Remembering Tenko: A Celebration of the Classic TV Drama Series: Priestner, Andy,

Remembering Tenko: A Celebration of the Classic TV Drama Series eBook : Priestner, Andy, Warner, Lavinia: Amazon.com.au: Kindle Store




Remembering Tenko: A Celebration of the Classic TV Drama Series
by Andy Priestner (Author), Lavinia Warner (Foreword) Format: Kindle Edition

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (127)
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CONTENTS

Acknowledgements

Foreword

Introduction

1 The Story That Was Never Told

2 The Pitch

3 Team Tenko

4 Character Study

5 Finding Direction

6 The Lucky Thirteen

7 Turning Japanese

8 Mad Dogs and Englishmen

9 Coming Together

10 Sumatra in Deepest Dorset

11 Congratulations Ladies!

12 Series 1 Episode Reviews

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Part 8

Part 9

Part 10

13 Tenko II

14 The Journey

15 New Faces of '82

16 Exits, Explosions and an Ending?

17 Series 2 Episode Reviews

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Part 8

Part 9

Part 10

18 Tenko III

19 Return to Singapore

20 Last Tenko?

21 Series 3 Episode Reviews

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Part 8

Part 9

Part 10

22 Reunion

23 Reunion Review

24 The Legacy

25 Final Bows

Appendices

1. Post-Tenko Credits

2. The Tenko Song

3. Singapore Sling

4. Paradise Road

5. Memorials

6. Episode Guide

7. Further Reading and Viewing

About the Author

Other Classic TV Press titles

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Tenko, the BBC drama about women prisoners of the Japanese, was first broadcast in the Eighties to a regular audience of over 15 million viewers and is arguably one of the best-loved TV series of all time. This book, a comprehensive celebration of Tenko, explores how this groundbreaking drama came to be made, its filming in the UK and the Far East, and the real-life events which inspired its memorable characters and storylines. The series’ cast (which included Ann Bell, Stephanie Cole, Louise Jameson, Stephanie Beacham, Veronica Roberts, Claire Oberman and Burt Kwouk) have contributed their memories of working on the show, as have creator Lavinia Warner and writers Jill Hyem and Anne Valery, who share their thoughts on working on one of television’s first female ensemble dramas. In addition to the ‘making of’ story, every episode is reviewed in depth.

Remembering Tenko is illustrated with more than 300 photographs, many in colour, sourced from the Radio Times, the BBC and the private albums of Tenko’s cast and crew, and boasts a front cover and internal illustrations by Tenko's original graphic designer Ray Ogden.

‘A fascinating and exhaustive book – there are things in it even I didn't know! A must for anyone who remembers Tenko’ - Stephanie Cole

‘Tenko my favourite job of all time… this could well prove my favourite book of all time’ - Louise Jameson
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Publication date ‏ : ‎ 21 October 2012

Print length ‏ : ‎ 1193 pages 

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From Australia

Elizabeth

5.0 out of 5 stars Women during war and women in television.

Reviewed in Australia on 21 July 2015

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Detailed and added to my understanding both of the realities portrayed and the series as compelling viewing. As a result of reading this have now purchased the DVDs of all the TV series.

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Ricktu

4.0 out of 5 stars A nice easy writing style that kept me interested until the ...

Reviewed in Australia on 1 December 2016

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Excellently researched book. A nice easy writing style that kept me interested until the end and left me wanting to know more about the topic.

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From other countries

holy readers

1.0 out of 5 stars el ultimo libro que compro por amazon.

Reviewed in Spain on 27 August 2014

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es una pena por que esperaba ansiosamente este libro y lo he recibido con el lomo roto y peor que si fuera de segunda mano. todo arrugado y hecho un desastre. no pienso comprar ni un libro más a amazon. desastroso envio.

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Iain C. Davidson

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Companion To The TV Series

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 June 2015

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

This was a brilliant find as I am a huge fan of the BBC series and watch it often (and did so again after reading this book). There's lots of fascinating stuff here. Its good to read some of the background of the series and the real life experiences of women in the camps - although this can be more fully explored in other books elsewhere. All the 'behind the scenes' stuff is very interesting although the author is understandably coy about some of the 'goings on'. For example, its implied but not confirmed that there were definite reasons behind the decision to drop two of the main actresses between series one and two! What is also fascinating is 'what might have been'. Lavinia Warner's sketches of characters who never made it into the series at all (I think a couple of them made it into the movie 'Paradise Road' instead) and especially some of the plans for the third series. I would have loved to see the likes of Blanche, Verna, Daisy and Lillian back in series three and out in the 'real world'.

