Reviews A certain to be popular addition to any community library American Popular Culture collection, "Gunsmoke: An American Institution" is a 'must read... "In "Gunsmoke: An American Institution", author Ben Costello has provided the legions of fans for America's most popular and long-running television western series with an exhaustive compendium showcasing and celebrating all twenty seasons (comprising a total of 635 episodes) of Matt Dillion and his many friends and foes. Profusely illustrated with literally hundreds of photos about what went on both in front and in back of the cameras, "Gunsmoke" covers the major cast members, as well as the producers, writers and directors, and features an especially insightful interviews with Dennis Weaver, Buck Taylor, and Burt Reynolds. There are even sections featuring Dean Martin Celebrity Roast Highlights; reminisces of distinctive guest stars; Gunsmoke memorabilia, the post-television series Gunsmoke films, and so very much more. A certain to be popular addition to any community library American Popular Culture collection, "Gunsmoke: An American Institution" is a 'must read' for anyone who grew up with Matt Dillion, Miss Kitty, Doc, Chester, Festus, and all the other denizens of Dodge City and the Old West." The Midwest Book Review MBR BOOKWATCH, April 2007 It's been awhile since I checked in with your website and the Gunsmoke An American Institution website and I was just going to let you know I have been told by my family in Delaware that our mom (she just turned 84 on 03/09/2007) has been referencing her book more and more. Then when I come to the website I see where there are some congratulations that are in order. "Best Books 2006" winner for Ben Costello's book and Alex Cord's book was recognized and then you received a well deserved award. I'm sorry I didn't find out sooner, however, I am not surprised at all because you all deserve the recognition you receive plus more! Please know as we have mentioned before you have made a family very grateful by giving our mom such pleasure referencing Ben's book. She is a faithful Gunsmoke viewer and keeps her memory sharp by using the book to verify her knowledge of each episode. We wish you all continued success and satisfaction knowing how much joy you are bringing to many people's lives. Take care. Pat Ward "I don't know if you would remember me but I was the lady who drove from Las Vegas to Pahrump last year to get an autographed copy of Mr. Costello's Gunsmoke An American Institution for my 83 year old Mom, lover of Gunsmoke. It's hard to believe it has been a year already. My Mom of course loves the book and it was also passed around to a lot of our family members, whenever would could get it away from our Mom... Thank you again for doing right by people. You have certainly made it possible for our family to make priceless memories by sharing the love of Gunsmoke with our Mom." Pat Ward Las Vegas, NV "Although there have been other books about the legendary Western series, nothing published before has ever come close to Ben Costello's amazing accomplishment. Costello's 576-page chronicle is a lively and thoroughly researched work that does honor to its subject." C. Courtney Joyner Wild Westerns Magazine "The lines on my show lit up with Ben Costello talking about his book Gunsmoke - An American Institution - with a promise to my listeners of having Ben back. My dad loved Gunsmoke and for this reason Ben’s book brought back so many fond memories for me. One hour was not enough time to talk with Ben. What a great guy! Great book! I wish we had two hours to talk!" Jack Evans The Jack Evans Show WMBS-CBS Uniontown, Pa. "The title says it all. "An American Institution". That’s what Gunsmoke was, and became. That’s why it has run nonstop for 51 years now, and will for many more years. Author Ben Costello, in his FiveStar book, celebrates all things Gunsmoke in the best possible way. The 500 plus page book is almost canonical in its’ approach to the show. Interviews with the late Dennis Weaver, Burt Reynolds, and Buck Taylor, profiles of the cast, producers, writers, and directors, memorabilia and a COMPLETE 635 episode guide pack this book with Gunsmoke lore beyond all. What strikes me about Bens’ book is the professional/private affection he has for the show. From the early radio show section to the interviews, his love for Gunsmoke shines through. Not only his, but also the actors and guest stars as well. That’s what good shows do, bring the best out in people. Looking at the list of professionals who contributed to Gunsmoke over the years, it reads like the Who’s Who of Western Film. Dennis Weaver. James Arness. Amanda Blake. Ken Curtis. Burt Reynolds. Bernard McEveety. Vincent McEveety. Jack Elaam. Lane Bradford. Shug Fisher. Ricardo Montalban. Morgan Woodward. Glenn Strange. Kathleen Hite. Harry Carey Jr. Andrew McLaglen. So many more...so much talent. Costello has included rare photos (both b/w and color), artwork by the talented Buck Taylor, insider information, and his deep appreciation of Gunsmoke. The design by FiveStar Publications is excellent as well, and adds to the presentation. 