Few American television series are as deeply entrenched in twentieth-century popular culture as M*A*S*H; a Korean War medical comedy characterized by its dark tone and finesse in tackling serious social and political issues. By the end of its run; M*A*S*H had been a mainstream hit for several seasons and won fourteen Emmys; leading it to be called "the most popular pre-Seinfeld series in television history." In this comprehensive study of M*A*S*H; David Scott Diffrient analyzes the series' contextual issues-such as its creation; reception; and circulation-as well as textual issues like its formal innovations; narrative strategies; and themes.While numerous episode summaries; cast interviews; trivia books; and even recipe guides have been inspired by M*A*S*H; only one other scholarly study of the series exists. Diffrient breaks new ground by fully addressing the wealth of complexities and contradictions in the series and exploring how they are rooted in the cultural ethos of the Vietnam War era. He examines the origins of M*A*S*H and the history surrounding its original broadcast; eventual syndication; and its reception; and he unpacks its narrative strategies; thematic motifs; and questions of identity and identification. In particular; Diffrient explores how the series was able to transcend the traditional boundaries of the sitcom and tackle issues like racial injustices; gender biases; bureaucratic mismanagement; and military snafus. In his exhaustive analysis; Diffrient draws extensively on archival materials including original scripts; memos; and personal correspondence of the show's writers. He also considers the show's links to antiwar fiction and its influential and critically overlooked representation of Koreans and the Korean War. Students and teachers of film and television studies; as well as readers interested in M*A*S*H will enjoy this installment in the TV Milestones Series.
#721017 in Books 2011-03-09Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.47 x .41 x 5.63l; .41 #File Name: 0813931118121 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Good concise referenceBy ConsumerI purchased a number of books on touring Civil War sites as we are planning trips to do so this year and next; during the final sesquicentennial dates. It's difficult to know which will be the "best" resources and I suspect that many if not all will compliment the others. The sites books have information concisely packaged. The Road Trip Books bring an orientation to the scenes as they exist today (as well as historical perspective) and the Day-By Day books allow another method of quick reference. I needed the maps as well to remain oriented. With all of them; I can find not only the immediate point of interest; but also the context into which the events will fit. If I had to select just one or two to concentrate upon; I would be hard pressed to decide. I am in the process of learning as much of the information as will stick. It may seem like a lot of duplicative effort; but repetition and evolving context are what helps me learn and I want to learn; to appreciate what I will be viewing. I also have purchased Shelby Foote's anthology to re-read as I had misplaced those volumes purchased when I was a kid. After seeing him in Ken Burn's The Civil War; I remembered how witty and enjoyable he is. All of this is available on 1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. ... trip to explore Virginia Civil War sites and this wonderful book has given me much to choose fromBy AndrinaI am planning a driving trip to explore Virginia Civil War sites and this wonderful book has given me much to choose from; A great purchase.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy sandpebblethanks