Slightly less interesting are the 'review' sections where the author gives his impressions of each individual episode - there's nothing much to learn here, just unstinting praise peppered with a few caveats for good measure. I would have liked a little more on 'where are they now' and maybe a few more pictures of the cast as they are today (or at least as at the publication of the book) but that's a very small thing. All in all, a good read and lots of terrific photographs too, many from the private collections of the cast and crew themselves.

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JDYbrook

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book.

Reviewed in Canada on 6 September 2015

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A wonderful book.... I so enjoyed the TV series.. I am still looking to buy a DVD of the TV show....

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Amazon Customer

5.0 out of 5 stars Important and complete

Reviewed in the United States on 21 March 2015

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Everything you ever wanted to know about the BBC series Tenko, and some you didn't know you wanted to know. I saw the series originally in England when it was first broadcast, and it has stayed with me . I finally found a US DVD of the three series, but this book is invaluable for the insight into the production and the history itself. I'm glad the author was also so moved by the show that he cared enough to write this book.

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Amazon Customer

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book, highly recommend it.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 April 2016

Format: KindleVerified Purchase

Back in the 80's I thoroughly enjoyed every single Tenko episode and followed it religiously, I even bought the book of it after it had finished. This kindle book is excellent, I can't recommend it enough. Its well worth the money which at first seems quite high but there are loads of hours of reading in it (and I'm a very fast reader!) so you do get a lot for the price. Its very, very interesting..it goes through each episode from the very first one right up to the last episode of the reunion 5 years after the war ended. There are lots of personal photo's that are shared and you find out lots of things about the actresses/actors for instance...I didn't know that in the first series Louise Jameson (Blanche) was in fact pregnant with her first son which is why she wore that pink tablecloth wrapped around her to conceal her growing bump. Also out of all the japanese guards only one was acutally japanese! All the others were in fact chinese including Burt Kwouk (Yamouchi). I am not going to spoil the book by telling you anymore but if you enjoyed the series Tenko then you will really appreciate this book, I thoroughly enjoyed every page until near the end when they start talking about other television series of the eighties. Very highly recommended and worth every single penny.

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Yorkshirelass

4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars

Reviewed in Canada on 10 June 2015

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Very interesting! A must read for any Tenko fan.

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Wilma J. Kinsey

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent docudrama One of the Best.

Reviewed in the United States on 13 July 2015

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The British do short dramas right. This was a perfect book...it tied the TV drama right to the actual story so well, I felt I learned about the actual survivors, and the story line was so close

to actual events and respected people's privacy. I loved Stephanie Cole in "Waiting for God" and Dr. Martin. What a pleasure it is to read this book and then see some of the series on the internet.

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Georgia M. Caldwell

5.0 out of 5 stars Remembering Tenko

Reviewed in the United States on 11 July 2013

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This book was purchased as a companion piece to The DVD Series "Tenko". It is invaluable as it provides the subtlties necessary to augment the storyline of the DVD series otherwise lost to US viewers. Much more is gained by reading the detailed documentation of each chapter as you go along. Sometimes the words are lost to US audiences due to the variety of British accents but become clear and meaningful while reading along in the book. A wonderful series and book.

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S. Hughes

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 November 2012

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This book is a must have for any fan of the BBC drama series Tenko. In fact it's a must have for anyone with even just a passing interest in how tv programmes are made. I loved Tenko as a kid and have waited a long time for something like this. Meticulously researched and with contributions from the creator, writers, directors and of course the cast it's full of interesting facts and lots of great photos (a lot of them taken by the cast themselves on location). Well done to the writer Andy Priestner, this is a brilliant, brilliant read.

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gladys

4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoying reading this book --- good value

Reviewed in the United States on 8 January 2014

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Very large volume so I am still reading it. Saw this show on public broadcasting t.v., long time ago, and it was unforgettable. Really enjoying reading all the "Behind the scenes" work that went into making it.

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Susan James

4.0 out of 5 stars Read it

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 September 2025

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Love this book reminded me how brilliant the TV show actually was

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Amazon Customer

5.0 out of 5 stars Arrived before due delivery date and in very good condition including a very charming dedication on the inside ...

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 March 2017

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Arrived before due delivery date and in very good condition including a very charming dedication on the inside cover written by a mother to her daughter indicating it was a gift from her , I find these inscriptions so lovely and make the book come to life.The book itself is extraordinary in it's detail ,an absolute must have for fans of this remarkable series and it's cast of superbly gifted performers.The love that Andy Priestner has for this show shines through on every page and it amazes me to think that i was not the only nine year~old boy in Britain in autumn 1981 glued to the tv screen every Thursday night watching this opinion forming and life changing series.

