Buy new:
-7% $42.00
FREE delivery Friday, May 17
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
$42.00 with 7 percent savings
List Price: $45.00

The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price.
Learn more
FREE Returns
FREE delivery Friday, May 17
Or fastest delivery Wednesday, May 15. Order within 16 hrs 45 mins
Only 2 left in stock (more on the way).
$$42.00 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$42.00
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
30-day easy returns
30-day easy returns
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Returns
30-day easy returns
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$28.88
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
100% satisfaction guaranteed, ships directly from amazon. Normal wear and tear.9781465446077 100% satisfaction guaranteed, ships directly from amazon. Normal wear and tear.9781465446077 See less
FREE delivery Friday, May 17 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or fastest delivery Wednesday, May 15. Order within 16 hrs 45 mins
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$42.00 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$42.00
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the authors

Paul J. Ryan
+ Follow
Stephen H. Ryan
+ Follow
See all
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Essential James Garner Hardcover – June 7, 2018

by Stephen H. Ryan (Author), Paul J. Ryan (Author)
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 21 ratings
See all formats and editions
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$42.00","priceAmount":42.00,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"42","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"00","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"aResYvJrCLXZxC6S9NGwaCJzlo6TzzX%2Bz8SHD0ORZwzrV8V4cuEgwkjDJFJChSGCWQN6GYl1tSQXp0c73G3ulRsy7grquK1I2aCHc1P1KahlPCSZWNcJngfL66tbfXzK%2Bxuou7vux6BFt2Nf5lbnuA%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$28.88","priceAmount":28.88,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"28","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"88","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"aResYvJrCLXZxC6S9NGwaCJzlo6TzzX%2BEqAYp1p0Fv2HxKY2%2BKTMxQGD6C8junb7yTuwyWT88qDajijnfPdy0%2BO9AKe72jdsMgONJ0IR2x5nfewd%2BhxqvVbeVyqkbBlKgVi6ZQpTgtWfnDe%2FZ1GdgpODeV%2FI7H4uMp3GGfol79HJhe4%2Ba1MuotefxcXltW8h","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

Since his television debut in the mid-1950s, James Garner entertained millions of fans on screens both big and small. From supporting roles in memorable films like Sayonara and The Notebook to leading roles in box office hits including The Great Escape, Victor / Victoria, and the feature film version of Maverick, the actor appeared in some of the most entertaining movies of all time.

In The Essential James Garner, Stephen H. Ryan and Paul J. Ryan consider the prolific output of one of America’s most beloved actors. This book looks at the key feature films, made-for-television movies, and television episodes of Garner’s career. The authors discuss each of the actor’s most well-known films—The Great Escape, The Americanization of Emily, Support Your Local Sheriff! and Murphy’s Romance, among others—as well as critically acclaimed television movies including Barbarians at the Gate, Breathing Lessons, Decoration Day, Heartsounds, My Names Is Bill W., and Promise. Each entry provides details about the film’s production, critical reception, and commercial success. The best episodes of Garner’s two iconic television, Maverick and The Rockford Files—as well as his highly regarded but little seen series Nichols—are also identified.

The authors make clear why these choices are indispensable viewings, not only for those already familiar with Garner, but also for those who have yet to enjoy the work of this Oscar nominee and multiple Emmy winner. A tribute to the career of a Hollywood legend, The Essential James Garner will appeal to anyone wanting to know more about the actor’s best films and programs.
Read more Read less
Previous page
  1. Print length
    302 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
  4. Publication date
    June 7, 2018
  5. Dimensions
    6.25 x 1.07 x 9.29 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    144227820X
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1442278202
  8. See all details
Next page
The Amazon Book Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Frequently bought together

The Essential James Garner
$42.00
Get it as soon as Friday, May 17
Only 2 left in stock (more on the way).
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
45 Years of The Rockford Files: An Inside Look at America's Greatest Detective Series
$29.99
Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16
Only 14 left in stock (more on the way).
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
The Garner Files: A Memoir
$12.44
Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
Some of these items ship sooner than the others.
Show details Hide details
Choose items to buy together.

