‘Always keep your bowler on in times of stress. And watch out for diabolical masterminds.’
The Avengers is one of the most stylish and influential television series of all time, blending action and adventure with outrageous villains and a camp sense of fun. It introduced the public to the central characters of John Steed, Cathy Gale, Emma Peel and Tara King, and made international stars of actors Patrick Macnee, Honor Blackman, Diana Rigg and Linda Thorson.
This is the most in-depth reference work about the show. It covers all aspects, going through the production episode by episode, with full behind-the-scenes details. Assembled from ABC Television documentation, including daily progress reports and internal letters and memos, to give a complete day by day picture of how the series progressed from videotape to film and from black and white to colour. In addition, the author has spoken and corresponded with many people who worked on the series, to give the fullest picture yet of how this classic and stylish British production was assembled.
This volume also covers The New Avengers, the South African radio series, the stage play and the 1998 feature film.
‘I bought this as an accompaniment to my run through of all Avengers episodes on DVD. A series I haven’t revisited since their original sixties run. This book is absolutely essential, and has absolutely enhanced my viewing. Well worth getting, not only as a guide to every episode of the show and it’s evolution during the sixties, but as a snapshot of the early days of ITV. What a great purchase.‘ Robin Pierce
740pp. 6×9 paperback edition.
ISBN: 978-1-84583-097-7 – original UK edition – now out of print
ISBN: 978-1-84583-887-4 – worldwide edition from 9 January 2016
Published July 2014
Alan Hayes –
“The whole story of The Avengers, superbly researched and written, all under one umbrella!”
If you’ve got other books in your Avengers collection, ones that you think tell you everything you need to know about the series, and that Bowler Hats and Kinky Boots can’t possibly tell you anything you don’t know… think again! This is an astonishing reference work, compiled and researched by one of the real experts on the series, Mike Richardson. No other book has brought together such a breathtaking amount of information, fascinating facts and insights for the whole of The Avengers (and The New Avengers, the movie, the stage play, the radio series and more) all under one roof in such an effective, readable way.
Like Mike Richardson, I also write books about The Avengers. I wish I had written this one, as it will surely be seen as the definitive account of the series. Indispensible.
Congratulations, Mike! This is a book that every Avengers fan should have in their library.
Phil Markham –
I read this book in less than a week and was a brilliant book!!!
This could be the ultimate book that will ever be written about this classic series (unless Telos do a update) every version is covered in great detail and I thought I knew a lot about the show but every page gave me something I didn’t know especially on the stage and radio show
Congrats to every one involved with this book and I urge anyone who has any interest in the show must give this book a go
10/10
Robin Pierce –
I bought this as an accompaniment to my run through of all Avengers episodes on DVD. A series I haven’t revisited since their original sixties run. This book is absolutely essential, and has absolutely enhanced my viewing. Well worth getting, not only as a guide to every episode of the show and it’s evolution during the sixties, but as a snapshot of the early days of ITV. What a great purchase.