50 years of any TV show is amazing. Even more so when ONE show, after 20 years, retained and maintained quality in the long haul. The Legend will never die... Look for this at your local book store or at www.50YearsofGunsmoke.com." I remain, A slow draw. Tim Lasiuta "The Gunsmoke book is one of the best books ever." William A. Smith - Indiana (April 2006) "Every post-war baby boomer with a TV was weaned on Gunsmoke. The show ran for an amazing 20 years, from 1955-1975. Marshal Matt Dillon, Miss Kitty, Chester, Festus, and Doc were like extended family. The show was even more popular than I Love Lucy! This book is a colossal encyclopedia of facts about the production, the cast, the writers and behind-the-scenes gossip. It is peppered with photos and ads for the show. For the diehard fan, the second half of the book has credits and synopsis for every single episode." Cynthia Green True West Magazine May 2006 "Ben Costello's Gunsmoke: An American Institution (Five Star) is an exhaustive appraisal and episode guide to the longest-running network show in history." Scott Eyman Palm Beach Post - Sunday, March 12, 2006 "...sure to satisfy the appetite of even the most devout fan of this popular television series." New Mexico Magazine - March 2006 "Fans that had missed author Costello’s signing at the Autry National Center the evening prior sought out this opportunity to get their books signed at Dark Delicacies. The fans were practically tearing the door off its hinges as they barrelled into the memorabilia-stocked store to meet Costello and special guests and Gunsmoke alumnae..." Ed G. Lousararian Wild Westerns Magazine “GUNSMOKE-AN AMERICAN INSTITUTION by Ben Costello is a dream come true for a big fan like me. Ben spent five years of his life putting this great work together. I promise you will learn things about the TV show you haven’t heard before and you will really enjoy stories about the cast as well. Mr. Costello was on my radio show January 24th and it was a wonderful experience. “Just hearing him talk about the book took me right to the middle of the action in Dodge City.” I only wish I could have spent the entire day talking to him.” Dugg Collins Journal Broadcast Group Morning Drive AM 1070 THE RANCH/KFTI Wichita, Kansas Hi Ben, Just wanted to thank you for joining us Friday here at B95 in Flint. Great trivia question! The man who won your book was in his mid-30's and he & his father were HUGE Gunsmoke fans. He's got a bunch of DVD's on order and has used e-bay himself for collector's items. And best of all, he had never won anything before. That makes ME happy, because, like all radio stations, we have some listeners who will try to win ANYTHING, whether they want it or not! So thanks and good luck with the book and your next endeavors! Diane Grey I never realized how important of a show Gunsmoke was until I spoke with Ben Costello. He was able to paint a picture about this icon of American television heritage that I hadn't expected.. one of a more thought provoking well-thought out show, rather than a shoot 'em up cowboy series than I had always envisioned it to be. Ben was able to "spur" our listeners into action by providing a great trivia question to call in and win a copy of his beautiful book. By the way, that listener drove 30 miles that day just to pick up the book, which he was absolutely thrilled with! Ben Costello, is a friendly, warm, informative interview that will round up all your listeners to find out more about Gunsmoke. Sincerely, Jane Meyer, KLTF, Little Falls, MN "Let's just say the book contains everything you'd wish to know about the show, and more!" ~Allan Pierleoni, Sacramento Bee "Every form of popular culture has its icons, and when you consider television's place in American society, to be a TV icon is no small thing. Which is why it's so much fun to peruse GUNSMOKE: An American Institution by Ben Costello... It is definitely a must-have for the Western buff on your shopping list, and a great gift for anyone who remembers when prime-time network TV offered something better and more enduring." ~David Chesanow, The News Tribune (WA) "...it's hard to put your book down: it's as enjoyable as it is fascinating...it is the definitive book on GUNSMOKE." ~Ed G. Lousararian, Editor in Chief Wildest Westerns Magazine "This book is a gift for