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Evelyn Hampton

5.0 out of 5 stars This is an excellent reference for "Tenko" fans

Reviewed in the United States on 1 September 2014

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This is an excellent reference for "Tenko" fans. There are tons of behind-the-scenes information, which shows just how much effort was put into bringing this production to the screen. In addition, there is a synopsis of each episode & the reunion special, cast information, biographies, photos, suggested readings, other source material, and much more. The price tag is money well spent!

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Sapphire

5.0 out of 5 stars The women who were survivers

Reviewed in the United States on 26 December 2016

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When I first saw tenko it made me want to read the memories of other women who were held by the Japanese. As you see in tenko you find out the strength these women had to make it through that time .

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Victoria Wright

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous book which you will not be able to put down!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 August 2014

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I bought this book after watching the Tenko series again which was being shown on satellite tv. I had watched the series three times the first time being when I was 14 with my mother. I adore this series as the writing and casting are both fantastic. I read this book on holiday and honestly could not put it down, reading the back stories of the cast and crew as well as that of the writers of the series is interesting and I particularly enjoyed hearing about the actual people who were in the camps, who the actual characters of the series are based on. An excellent read which I would recommend to anyone. I have now started to watch the series again, this time taking in so much more detail after reading this book, seeing things I previously may have missed. Do read this book if you are a fan of the series you really will love it!!

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Jersey Customer

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book with all the background you'll ever need!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 October 2013

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If you loved, or still love, the TV series Tenko this is a "must have" book. l watched for the first time in my early-mid teens when it was originally broadcast in the early 80s (my great-uncle was a Japanese POW, so I already had some idea of what had happened, although he never talked about it much) and I watch it now whenever it is repeated - now with my own teenage daughters, who love it as much as I do, and also knowing as they do the familial links they have to this subject. They have also read the book (the benefits of the Kindle version is that it's installed on 3 devices so we can all read it at the same time if we want to!) and it takes you all the way through the Tenko story, from the first germ of the idea, the research behind the real-life inspiration for characters and events, to the filming up to, and including, the Reunion episode. There are many photos taken by the cast themselves as they filmed, many personal anecdotes, and a very real sense of the very bond the actors shared in real life which mirrored that of the real women POWs. l cannot recommend this book highly enough.

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Allison Cesario Paton

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this book...

Reviewed in the United States on 19 October 2015

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The definitive book on all things Tenko---history, inside story, episode description, cast detail. A wonderful book if you think Tenko was the best period piece of all time for women.

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Emma76

5.0 out of 5 stars Remembering Tenko

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 August 2024

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

For any Tenko fan,I would very much recommend this book as it goes into great detail about the making of the series,the creators and the characters and much more besides including a detailed review on every episode which makes fascinating reading

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CariM

5.0 out of 5 stars Remembering Tenko

Reviewed in the United States on 13 October 2016

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Brilliant & lasting memoir to one of the greatest ever TV series. Loved every minute of it & will re-read constantly.

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Karen K

5.0 out of 5 stars Brought the series back to life

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 March 2022

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I’d just watched the full three series and the reunion show on Drama and really enjoyed it. I was thrilled to find the book after the series ended. It tells how the series came about and what inspired Lavinia Warner’s conception of Tenko. It gives fascinating insights to the characters and actors.

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Mrs. M. Wellock

5.0 out of 5 stars TENKO

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 January 2013

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I CHOSE THIS BOOK BECAUSE I ADORED THE T.V. SERIES , WHAT A GREAT BOOK IT IS TOO, AM SO SAD BECAUSE I HAVE ALMOST COME TO THE END, SO IF YOU LIKED/LOVED THE T.V. SERIES YOU WILL LOVE THIS BOOK , ITS VERY INFORMATIVE ON WHY THEY MADE IT AND ALSO SOME OF THE DIFFICULTIES THEY HAD ON LOCATION,

IT ALSO HAS LOTS OF PICTURES OF CAST/CREW WHICH I LOVED.

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Mic

4.0 out of 5 stars Good insight into the overlooked experiences of women, both during wartime and in the media. .

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 August 2019

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Explores the struggles of women to have their stories told, whilst also quenching the thirst of Tenko fans.

Only four stars, though, due to the lack of analysis of Joss Holbrook's socialist outlook, which influenced and informed many young women viewers.

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Our Tone

5.0 out of 5 stars TENKO - SIMPLY THE BEST

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 July 2017

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This book tells you everything about one of the greatest TV series ever produced. I have watched the complete set three times and having this book it highlights what a lot of work went into bringing it to fruition. Interviews with the cast and crew alike and a complete break down of each episode and the synopsis written. Brilliant - if you enjoyed Tenko - you will love this book.

