The Prisoner: An Illustrated History

by Andrew Pixley

Fifty years on from its first UK broadcast, THE PRISONER remains as fresh and dynamic as when it was first unleashed upon an unsuspecting world in 1967.

Noted television historian ANDREW PIXLEY examines the conception, creation and production of Patrick McGoohan’s ground-breaking series, drawing on original source material and historic interviews with cast and crew.

This brand-new edition adds a wealth of illustrative material, including many rare photographs, some of which are published for the first time. This, then, in words and pictures, is the story of The Prisoner...

128 pages, Hardcover

First published October 30, 2017

Reviews

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

After being a fan of the TV show for years and years I stumbled across a couple of books taking a look at the series. This one, by Andrew Pixley deals with the production end of things. There is a lot of detail here, unfortunately it reads like a mediocre entry level university essay. It is obvious there was a lot of research done but there is nothing innovative about the writing. It is a long stream of quotes and facts obtained by others with nothing original about the telling. There is a brief blurb at the beginning and the end of the book that reflects the author's thoughts and that is about it. If I was grading it, it would be a C+. Good effort, but misses the mark.

This is a chronological history starting with the concept moving through the process of making the show. There is a lot of detail including dates, locations, broadcast schedules, etc. Where there are different accounts, they are presented, but little in the way of evidence to support one version of events over another. It would appear based on this compilation that Patrick McGoohan was a harsh task master and not the easiest person to work with, but there is not much exploration of this impression beyond the recitation of other people's quotes.

If you are looking for a definitive recitation of dry history, this is the book for you. But if you were in search of something a little more in depth and enlightening regarding the making of this cult classic, this volume leaves something to be desired.

[Santi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is THE reference book if you are interested in a factual text on the production of the series. Nothing more, nothing less.

[Jefferson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great, light overview of the making of the series that doesn't get bogged down in subjective analysis. Perfect companion to the anniversary disc set.