Science on American Television

“[A] well researched, thought-provoking book.”

“[A]n informative, well-documented history of science, scientists, and American television. Those who wonder why so little meaningful science programming exists on television will find that this book details the reasons. . . . Recommended.”

“[I]t is most valuable to have LaFollette’s book; here we have the basis for understanding what happened in American science television, a huge lacuna in the literature up until now.”

“To the chagrin of scientists, modern populations are not well-informed about science—its nature, its method, and its content—and Marcel Chotkowski LaFollette seeks to show why. She introduces us to sages, pundits, intellectual prizefighters, and mandarin scientists, some shy and apolitical and others relishing the chance to appear on television; producers with an eye for what goes well on the medium; and sponsors who foot the bill and eye the audience numbers. Rooted in sixty years of television history, in which there have been some great successes but where the overall story is of hopes disappointed, she tells a fascinating story of attempts to get those millions of viewers, who are paying for science through taxes and purchases, to love it.”

“What many scholars attempt to do, Marcel LaFollette accomplishes. Picking up where Science on the Air left off, Science on American Television explores the peculiar relationship between broadcast television and popular science education, and its history of false starts, wrong turns, and cultural touchstones.”

“This is a smart and thorough history of the contested place of scientific knowledge on American television. Marcel Chotkowski LaFollette skillfully revisits an array of efforts that from TV’s earliest years sought to teach Americans about science and scientists, including educational and entertainment programs as well as news documentaries. Science on American Television will engage historians of science as well as those who study the history of broadcasting and science communication, and those baby boomers who remember Mr. Wizard with affection.”

“A fascinating and compelling story of the dance between science and television over the decades. This beautifully written and solidly researched account of scientists, scientific institutions, and the world of television is a wonderful story and also one of profound importance because of the centrality of science to the future of our nation and world. Marcel Chotkowski LaFollette has produced that rarity: a work of great scholarship that is as accessible as television itself.”