the series' fans. Costello's respect and admiration for television's longest-running Western shine through in his impressive retrospect Gunsmoke: An American Institution...With hundreds of photographs, a memorabilia chapter, and even a few favorite cast recipes, this book offers an ideal way to head back to the Long Branch Saloon. And it would make a great stocking stuffer for any fan of TV Westerns - though given the size and heft of the book, you'll need a pretty big stocking." ~David Hofstede Cowboys and Indians Magazine "With over 600 pages liberally laced with hundreds of episode and behind-the-scenes photographs, biographies of lead performers, updates on surviving cast members, a complete episode log and interviews with the show's luminaries, this book could get you out of the saddle and under a reading light until the wee hours of the morning...this meticulously researched book is a memorable tribute to a lasting legacy." ~Deadwood Magazine They sure don’t make shows like Gunsmoke anymore "Fans of the show are in for a special treat with the release of Gunsmoke: An American Institution - Celebrating 50 Years of Television’s Best Western. This is a comprehensive book that contains just about everything you've ever wanted to know about Gunsmoke and the characters that made the show so popular. There is even a section of Gunsmoke recipes, including James Arness’ Chili. This 622 page book includes a complete episode log with all the guest star credits. For me this was one of the most interesting parts of the book because it really gives a sense of how pivotal the show was for so many young actors. If you are a fan of the show, I would encourage you to get a copy of Gunsmoke: An American Institution – Celebrating 50Years of Television’s Best Western. Costello has captured just about every detail about the show and put them all together with hundreds of photographs." ~Wayne Price, Editor’s Page Rural Electric Nebraskan, November 2005 "Thanks for all the memories! Lovingly... Actress Mariette Hartley Ben - if it's as good as it is heavy - you're a hit! Actor Robert Donner Ben - I am so honored to be a part of your beautiful book. Actress Laurie Prange A wonderful book on a wonderful show! Actor John Saxon Ben - A wonderful book - thank you for doing it! Much love... Actress Beverly Garland "Thank you for this great book. Actor Robert Pine "This book is wonderful! Actress Dawn Lyn Ben - I've since had the time to wallow in your book. I think it's terrific. I'm loving all the 'inside stuff' about the show, especially the struggles and politics of the early production and transition from radio to TV. Great photos. So valuable in the library of a TV buff. Invaluable in the library of a GUNSMOKE fan. Joe Oleksiewicz KCHO/KFPR Northstate Public Radio Cal State University Chico September 28, 2005 Gunsmoke: An American Institution is an exceptional tribute to TV's longest- running drama, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary on TV. Author Ben Costello has given fans a warm and sentimental book packed with candid photos, interviews with many of the show's principals, updates on the cast, synopses of 635 episodes and TV films and much more. In fact, he's even included a few favorite recipes from cast members. (My husband makes a pretty mean chili, but he's gotten raves from series star James Arness' recipe with its optional ingredient, beer!) I'll admit to feeling a little cocky, believing I had seen all the photos and heard all the stories about my favorite TV show. But Gunsmoke: An American Institution is full of pleasant surprises. I was delighted by the dozens of candid pictures and interviews that were new and fresh. And I also enjoyed the Foreward by Gunsmoke scripter Jim Byrnes and the Preface by Jon Voight. Like the series it honors, Costello's book will entertain and delight fans for many years to come. I know it tops my holiday gift list this year. Sandy Henry author, A Child's Bedtime Companion and Something Borrowed, Something Blue Dear Ben: Congratulations! You must be very proud of your wonderful book. I really enjoyed reading it and seeing all the wonderful pictures you gathered. It was a great trip down Memory Lane that brought back some memories of the good ole days...you deserve many kudos. Gunsmoke Casting Director, Pam Polifroni Dear Ben: Your Gunsmoke book is amazing and you are a delight." Actress Lane Bradbury Your book is one of the VERY BEST BOOKS on Gunsmoke, and I'm proud to have it in my collection. Robert Kagan Founding member, The Autry Museum Your beautiful "Gunsmoke" book is something I will treasure always...You have written an incredible book that you can be extremely proud of (I know I am!) Brooklyn Barbara D'Andrea Gunsmoke Fan Tuesday, 