The good people at Penguin Books must have been reading my reviews. Why? They obviously know how dire my reviewing style is, and just how wide off the mark I am with my TV facts, which is why they’ve sent me the staggeringly fantastic Penguin TV Companion.  Of course, this isn’t true at all, but it helps to paint a picture of just how great the book is.

The book is a wealth of fascinating facts about every single programme that’s ever been on telly, backed up with wonderful snippets on actors and characters that have graced our screens over the years. For example, Neighbours fans will be thrilled to know that Erinsborough is an anagram of Or, Neighbours. From Russ Abbot to Zorro, there is everything you ever wanted to know and more in this wonderful, wonderful book. 2,200 programmes have been covered with full cast lists and affectionately detailed synopses of each show.

To boot, there are also gradings (four stars is essential viewing, one star is ‘curiosity only’) and, brilliantly, DVD availability. Jeff Evans, the creator of the book, deserves a knighthood for his endeavours. Although a book detailing TV through the years sounds a little dry, it is incredibly addictive reading. A real open on any page and get lost for an hour book. It will be thumbed greatly by this writer, that’s for certain. If your house has a television, then you need this book. If you have any interest in TV at all, you cannot live without this by your side. Marvellous. [Mof Gimmers]

To buy The Penguin TV Companion click here.