Dad’s Army

Jimmy Perry & David Croft

Pub 1975 - Elm Tree Books

An early official book. First published in 1975 in hardback, republished in 1976 in a smaller soft back format. 120 pages of character study, scripts and factual information. Many black-and-white shots from the TV shows and period photographs

Availability:  This title has been long out of print. However it is fairly common on the second hand market both in soft back and hardback form - try   Abebooks

Dad’s Army - The Making of a Television Legend

Bill Pertwee

Pub 1989/1997

Originally published in 1989. Updated and republished in 1997, later in soft back. A fascinating and comprehensive account of the series and its spin-offs from one if its stars. 205 pages of anecdotes and reference material. Heavily illustrated in colour including shots taken during filming.

Availability:

No longer available to order, though copies of the paperback edition can occasionally be found on the shelves of smaller bookshops. Reasonably plentiful on the second hand market - try    Abebooks

The Complete A-Z of Dad’s Army

Richard Webber

Pub 2000, Orion

A recent publication, released in 2000. A comprehensive and authoritative reference to Dad’s Army in all its guises. Character descriptions, cast biographies, production information. Includes many rare photographs and scripts. An invaluable reference.

Availability:

Still available in the bookshops and to order in hardback and softback, or second hand - try  Abebooks

Dad’s Army - the Lost Episodes

Jimmy Perry & David Croft

Pub 1998,  Virgin

The full scripts of the six episodes of the second series - of which five (at the time) were missing from the archive. Many rare production photos from the series and various pieces and snippets by the authors. Well worth the purchase price, even if two of the five ‘missing’ episodes have subsequently been found.

Availability:

Becoming difficult to find new - widely available second hand - try    Abebooks

Radio Times Guide to TV Comedy

Mark Lewishon

Pub 1998,  BBC

An encyclopaedic reference covering practically every British TV comedy ever broadcast. Covers every comedy show screened on British television from 1936 to the last 90s. Each entry includes a full screening history, cast lists, production credits, and a critique. The Dad’s Army entry is reproduced here.

Availability:

Still available in the bookshops though becoming difficult to find  - can be found second hand - try   Abebooks

A Stupid Boy

Jimmy Perry

Pub 2002,  Century

Jimmy Perry’s recent autobiography tells the tale of his life from the middle class respectability of his childhood to life in the home guard, army, drama school, holiday camps and in show business. Read our review of this book here.

Availability:

Widely available in  bookshops   - can also be found second hand - try   Abebooks

Arthur Lowe

Graham Lord

Pub 2002,  Orion

The first full biography of Arthur Lowe yet published details his life from humble origins in Derbyshire to fame in Coronation Street and Dad’s Army, and finally his early death. Read our review of this book here.

Availability:

Widely available in  bookshops - can also be found second hand - try  Abebooks

Last Updated 26 Feb, 2004