ON THE SHELF

BRILLIANT

VERY GOOD

GOOD

DREADFUL

Bright Darkness: Lost Art of the Supernatural Horror Film written by Jeremy Dyson Published in August 1997 by Continuum (formerly Cassell Academic). 224 Pages. ISBN-10 : ‎0304700371. This book makes a detailed study of the supernatural in films. Features a colourised still of Peter and Janet Blair from ‘Night of the Eagle/Burn Witch Burn’. 

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British Television; An Illustrated Guide. 364 Pages – Black & White Published by Oxford University Press ISBN: 0-19-818336-4 (First Edition) ISBN: 0-19-815926-9 (Second Edition) Written by Tise Vahimagi Originally published in 1994 (republished in 1996) and backed by the British Film Institute, this is a unique guide to British Television, detailing over 1100 programmes from 1936 to the present day. References are made to several of Peter’s starring and guest roles, including ‘Rope’, ‘On Trial’, ‘Out Of This World’, ‘Department S’ and ‘Jason King’. 

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The Complete Avengers. Published by Boxtree Written by Dave Rogers and Brian Clements ISBN: 1-85283-233-4 Including interviews with Patrick Macnee and Honor Blackman, and illustrated with over 100 black and white photographs, this book provides the very first comprehensive guide to the entire Avengers series, including references to the episodes ‘A Touch of Brimstone’ and ‘Epic’ in which Peter guest-starred. 

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Crime Through Time: The Black Museum written by Stephen Richards – Mirage Publishing (1 April 2003). 555 Pages. ISBN-10: 1902578171. A reference book listing various crimes that have taken place in the UK over the decades. According to Wikipedia as the original source of the myth that Peter was arrested in Birmingham in 1974 (a story which has since been debunked). Inaccurate at best.

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Cult TV: The Essential Critical Guide written by Jon E. Lewis and Penny Stempel and published by Pavilion Books – ISBN: 1-85793-926-3 (288 Pages). Professes to be the “essential critical guide” to Cult Television, but includes some glaringly obvious errors, including the mis-guided notion that Peter is Australian and that Jason King was in fact the head of ‘Department S’ and a “spare-time detective author”!

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Cult TV Detectives by Jon E. Lewis and Penny Sempel. Published by Pavillion Books – ISBN: 1862053111. Profiles on all the legendary classic television detectives, including Jason King, Starsky and Hutch, The Sweeny, Kojak and Columbo etc.

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Cult TV: The Golden Age of ITC. 192 Pages. Plexus Publishing Ltd; 1st Edition (10 Nov. 2006). ISBN-10: ‎ 085965388. Written by Robert Sellers, this is a s a celebration of the golden age of British television that encompassed the cult shows of the 1960s and 70s such as The Prisoner, Department S, Jason King, The Saint and The Persuaders. The incredible stories behind the making of these enduringly popular shows are told here by the actors, directors and creators involved in bringing them to the small screen. Lavishly illustrated with many previously unseen photographs from ITC s own archive, Cult TV also contains a wealth of anecdotes and detail that will delight fans of these remarkable series. Several mentions of Peter, but some inaccuracies.

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Damn You, Scarlett O’Hara: The Private Lives of Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier by Roy Moseley and Darwin Porter. Blood Moon Productions. 435 Pages. Illustrated edition – 27 Jan. 2011. ISBN-10 : ‎1936003155. Based on exclusive and heretofore unrevealed letters, unpublished memoirs and personal interviews whose compilation progressed over a timeline spanning more than half a century, Damn You Scarlett O’Hara reveals for the first time details about the carefully suppressed sexual and emotional entanglements of The Royal Family of the British Stage. References to Peter limited to his lengthy affair with Vivien Leigh:

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The Directors Cut: A Memoir of 60 Years in Film and Television. 185 Pages. Published by Reynolds & Hearn Written by Roy Ward Baker ISBN: 1-90311-102-1 Roy Ward Baker – director of ‘Department S’ (‘The Pied Piper of Hambledown) and ‘Jason King’ (‘Wanna Buy A Television Series?’, ‘A Royal Flush’, ‘Zenia’ and ‘That’s Not Me, It’s Someone Else), recounts his life working in the British film and television industry. 

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Don’t Let the Bastards Grind You Down: How One Generation of British Actors Changed the World by Robert Sellers. Published by Arrow (9 Feb. 2012). ISBN-10: ‎ 0099569329 – 464 pages. Alan Bates, Michael Caine, Sean Connery, Tom Courtenay, Albert Finney, Richard Harris, Peter O’Toole, Robert Shaw and Terence Stamp: They are the most formidable acting generation ever to tread the boards or stare into a camera, whose anti-establishment attitude changed the cultural landscape of Britain. This was a new breed, many culled from the working class industrial towns of Britain, and nothing like them has been seen before or since. Their raw earthy brilliance brought realism to a whole range of groundbreaking theatre from John Osborne’s Look Back in Anger to Joan Littlewood and Harold Pinter and the creation of the National Theatre. And they ripped apart the staid, middle-class British film industry with kitchen-sink classics like Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, This Sporting Life, The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner, A Kind of Loving and Billy Liar before turning their sights on international stardom: Connery with James Bond, O’Toole as Lawrence of Arabia, Finney with Tom Jones and Caine in Zulu.

