Items related to Human Amusements
Synopsis
Book by JOHNSTON, Wayne
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From the Inside Flap
Wayne Johnston's fourth novel - and the only one to be set outside Newfoundland - is a hilarious send-up of television's early days, capturing all the nostalgia and innocence of the time.
It is the late 1950s and in lower middle-class Toronto, Audrey Prendergast, whose love for her family blinds her to all else, sees the new medium of television as the only means of climbing the social ladder. And climb it the Prendergasts begin to do when Audrey launches a children's show called Rumpus Room, starring herself as Miss Mary and her young son Henry as Bee Good/Bee Bad. When the program becomes an overnight sensation, and the Prendergasts' world begins to change, much to the chagrin of Audrey's husband, Peter, family comedian and would-be novelist. Determined to keep his family anchored in reality, Peter refuses to have anything to do with Rumpus Room and throws all his energy into writing his novel and doing an almost non-stop and hilarious commentary on modern culture.
When Audrey's second television series - the Philo Farnsworth Show - becomes a huge success, things begin to break down. Based on the real-life inventor of the television set, the show becomes a kind of camp classic, attracting a group of fanatic followers who call themselves "Philosophers" and more or less worship the teenage Henry. Sorrow and comedy mingle and blend as the Prendergasts struggle to retain their innocence and love for one another in the maelstrom of their changing lives.
About the Author
Wayne Johnston is the author of several novels, including The Colony of Unrequited Dreams and The Divine Ryans, and the memoir Baltimore’s Mansion. He was born and raised in Newfoundland and now lives in Toronto.
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- PublisherMcClelland & Stewart
- Publication date1994
- ISBN 10 0771044380
- ISBN 13 9780771044380
- BindingPaperback
- Edition number1
- Number of pages296
- Rating
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Human Amusements
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Human Amusements
Published by
McClelland & Stewart, Toronto, 1994
ISBN 10: 0771044380
ISBN 13: 9780771044380
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Human Amusements
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ISBN 10: 0771044380
ISBN 13: 9780771044380
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Soft cover. Condition: Near Fine. Canadian First. First edition, first printing as evidenced by a complete number line from 1 to 5; signed by Wayne Johnston on the title page with no inscription; French flaps edition; a solid, clean copy in collectable condition. Signed by Author(s). Book. Seller Inventory # 000484
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Human Amusements
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Human Amusements
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Human Amusements
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ISBN 10: 0771044380
ISBN 13: 9780771044380
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Human Amusements
Published by
M&S, Toronto, 1994
ISBN 10: 0771044380
ISBN 13: 9780771044380
Used
Original Wraps
First Edition
Seller: A Good Read, Toronto, ON, Canada
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Original Wraps. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: No Dust Jacket. First Edition. A Good Read ships from Toronto and Niagara Falls, NY - customers outside of North America please allow two to three weeks for delivery. ; 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Seller Inventory # 20477
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Human Amusements
Published by
M&S, Toronto, 1994
ISBN 10: 0771044380
ISBN 13: 9780771044380
Used
Original Wraps
First Edition
Seller: A Good Read, Toronto, ON, Canada
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Original Wraps. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: No Dust Jacket. First Edition. A Good Read ships from Toronto and Niagara Falls, NY - customers outside of North America please allow two to three weeks for delivery. ; Some bumping to top spine.; 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Seller Inventory # 20475
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Human Amusements
Published by
McClelland & Stewart Ltd., 1994
ISBN 10: 0771044380
ISBN 13: 9780771044380
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Paperback. Condition: Very Good. By the Author Type: Fiction this copy is tight and clean with the previous owners name stamp on the FEP.SIGNED AND INSCRIBED BY "WAYNE JOHNSTON" on the title page.some light edgewear. Signed by Author. Seller Inventory # 0037616
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Human Amusements: a Novel
Published by
McClelland & Stewart, Toronto, 1994
ISBN 10: 0771044380
ISBN 13: 9780771044380
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Softcover. Condition: Fine. First Edition; First Printing. STiff unmarked book in glossy card covers with french folds. Seller Inventory # 33204
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