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Storm William

5.0 out of 5 stars My opinion on "Remembering Tenko"!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 January 2014

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

This book truly meets all my expectations.It gives a detailed account of the preparations for making the series and also of each character of the cast and his or her personal impressions during filming.Furthermore it offers a captivating description of each episode which makes watching the series anew 'with knowledge' a delightful experience...............As for the pics in the book,they are of course quite wonderful......

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Michael Busby

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 October 2020

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Love this book a very interesting insight into one of my all time favourite tv shows. Also rekindled memories of my childhood sitting on a Sunday night with my mam. Also gives the opinions from the writers and directors which I found really interesting. A must for all fans 💙

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Diane Price

5.0 out of 5 stars Love this book !

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 May 2014

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As a complete Tenko nut this book is right up my street! The author is a fan too as is evident from his thorough analysis of every episode and element of the production of Tenko. Being allowed behind the scenes is great fun, you will see new things if you rewatch the series having read this book. The pictures too are wonderful. Marvellous!

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P C

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 April 2014

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Just bought this book, what a great read and so full of info, Andy Priestner has put so much research into his book. its packed with info, personal cast photos and a great synopsis and analysis of each episode.

if you loved Tenko, then you should buy it, it wont disappoint!

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Wilhelm Snyman

4.0 out of 5 stars Great

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 March 2014

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Lovely that a book has come out on this wonderful TV series and the great actors in it. If you're interested in the plight of the civilian internees in the Far East, this book is well worth it.

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dorothy owen

5.0 out of 5 stars The in depth detail

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 June 2020

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Liked everything. Just rewatched Tenko box set. As a fan it brought back many memories.

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Steve

5.0 out of 5 stars Quality of DVD's excellent and the series is just as good as I ...

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 June 2018

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Quality of DVD's excellent and the series is just as good as I remembered it when I first watched it in the 80's!

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pianojan

5.0 out of 5 stars Remembering Tenko

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 December 2012

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A beautifully written and illustrated book, about my all-time favourite TV series! A must for anyone who enjoyed the series and would like to read more about the actors and real-life details about WW2 internees.

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Clifford S. Newell

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended reading

Reviewed in the United States on 21 March 2014

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Tenko is such a great series and, fortunately, this book is just the right companion reading for the many fans.

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Goblin 2805

5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 March 2017

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Purchased as a gift for a Tenko fan. She loves it,as a "can't put it down" read

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Esther Hogben

5.0 out of 5 stars so very interesting if you love the Tenko

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 February 2016

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Its a fabulous book and I am thrilled with it, so very interesting if you love the Tenko programmes

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Priscilla C. Miller

5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars

Reviewed in the United States on 12 January 2017

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Good product; timely delivery.

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Sam

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Book

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 August 2019

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Loved this so much

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Anna

5.0 out of 5 stars Tenko

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 May 2014

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I enjoyed this as it brought back the series. Interesting to learn how it was first thought of and then produced.

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Diane Snape

5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars

Reviewed in the United States on 9 February 2015

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Book is great lots of interesting information.

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Catherine Kennedy

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 May 2013

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The book was all I hoped for full of new facts and some brilliant pictures along with comments from many of the Tenko cast.

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I. A. Crichton

5.0 out of 5 stars If interested, you'll want.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 April 2014

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A period of history we should not forget. Well written and entertaining and certainly woth the price available on Amazon.

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mari

5.0 out of 5 stars Full of wonderful memories and stories

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 October 2014

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For anyone who loves Tenko, this is the book to have! Full of wonderful memories and stories.

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Hugh Preston

5.0 out of 5 stars Great reading for fans of the series and general interest

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 January 2016

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First rate book - really interesting background to the excellent series

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Loveagoodbook

5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 December 2016

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Fantastic book. Loved Tenko when it was televised.

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Raymond Berry

5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 January 2015

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Just what I was looking for at a great price - very pleased

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JULIE ASTILL

5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 July 2017

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Really interesting

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Amazon Customer

1.0 out of 5 stars I ordered this as kindle but haven't received it. ...

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 March 2017

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I ordered this as kindle but haven't received it. There was a problem last time I tried. Can I cancel and order the book please.

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mike webster

3.0 out of 5 stars Three Stars

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 November 2014

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bought as a present

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david williams

5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 June 2015

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my daughter loves it

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david longton

5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 January 2016

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good read

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lindap

2.0 out of 5 stars not what i expected

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 June 2014

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not really sure what i expected but this was a lot of money for a book that didnt really say much apart from what we already knew

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