09/13/05 'Gunsmoke' celebrates 50th anniversary with new book honoring popular series On the landscape of American television, Gunsmoke was a giant. It had a giant star in 6-foot-7-inch James Arness as Marshal Matt Dillon. The series, which ran for 20 years and 635 episodes, celebrated its 50th anniversary on Saturday. And a new book, like the show, is a giant. Gunsmoke: An American Institution weighs about 5 pounds and has 622 pages and a barrel full of photos. By KEN BECK Staff Writer The Tennessean We knew there were a lot of "Gunsmoke" fans in Montana but when we gave away Ben's book after his interview the phone started ringing and hasn't stopped! Ben makes you want to grab your pillow, plop down in front of the T.V. and stay there forever!" Bell Braaten Producer for KBUL Radio Billings, MT I just received Ben Costello's "Gunsmoke: An American Institution", and I am thrilled to bits with it! It's size and magnitude alone express it's stature as a stunning tribute and a loving memorial." Sydney Kent Gunsmoke Fan On the evening of Sept. 10, 1955, actor John Wayne appeared on the TV screen to introduce a Western called "Gunsmoke." "It's honest, it's adult, it's realistic," Wayne told a national audience. "Gunsmoke" presented 635 episodes over the next 20 years, becoming the longest-running prime-time Western drama with a regular cast of characters. They included Marshal Matt Dillon (James Arness), Chester Goode (Dennis Weaver), Festus Haggen (Ken Curtis), Doc Adams (Milburn Stone) and Miss Kitty (Amanda Blake). To commemorate the show's 50th anniversary is "Gunsmoke: An American Institution" by Ben Costello, with a preface by Jon Voight (Five Star, $75, 622 pages). Let's just say the book contains everything you'd wish to know about the show, and more. Sacramento Bee "What a wonderful tribute to a beloved landmark western series. Like most everyone of that era, I was an unabashed fan of the timeless stories told through marvelous actors and presented with great craftsmanship." Cheryl Rogers-Barnett, author of Cowboy Princess: Life with My Parents Roy Rogers and Dale Evans A western legend: The two-decade run of 'Gunsmoke' is honored by Kanab fest On Sept. 10, 1955, cast members of a new television show gathered to watch the first episode. Much to their surprise, legendary actor John Wayne came on to introduce the program. "I've made a lot of pictures," Wayne said onscreen, "some of them have been Westerns . . . and that's why I'm here to tell you about tonight . . . a new television show called 'Gunsmoke.' " Then Wayne introduced the show's star, James Arness. "He's a young fellow, and maybe new to some of you. I predict he'll be a big star." No one at the time — the cast members included — knew how right that prediction would be, said Ben Costello, author of a new book, "Gunsmoke: An American Institution." Carma Wadley Deseret Morning News "I appeared in a lot of Westerns in those days, and Gunsmoke was the king of them all." Actress Angie Dickinson "This marvelous tome helps me re-live my work with the superb Gunsmoke cast." Actor Morgan Woodward "I appreciate your book, and I think a lot of people will. The interest is still certainly there." Actor & Artist Buck Taylor (was Newly O'Brien) "The reason for the record-breaking longevity of Gunsmoke is simple: Quality." Actor & Author Alex Cord "Many congratulations on your fine book." Actor William Smith "The book features more than 500 photos, 60 interviews with cast and crew members, and complete credits for all 644 episodes." Lucinda Dyer Show Daily BEA Friday, June 3, 2005 "Author hits bulls-eye with book on Gunsmoke" Mark Wheeler Hi-Desert Star Tuesday June 14, 2005 "New book commemorates golden anniversary of Gunsmoke, television's most popular Western" Western Legends Roundup "What a book, what a show, what a cast, crew and pleasure it was to be part of it." Actor Lance LeGault "Gunsmoke has been watched avidly for 50 years and I am sure it will be watched for the next fifty. The fact that it ran weekly for 20 years is proof of its greatness, worthy of this terrific in dept history book of the show by Ben Costello. I am proud to have been a part of it." Andrew V. McLaglen "I thought that Gunsmoke was a terrific show to be on, and I didn't know it then, but some of the happiest years of my life were on that show." Burt Reynolds. Web site: http://www.50yearsofgunsmoke.com ISBN 1-58985-014-9 $ 75.00 Published by Five Star Publications, Inc. Published 2nd Edition 2007 Hardcover 11 x 8 1/2 Main   Author   News   Media Materials   Gunsmoke Accessories   Book Tour   Reviews   © 1996-2007 Five Star Publications, Inc.. No portion of this website may be reprinted without express written consent of Five Star Publications, Inc.