca Eaton

Making Masterpiece: 25 Years Behind the Scenes at Masterpiece Theatre and Mystery! on PBS, by executive producer Rebecca Eaton, is an informative and entertaining book both about the history of Masterpiece and a perspective on her own life. Eaton's description of a producer's role mirrors what she has accomplished in this book: "You must always push to reveal something new; an insight, a juxtaposition of images and ideas, a unique expression of an emotion, a piece of information."

The book details the beginnings of Masterpiece Theatre, through its renewal and rebranding in 2008 as Masterpiece with three distinct "seasons" of programming and a digital presence, up to its latest success with high-profile offerings such as Downton Abbey and Sherlock. Eaton shares many anecdotes about celebrities associated with Masterpiece including Alistair Cooke, Russell Baker, Robert Redford, Paul Newman, Kenneth Branagh, Eileen Atkins, Judi Dench, Maggie Smith and many more. She ties many of the stories into what was taking place in her own personal and professional life.

Eaton provides insights into what a producer actually does and how Masterpiece, in particular, is developed, funded and promoted, and how that has changed over its 25 years. She celebrates the successes, discloses the disappointments and acknowledges mistakes along the way. The book is told from a very personal point of view by someone who you feel has a deep commitment to her work and high standards in bringing to American audiences television programs that inform, educate and entertain.

The book is written in mostly chronological order covering the past 25 years of Masterpiece. It takes us right up to the wildly popular Downton Abbey, on which Eaton devotes the last three chapters, with quotes from and stories about its actors. She also includes many fascinating insights from writer Julian Fellowes. The book contains 16 pages of interesting photos related to Eaton's family and Masterpiece celebrities. An added bonus is a detailed index with all of the names of people and programs that are mentioned in the book. It's easy to go back to find anyone or anything of particular interest.

Making Masterpiece is clearly written by someone who loves the subject. The stories Eaton shares are a must-read for anyone who has enjoyed any of the many delightful and engaging programs that Masterpiece has offered over the years.

SeniorLearn Book Giveaway made possible by Masterpiece on PBS

We're giving away four copies of "Making Masterpiece: 25 Years Behind the Scenes at Masterpiece Theatre and Mystery! on PBS" by executive producer Rebecca Eaton.

To enter for a chance to win a copy, post a message in the SeniorLearn PBS Masterpiece discussion during the month of November. Let us know which programs you have enjoyed watching over the years or currently watch on PBS. Some of us are talking about the new Masterpiece series, THE PARADISE, as well as other old and new PBS programs of interest.

Winners will be selected at random from people who post in the PBS discussion from November 6 through November 30. You may post as many messages as you like but only one post will count as your entry. Winners will be notified by email (to the email address associated with your username on SeniorLearn) during the first week of December when we'll request their postal address in order to send a copy of the book. To be eligible to receive the book you must live in the contiguous United States (for postage considerations). Questions? Contact webmaster@seniorlearn.org

Note: You may read messages in the SeniorLearn discussions without registering a username but to post a message, complete a free registration with a username and password you create and a valid email address. After you agree to the terms of service and submit your registration you'll receive an email to activate your username. Then go to the PBS Masterpiece discussion.

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