Live from New York: An Oral History of Saturday Night Live » (Reprint)

Saturday Night Live changed the face of television: it introduced brash new stars, trashed TV taboos, and had an impact on American life, laughter, and politics.

Dozens of stars, writers, guest hosts, contributors, and craftsmen (as read by professional narrators) recall the backstage stories, behind-the-scenes gossip, feuds, foibles, drugs, sex, struggles, and calamities, including personal details never before revealed. Stars interviewed include Mike Meyers, Chris Rock, Bill Murray, Tom Hanks, Adam Sandler, Chevy Chase, Will Ferrell, Dan Aykroyd, Steve Martin, Jon Lovitz, Jane Kattan, Julie Louis-Dreyfus, Garrett Morris, Molly Shannon, Damon Wayans, Chris Elliott, Julie Sweeney, Norm Macdonald, and Paul Simon-plus writers like Al Franken, Conan O'Brien, Larry David, Rosie Shuster, Jack Handey, Robert Smigel, Don Novello, and others who got their big breaks as part of the SNL team...

Library Journal

The story of Saturday Night Live (SNL) is well known-its unique blend of live comedy and popular music broke the mold of network programming when it began in 1975. Yet this history of the program isn't repetitive. Shales, a TV critic at the Washington Post, and Miller (Running in Place) interviewed SNL's former and current cast members, writers, musical guests, and other associates and compiled their quotes to forge an illuminating oral account that offers a unique perspective on the inner workings of the show and its stars' many interactions. The book is organized into eras, which allows readers to skip around, as does an index of cast members by season (though a list of writers associated with each season is missing). Written with the cooperation of longtime producer Lorne Michaels, this is highly recommended for all public and academic libraries.-David M. Lisa, Wayne P.L., NJ Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.