"Automata Old and New" by Conrad William Cooke explores the fascinating evolution of automata, from ancient mechanical devices to modern robotics. The book delves into the intricate designs and engineering marvels of historical automata, showcasing their cultural significance and the artistry involved in their creation. Cooke provides a comprehensive overview of notable examples, illustrating how these machines have captivated human imagination throughout history. The narrative is enriched...

Set in Dodge City, Kansas, during the thriving cattle days of the 1870s, the Gunsmoke radio show was routinely called by radio drama enthusiasts “the best show of any kind and any time”. For nine years from 1952 to 1961, Gunsmoke dominated the airwaves as it portrayed the epic legend of the American West. The lead character of Marshall Matt Dillon, as played by William Conrad, was called the “Philip Marlowe of the old west”. Besides Conrad, the superb supporting cast included Parley Baer a...

Versatile actor William Conrad had a long career (1945-1993) and was an American World War II fighter pilot, actor, producer, and director whose career spanned five decades in radio, film and television. He appeared in nearly 8,000 radio shows during the golden age and when TV beckoned, he delivered, starring in Cannon (1971-76), Nero Wolfe (1981) and Jake and the Fat Man (1987-1992). He also narrated the television adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle (19...

The nation's favourite annual guide to the short story, now in its eighth year.Best British Short Stories invites you to judge a book by its cover – or more accurately, by its title. This new series aims to reprint the best short stories published in the previous calendar year by British writers, whether based in the UK or elsewhere. The editor's brief is wide ranging, covering anthologies, collections, magazines, newspapers and web sites, looking for the ...

This multiple award-winning anthology of twenty psychological and supernatural horror stories explores the outer limits of fear.To create this volume, renowned horror editor Ellen Datlow wrote to her favorite authors asking for stories that would "provide the reader with a frisson of shock, or a moment of dread so powerful it might cause the reader outright physical discomfort; or a sensation of fear so palpable that the reader feels impelled to turn up the lights v...

In the United States alone, 1 in every 5 deaths results from heart failure. Norman Cousins should know— a massive heart attack nearly killed him. Here is the dramatic account of that trauma, the events leading up to the attack, his intensive rehabilitation program, and his recovery. Cousins' experience is an inspirational case study in how to mobilize inner resources to overcome fear and panic.

Daws Butler: Voice Magician traces the career of one of America's best-loved but least-seen actors. During his fifty year career, Daws Butler provided the voices for such beloved animated characters as Yogi Bear, Huckleberry Hound, Quick Draw McGraw, Chilly Willy, Elroy Jetson, and dozens of others. Interwoven throughout this interview with Butler are samples of his distinctive voice characterizations in cartoons, radio and television programs, commercials, and comedy records. The...

"Around Dodge City and in the territory out West, there's just one way to handle the killers and the spoilers, and that's with a US marshal and the smell of … Gunsmoke!"Radio Westerns were strictly for kids until 1952, when Gunsmoke hit the radio airwaves. The stories were grim, the deaths brutal, and life on the plains was harsh. Radio audiences had never heard anything like Gunsmoke, and they made it the number one Western on the radio. It soon made a s...

This collection contains twelve of the greatest mystery shows ever broadcast during the golden age of radio! You'll hear Richard Widmark starring in Inner Sanctum Mysteries, Orson Welles in The Black Museum, Peter Lorre in Mystery in the Air, William Conrad in The Whistler, Ernest Chappell in Quiet, Please, Everett Clarke in Lights Out, Harry Bartell in Escape, and Fredric March in a tale well calculated to keep you in Susp...

An enthralling anthology of 19 CWA Dagger Award-shortlisted gripping and thrilling stories for the most hardened crime fan.Featuring bestselling authors such as Ann Cleeves, Christopher Fowler and Val McDermid.NINETEEN CWA DAGGER AWARD-WINNING SHORT STORIES FROM THE BEST OF THE BEST IN CRIME FICTIONLegendary editor, Maxim Jakubowski, delivers another chilling anthology collecting stories of cold-blooded murder, revenge and crimes-go...

William Conrad was a big part of the golden-age of radio. Not only did he star as US Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke (five episodes in this collection), but he appeared on hundreds of radio shows during the 1940s and 50s. Here’s sixteen radio broadcasts that either star William Conrad or have him in the supporting cast. You won’t have any problem identifying his deep baritone voice!Strange Wills, 12/7/46 - “Portsmith Square”Favorite Story, 7/17/48 - “The ...

Director, Actor, Genius. Orson Welles was all these things and more. But talent can sometimes make people afraid., And Hollywood was very afraid of Orson Welles.So Welles went Indie, making his own works on the proceeds of various jobs that required a big name and that very distinguished voice; perfect for radio. Here, in the Black Museum he sets the scene as true life crime is retold. Mr Welles we’re ready……