The Soap Opera Encyclopedia

The Soap Opera Encyclopedia is a comprehensive 1985 reference book that documents every daytime and prime-time soap opera broadcast on major networks until its publication date. The volume covers storylines, cast members, and production details for both American programming and select international shows. The book contains extensive sections including a history of television soap operas, detailed program analyses, and profiles of influential performers, writers, and producers in the genre. The encyclopedia features 30 pages of photographs from various soap operas and provides historical context for each program's development and impact. Author Christopher Schemering spent 15 years researching soap operas and wrote a syndicated column about the genre before compiling this reference work. The book received multiple updates with revised editions published in 1987 and 1988. The Encyclopedia stands as a significant historical record of television soap operas, capturing the cultural impact and artistic evolution of a genre that helped shape American entertainment.

Readers describe this reference book as a thorough catalog of US soap operas through the 1980s, with detailed plot summaries and cast lists. Readers appreciated: - Comprehensive coverage of both defunct and running soap operas - Behind-the-scenes production details - Historical background on each show's development - Clear organization making it easy to look up specific shows Common criticisms: - Contains some factual errors in dates and character names - Focuses mainly on US shows with limited coverage of UK/international soaps - Information becomes dated after 1985 - Print is small and dense Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (32 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (12 ratings) Reader quote: "An amazing reference that captures soap opera history, though it needs updating for post-1985 developments" - Goodreads reviewer The book appears to be out of print, with used copies selling for $30-100 online.

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🧼 The first comprehensive soap opera reference guide was published in 1985, during what many consider the "Golden Age" of daytime television. 📺 Prior to writing the encyclopedia, Christopher Schemering spent 15 years as a respected television critic and worked as a syndicated columnist covering soap operas. 👥 The book cataloged over 300 different soap operas that had aired on major networks since television's inception through the mid-1980s. 📸 Among the 30 pages of photographs included in the book are rare behind-the-scenes images and promotional stills from early soap operas that are difficult to find elsewhere. 🏆 The book was so well-received that it was updated and republished in 1988 with expanded entries covering new developments in the genre and additional historical information.