This book is a must-read for anyone interested in television and media history, for one, but also popular culture in general. It is well-written, accessible, interesting . . .every time i was thinking of a comment or question, the author seemed to read my mind and addressed my thoughts within a couple of paragraphs. I wish I still taught media studies--I would have my upper-level and grad students read this book, especially for its admirable avoidance of acadmic jargon. Weinstein finds a way to speak about the formation and growth of early television that is clear, informed and makes me think differently even about the television i watch today, even about contemporary media. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.