Let’s begin this review by saying, nostalgia is not what it was.
However, “The Curiosities of British Children’s TV” by Ben Ricketts certainly gives it a wonderful shot in the arm.
The book is a collection of pen-pictures, each recalling a forgotten classic of British kid’s TV. I will not mention any of the shows that Ricketts visits, as I will let you, a future reader, have the pleasure of discovering them anew. As a child of 1974, there are plenty of shows that I remember, which come under Ricketts’ joyous spotlight.
There are a good few more that I don’t recall, particularly those that aired on ITV. We were a staunch BBC household for many years. However, such is Ricketts’ enthusiasm and humour, that it becomes easy to engage with the topics under discussion. This book has clearly been a labour of love for Ricketts. Throughout the book, he describes many trips to the BFI viewing archives in London, and there are interviews with key contributors within many of the essays.
This book, however, is enhanced by running YouTube alongside it. While Ricketts’ prose is refreshed by his painstaking research, this cannot be the same for the reader, so a quick look at some video footage definitely helps.
While I feel this book would fit best for those born in the mid-seventies through to mid-eighties, there are treats and warmth there for readers of any vintage.
Wonderfully written and engaging, this is an easy five-stars, and thoroughly recommended. Enjoy a trip into the vaults.
You can join Ben at www.curiousbritishtelly.co.uk