Book description
The Sopranos is recognized as the most successful cable series in the
history of television. The Washington Post has called the popular
series, winner of twenty-one Emmys and five Golden Globes, “the
television landmark that leaves other landmarks in the dust.” In every
aspect-narrative structure, visual artistry, writing, intertextuality,
ensemble acting, controversial themes, dark humor, and unflinching
examinations of American life-The Sopranos has had few equals. Offering
a definitive final assessment of the series, The Essential Sopranos
Reader aims to comprehensively examine the show's themes and enduring
cultural significance. Gender and ethnicity, the role of dreams, the
rebirth of HBO, the series' controversial finale, and other topics come
under scrutiny in this highly accessible, engaging collection. The book
concludes with an interview with Dominic Chianese, who played Uncle
Junior in all six seasons of the show. David Lavery, professor of
English at Middle Tennessee State University, is the editor of The
Essential Cult TV Reader. He lives in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Douglas
L. Howard, assistant academic chair and associate professor in the
English Department at Suffolk County Community College, is the editor of
Dexter: Investigating Cutting Edge Television. He lives in Plainview,
New York. Paul Levinson, professor of communication and media studies at
Fordham University, is the award-winning author of several science
fiction novels as well as books on new media. He lives in White Plains,
New York.