Be aware that the references to Peter have merely been copied verbatim from Donald Spoto’s much-criticised book, ‘Otherwise Engaged: The Life Of Alan Bates’.

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Fast and Furious: The Story of American International Pictures written and illustrated by Mark Thomas McGee Published by McFarland & Company, Inc. ISBN: 0-89950-091-9 Published in the United States in 1985 detailing the history of American International Pictures. Features photographs of ‘Night of the Eagle/Burn, Witch, Burn’ 

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Flash Gordon: The Official Story of the Film by John Walsh. Titan Books (27 Nov. 2020). ISBN-10: ‎ 1789095069 – 192 pages. In 1980, the film Flash Gordon was released, becoming an instant cult favourite. One of the most quotable and beloved sci-fi films ever, it is legendary for its unique look, tone and iconic soundtrack. This beautiful, first-of-its-kind coffee table book will delve into the making of the movie and celebrate its legacy. Featuring brand new interviews with cast and creative, including stars Sam Jones and Brian Blessed and director Mike Hodges, this stunning book features never-been-seen-before concept artwork and behind-the-scenes photography that makes it a must-have for any classic sci-fi fan. Lots of information and photographs about Peter’s character, General Klytus.

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The Gresh – A Lifetime in Show-Biz by Carl Gresham. Bank House Books – 2009. 104 Pages. IBSN: 9781904408581. Promoter, DJ, marketing powerhouse and friend to the stars – they broke the mould when they made Carl Gresham. Scores of his starry friends have him to thank for adding another dimension to their careers – for putting them in real contact with their audiences and fans. And hundreds and thousands of members of the public, event managers and charity organisations owe an even greater debt of gratitude to his vision and determination in tracking down those artists and masterminding their public appearances. The stars Carl worked with are all people we have known and loved – real professionals – real characters. In this retrospective celebration of his show-biz life, Carl shares his recollections of them as performers and as people. Lots of rare black and white photographs of Peter.

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Guide To Avengerland. The Definitive Guide to The Avengers on film (Volumes 1-5). 64 Pages – Written by Anthony P. McKay, Annette Hill & Chris Bentley. The definitive guide to filming locations used in classic British filmed action/adventure TV series from 1957 to the present day, including ‘Department’ and ‘Jason King’. An authoritative listing of over 300 filming locations, mapped and cross-referenced to over 500 different episodes across 30 TV series. 64 page large format book illustrated with over 110 photographs. “I found the guide fascinating and I do recall some of the locations. A deja vu more in keeping with early mornings in the freezing cold and those long safaris from Elstree Studios.” Peter Wyngarde.

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The Guinness Book of Classic British TV. 444 Pages – Black & White Published by Guinness Books Written by Paul Cornell, Martin Day and Keith Topping ISBN: 0-85112-543-3. Self-proclaimed first authoritative guide to the history of British TV programming from the 1950’s to the present day. Includes cast credits, episode titles and transmission dates of over a hundred programmes, including ‘Department S’, ‘Jason King’, ‘The Avengers’, ‘The Saint’ and ‘The Prisoner. 

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The Innocents by Christopher Frayling. British Film Institute; 2013th edition (25 Oct. 2013) – 115 pages. ISBN-10: ‎ 1844573435. Jack Clayton’s gothic masterpiece The Innocents, though not a commercial success on its release in 1961, has been hailed as one of the greatest psychological thrillers of all time. Dividing reviewers with its ambiguous depiction of ghosts, the film ignited a debate about the aesthetics of horror which still rages today. In this stimulating introduction to The Innocents, Sir Christopher Frayling traces the film from its genesis in the original novel The Turn of The Screw by Henry James, via contemporary critical contexts and William Archibald’s 1950 stage adaptation of the same name, to the screenplay by William Archibald, Truman Capote and John Mortimer. Drawing on unpublished material from Jack Clayton’s archive including Capote’s handwritten drafts for the film and interviews with Deborah Kerr, Freddie Francis, and John Mortimer, Frayling explores how this classic ghost story came to life on screen. This special edition features original cover artwork by Matthew Young. An otherwise excellent book spoiled by Frayling relying on Donald Spoto’s assertions about Peter’s sexuality which was wholly unnecessary.

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Mrs Peel, We’re Needed: The Technicolor world of Emma Peel: Volume 2 (The Avengers on film) by Rodney Marshall. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (24 Aug. 2014). 378 Pages.his is a fabulous ride through every episode the stunningly colourful, fantastical, psychedelic, sexy and serious world of Series 5 of The Avengers On Film: Vol. 2. This book uniquely studies, researches and details new aspects and angles of every Avengers episode colour-film. Peter gets a nod for his memorable appearance in ‘Epic’.

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The Official Prisoner Companion. 244 Pages – Black & White Published by Warner Books Written by Matthew White & Jaffer Ali ISBN: 0-446-38744-4 The original Prisoner companion presents rare photographs (sadly, none of Peter), behind-the-scenes stories, original scripts, and answers to the questions that have long perplexed Prisoner fans everywhere. 

