Magic Box: Viewing Britain through the Rectangular Window

The Magic Box is a book that explores the golden age of British television and film, from the late 1950s to the late 1980s. It is a cross-genre feast of moving pictures that reflects the nation's visual self-portrait in technicolor detail. The book is praised for its gripping content, its lovingly researched history, and its ability to reclaim Britain as a darkly magical place.

Format: Hardback
Length: 512 pages
Publication date: 05 August 2021
Publisher: Faber & Faber

A LOUDER THAN WAR BOOK OF THE YEAR

A captivating exploration of Britain's vibrant television and film era, The Magic Box presents a captivating visual self-portrait of the nation in technicolor detail. Spanning a wide range of genres, from classic masterpieces to occult hidden gems, this collection offers a delectable cross-genre feast that will captivate audiences of all ages.

The definition of gripping, this book truly is a treasure trove of wyrd treasures. Benjamin Myers, in his review for the Guardian, praises it as a lovingly researched history of British TV that brings back memories of the brilliant, the bizarre, and the unworldly. The Spectator describes it as a feat of argument, description, and affection, while the Financial Times hails it as a remarkable discovery that unearths the ghosts of TV's past and reveals the dark psyche of Britain.

Rob Young's journey into the world of television in the 1970s was shaped by the wooden box with the glass window in the corner of the family living room, known as the TV set. Before the advent of DVDs, Blu-ray discs, YouTube, and commercial streaming services, watching television was a vastly different experience. You turned it on, settled back, and watched, without the convenience of pause or fast-forward buttons.

The British-made sci-fi, folk horror, period drama, and televisual grand tours that flourished during this era played a significant role in shaping a national conversation and collective memory. These programs explored a wide range of themes and genres, from the tensions between different social classes to the supernatural and the paranormal. They contributed to the cultural identity of Britain and left a lasting impact on audiences around the world.

The Magic Box serves as a testament to the creativity, innovation, and cultural significance of British television and film during their golden age. It is a must-read for anyone who loves movies, television, and the history of popular culture.

Weight: 754g
Dimension: 167 x 241 x 47 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780571284597
Edition number: Main