Editorial Reviews

Review

After reading The Essential James Garner, I felt these two gentlemen truly captured the essence of my father’s classic work. Paul and Stephen Ryan genuinely recognized the subtle genius of dad’s gifts, and I applaud them for their insightful observations. -- Gigi Garner

Neither a biography nor a work of film criticism, this latest in Rowman & Littlefield’s Essential series is an appreciation of James Garner’s career in television and movies, and as one of the twentieth century’s most likable actors, there is much to appreciate. Following the established series format, the text opens with a solid introduction to Garner’s life and work and then moves on, first, to more detailed treatments of the movies and the television series. The movie sections include plot summaries, brief accountings of how and why the movies were made, reviews of the films’ critical reception, and brief analyses. For the television series, including the classics, Maverick and The Rockford Files, the authors provide a look at the series’ themes and story arcs as well as episode guides with plot summaries. This is not a full critical appraisal of Garner’s career, but it will certainly be satisfying to the actor’s many fans, who will enjoy the trip down memory lane. ― Booklist

Actor James Garner (1928–2014) is probably best remembered as the star of two very successful TV shows—Maverick in the late 1950s and early 1960s, and The Rockford Files in the 1970s—but he also enjoyed a career that spanned five decades and included seven TV series, more than 40 films (The Great Escape; The Notebook), three Golden Globe Awards, and two Emmys. In 2005, Garner was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Screen Actors Guild. All of that is impressive, but does Garner’s career warrant an entire book devoted to those films and TV shows considering he wrote his own memoir, The Garner Files, in 2011? The authors, an acquisitions editor at Rowman & Littlefield (Stephen) and a business management consultant (Paul), say yes, adding their aim is to “point out the highlights of Garner’s career and encourage readers to discover or revisit the best that Garner had to offer . . . particularly those that were not given their proper due.” They do that with a short bio followed by a chronological examination of each included film and TV show. This book is illustrated with photos and ends with a complete filmography and list of awards and honors. VERDICT: This well-researched work will be of most interest to die-hard Garner fans and film researchers. ― Library Journal

A tribute to the career of a Hollywood legend, the book will appeal to anyone wanting to know more about the actor's best films and TV series.

― Discover Hollywood

Authors Stephen H. Ryan and Paul J. Ryan have compiled the quintessential book about the career of actor James Garner. . . The book covers his entire career as one of America’s most beloved actors. . . a must-have for fans of Mr. James Garner. ― Family Choice Awards

Even longtime fans are apt to read a fact or two they didn't know before. ― Free Kittens Movie Guide

About the Author

Stephen H. Ryan has more than three decades in the book industry. He was the nonfiction buyer for a national bookstore chain, and for more than fifteen years he was a senior editor at Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc. Mr. Ryan is publisher at Phoenix Books, Inc. He lives in Silver Spring, MD.

Paul J. Ryan is a consultant in areas that include business analysis, process improvement, customer experience, and client relationship management. His industry and sector experience includes retail, healthcare, transportation, education, government, and non-profit organizations. He is the author of Raise or Repair & Retain a Great Credit Score. He lives in Delray Beach, FL.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Rowman & Littlefield Publishers (June 7, 2018)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 302 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 144227820X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1442278202
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.27 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.25 x 1.07 x 9.29 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 21 ratings

About the authors

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Previous page
  1. Paul J. Ryan

    Paul J. Ryan

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Paul J. Ryan is a consultant in areas including business analysis, project leadership, program management, content management, small business ownership, research, and client relationship management. He is also experienced as a trainer, facilitator, lecturer, and instructional designer/developer. His industry and sector experience includes retail, healthcare, automotive / transportation, financial, insurance, staffing, education, non-profits, and local, state, and federal governments.

    He currently is, or has been, a volunteer for organizations including Keiser University, Junior Achievement, Habitat for Humanity, and his alma mater, Towson University.

    He has a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. He is a certified Lean Sigma Black Belt, Six Sigma Green Belt (ASQ), and a Project Management Professional (PMP/PMI).