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Otherwise Engaged: The Life of Alan Bates by Donald Spoto. 320 Pages. Hutchinson; 1st Edition 1st Printing (7 Jun. 2007). ISBN-10‏: ‎ 9780091797355. Arrived on the market to mixed reviews. Widely criticised by Peter’s fans due to the wild inaccuracies about him which have set in motion numerous ludicrous myths. Bates fans may love it, but if you’re a true Wyngardian – give it a wide berth.

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Peter Wyngarde: King of TV (Second Edition, 2019). This self-published book was written by Roger Langley. Not strictly a biography, but a detailed list of Peter’s career from his earliest days in theatre until his passing in 2018.

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Playboys, Spies and Private Eyes by Alan Hayes and Rick Davey. Quoit Media Limited (12 Dec. 2017). 256 Pages – ISBN-10:‎ 1911537032. ITC Entertainment was a powerhouse of filmed television drama from the 1950s to the 1980s, producing a succession of hit action-adventure series including ‘Department S’ and ‘Jason King’. Edited by Alan Hayes and Rick Davy, Playboys, Spies, and Private Eyes – Inspired by ITC celebrates the company’s remarkable legacy with 35 chapters by a wide range of writers, who explore how the series have touched their lives. Published in aid of the Born Free Foundation, this book also boasts a heartfelt foreword by actress Annette Andre.

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The Prisoner: A Televisionary Masterpiece. 241 Pages – Full colour Published by Virgin Books Written by Alain Carrazé and Hélène Oswald ISBN: 0-86369-557-4 Acclaimed companion of Partick McGoohan’s enigmatic series, this book is probably the most comprehensive study of The Prisoner yet published. Boasting many lavish never-before-seen photographs, the book covers every aspect of the programme, from its conception in 1965, through the personal clashes and technical difficulties that plagued its making. Contains several rare stills of Peter in the role of Number 2 in ‘Checkmate’, Preface by Patrick McGoohan. 

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The Prisoner and Dangerman. Published by Boxtree Written by Dave Rogers 254 Pages – Black & White ISBN: 1-85283-260-6 An authorised history of Danger Man and The Prisoner, featuring full episode synopses, cast lists and production credits.Loads of action photo’s, but sadly none of Peter in his role as Number 2. 

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Puppets, Playboys and Prisoners by S.J. Gilles. Cult TV (1 Jan. 1998). 96 Pages. This slim1998 volume gives brief overviews and detailed episode guides to ITC series including ‘Department S’, ‘Jason King, ‘The Saint’, ‘The Champions’, plus ‘Thunderbirds’, ‘UFO’ and ‘Captain Scarlet’ etc.

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Rogers and Gillis Guide to ITC. Written by Dave Rogers and Steve Gillis ISBN: 0-9528441-2-5 A detailed study of ITC – one of Britain’s most successful TV production companies. Lists every series, episode, stars, producer, actor, writer and director ever to work on an ITC programme! Includes story synopsis and cast listings for ‘Department S’, ‘Jason King’ The Baron, The Saint and The Champions, to name but a few. A truly awesome achievement. 

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Rogers and Gillis Guide to The Prisoner. Written by Dave Rogers and Steve Gillis Detailed listing of all eighteen episodes of The Prisoner, including production and cast credits. Biographies of all guest actors and actresses. Several errors in the section dedicated to Peter, but still a worthy addition to any collection. 

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Saints and Avengers: British Adventure Series of the 1960s. Written by James Chapman. Bloomsbury 3PL (26 April 2002). 298 Pages – ISBN-10: ‎1860647545. Eccentric, ironic and fantastic series like The Avengers and Danger Man, with their professional secret agents, or The Saint and The Persuaders, featuring flamboyant crime-fighters, still inspire mainstream and cult followings. Saints and Avengers explores and celebrates this television genre for the first time. Saints and Avengers uses case studies to look, for example, at the adventure series’ representations of national identity and the world of the sixties and seventies. Chapman also proves his central thesis: that this particular type of thriller was a historically and culturally defined generic type, with enduring appeal, as the current vogue for remaking them as big budget films attests.

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TV Unfogettables. 255 Pages – Black & White. Written by Anthony and Deborah Hayward Published by Guinness Books ISBN: 0-85112-594-8 An alphabetical listing of over 250 legends of the small screen. There is a two-page reference to Peter, which is illustrated with a photograph of him arriving at the Premier of the stage Play, ‘Oh Calcutta!’ in London. However, much of the information is inaccurate, including his birthdate, name and several of his theatre and television roles. 

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Vivien Leigh. Written by Hugo Vickers 443 Pages – Pan; Reprints edition (12 April 1990). ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0330311662. This biography of Vivien Leigh concentrates on her as a person, rather than as the famous actress or as the wife of Sir Laurence Olivier. The author has written biographies of “Gladys”, “Duchess of Marlborough” and “Cecil Beaton”. Quotes from Peter regarding his relationship with Ms. Leigh, and of his time in ‘Duel of Angels’.

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