Ben Costello’s ‘Gunsmoke’ Biography Returns with Special 65th Anniversary Release

Ben Costello

CHANDLER, ARIZ. (July 2020)—It’s been nearly 65 years since the epic American tale of the west, Gunsmoke first made its television debut. To mark the occasion, Book Street Press, an imprint of Story Monsters LLC (formerly Five Star Publications, Inc.) has announced publication plans for a special 65th anniversary printing of the 672-page commemorative tome, Gunsmoke: An American Institution: Celebrating 50 Years of Television's Best Western by Ben Costello.

First released in 2005, Gunsmoke: An American Institution, profiles America’s longest running television series, Gunsmoke, which ran from 1955 to 1975. Warmly remembered by its fans as the pinnacle of American TV westerns, Gunsmoke was set in 1870s Dodge City, Kansas,and followed main character, Marshal Matt Dillon as he confronted the turbulent, and often violent frontier life of the American west as it was being settled. Costello’s detailed biography of the show contains nearly as many pages as episodes in the 20-year series and is largely considered the eminent literary source for Gunsmoke fans.

“Ben Costello’s book is a wild ride down memory lane, profiling one of the most beloved westerns in American television history,” says Linda F. Radke, publisher and president of Story Monsters LLC. “We are thrilled to celebrate Gunsmoke’s 65th anniversary with this special printing of the book.” Costello’s book provides fans with a detailed account of all 635 episodes and also contains 16 pages of full-color, behind-the-scenes shots and episode stills, in-depth biographical information about the show’s stars and the production crew, and interviews with some of the show’s most famed actors, including Burt Reynolds (blacksmith, “Quint Asper”), Dennis Weaver (Deputy “Chester Goode”), and Buck Taylor (gunsmith-turned-deputy, “Newly O’Brien”).

“From cover to cover, it's a great read....and read....and read. This book is a 'must have' for any fan of Gunsmoke,” writes reviewer Marilyn Marbury.

To learn more about Gunsmoke: An American Institution ($94.99 Hardcase, $65 Paperback) or author Ben Costello visit www.GunsmokeBook.com.

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