    He is currently working on his next book which focuses on humor.

    See more on the author's page
  2. Stephen H. Ryan

    Stephen H. Ryan

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

    See more on the author's page
Next page

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
21 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Rita P.Thomas
5.0 out of 5 stars Product review
Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2019
Verified Purchase
Received as promised and in excellent condition. Would order other products.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Greta Scott
5.0 out of 5 stars James Garner Hollywood Icon
Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2023
Great book on his body of work!
Helpful
 Report
Lala Lady
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting synopsis of the terrific & beloved actor James Garner's career
Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2019
Verified Purchase
It's a nice book to have as it is concise and each movie is rated up front by the authors.

It loses 1* for leaving out the comic "thriller" A MAN COULD GET KILLED with Melina Mercouri, Sandra Dee & Anthony Franciosa (1966). After all, Frank Sinatra even recorded its well known theme song "Strangers in the Night"!!!!!
3 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Robi
5.0 out of 5 stars James Garner will always be The Great American Actor
Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2019
Verified Purchase
Great book - Great Actor
3 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Niel Rishoi
5.0 out of 5 stars Essential, must-have for Garner fans and movie/tv buffs and historians
Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2018
This is the perfect companion to James Garner's own book, co-written with Jon Winokur, "The Garner Files." Not to mention standing alone as an outstanding reference-commentary guide to the bulk of Garner's best work in film and television, and giving a handy, ultra-complete listing of all of the actor's output, with ratings and general information included.

The book fills a void in its documentation, for Garner was one of the most quietly commanding and effective actors in film and television history. Though he worked hard at his craft (a word he would cringe at), he made acting look easy and effortless because Garner was a great *re-actor." What helped in this is that Garner was a man of the utmost simplicity, free of airs and phoniness (he loathed Hollywood in itself as a result), and he wanted more than anything to be *real,* honest, and natural. And he succeeded; very few other actors had his widespread, accessible appeal, and was loved by his colleagues and audiences alike. He imbued the very meaning of the word "integrity." Therefore, I place Garner firmly in the category of "great actor." Many actors have worked far harder for less; but Garner made it look like it was second nature to his very being.

The Ryan brothers have done a splendid job with this endeavor. Well-researched, detailed, referenced, and sourced, this book gives the reader just the right amount of background information, lore, and anecdotes on each movie or television show they cover.

Better still is the stimulating, intriguing commentary and scope of opinions the Ryan brothers offer. It is conversely erudite and appealingly informal in the just the right combination. Laudably, they even depart with the "accepted" contemporary critical consensus of some of the movies and make their own persuasive case as to why they make those dissenting views. They even disagree on occasion with Garner's own takes (sometimes an actor is not *always* the best judge of his own work), and that is a decided merit of the book's sterling approach.

(Personally speaking, if I could have added one more movie to those discussed at length, it would have been "Mister Buddwing," an absorbing, before-its-time movie about a man suffering from PTSD-based amnesia. It is Garner's most against-type role he perhaps ever played, and his emotional responses are compelling. My take on the movie is published here on amazon).

This book is the definitive, comprehensive documentation of a rich, blazingly successful career of one of our most beloved, personable, and memorable actors.

This book does Garner proud, and I am glad to have it. No fan or movie buff should be without it.
6 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Las
1.0 out of 5 stars Hardly essential and way overpriced.
Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2023
I learned more about James Garner reading about his life on Wikipedia. This book reads like a tepid documentary, not a biography of the actor's life and career. It is filled 'essentially' with running commentaries of the movies James Garner made, with very little insight into the person that he was. I have to wonder what motivated the authors to write this account; my impression is that they hoped to make a tidy profit on the bankable name of this highly professional actor and fine person, for they have shared nothing substantial. Shame on them for charging such an outrageous price for a compendium of facts that merely masquerades as a biography.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
JLJ
2.0 out of 5 stars Mainly involves his body of work
Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2020
Verified Purchase
Little to no life history or biographical info. Would not buy again.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report