The Magic Window: American Television ,1939-1953

This fascinating book tells the story of how television became popular in the United States following the medium's debut at the 1939 New York World's Fair. You'll learn about the people, events, and performances that were televised--or influenced what was being televised--from 1939 to 1953. In addition to the entertainment and cultural aspects of this newborn medium, The Magic Window also explores the business, politics, and technology of early television.

James A. Von Schilling, PhD, is a native of Hackensack, New Jersey. He received a BA in English from Princeton University, an MA in education from New York University, and a PhD in American Culture from Bowling Green State University. He has taught English in public schools and at Bowling Green State University, Rider University, and Northampton Community College, where he is a professor of English. He also teaches and writes on diverse topics in American studies, mass media, and popular culture Dr. Von Schilling's writings have been published in The Handbook of American Popular Culture, The Popular Culture Reader, The Journal of Popular Film and Television, American Journalism, and The Legal Studies Forum. He is the American Culture Association's area chair for journalism and media culture, and resides with his wife, Margaret, and his two sons in Somerville, New Jersey