Able Abel

Does anyone know if a new updated edition of this book is on the cards? It's almost seven years now since Quinlan last brought out an edition, so perhaps now is the time for an updated version.

julian_craster

As this is primarily a book of lists, the www has made it largely redundant, as it will never be up to date......
It used to be very useful BEFORE the rise of the IMDB and the BFI Film Database - now it is completely unecessary, and the biographic details are very basic.

Rennie

I have the 2000 Fifth edition and, over the years, have made enquiries about the supposed new edition. The last time I enquired, I was told that no reprint was now likely! The last new edition Quinlan book I saw (and bought) was the 2004 edition of 'Character Stars'.

I cannot agree with julian craster that this type of list book is unnecessary since the advent of the Internet. I have certainly not seen any Internet web site devoted to film actors which contain as many photographs alongside their biographies as some of these Who's Who type of books. This certainly is the case with character actors. I think IMDB is sadly lacking in photographs of lesser known actors to go with their excellent biographies, especially when it is now so easy to 'grab' faces. It is certainly about time someone brought out the definitive book, or web site on British character actors. There certainly is a wealth of information to be gleaned off these forums which would could be brought together and indexed.

Able Abel

I agree that although the Internet has to an extent, made this kind of publication somewhat redundant, on the other side of the argument, it is sometimes it's easier just to have a reference book at hand, if you want to look something up quickly, rather than have to switch on a computer and wait for it to load. The Internet has become an indispensable tool for me, but I would certainly still buy an upgraded publication of this book if it were to become available. Another thing, I still know of many people who don't have Internet access, and still rely on books as their source for looking information up.

Phil Turner

I agree with all the points you make. Even in this internet age, I think reference books are invaluable and still serve an important purpose. Quinlan's Film Stars is an indispensable guide and I check my "2000" edition almost every day. I love the format of mini biographies and photographs of the actors, and it's important to remember that millions of people still don't have computer access. My father has no time for modern technology, and always relies upon reference books as his source of film information.

I would certainly buy an updated copy.

Regards
Phil Turner