Rafael Alvarez - Wire (GROVE ATLANTIC)

Widely regarded as one of the greatest television shows ever made, "The Wire," often called a novel-as-television, is a Dickensian masterpiece that weaves together complex stories and complicated characters into a sprawling, textured portrait of an American city in decline. "The Wire: Truth Be Told" is the ultimate companion to this spectacular show. Essays from David Simon, George Pelecanos, Laura Lippman, William F. Zorzi, and others join interviews with the show's creators, entertaining summaries of all sixty episodes and overviews of each of its seasons. Above all, "The Wire: Truth Be Told" offers a captivating behind the scenes look at the show, from the struggle to get it on the air, to the response from Baltimore's residents and politicians, to the fascinating true stories and real life inspiration behind favorite scenes and characters. Lavishly illustrated with hundreds of photos, this is a must have book and a fitting guide to, and celebration of, a monumental show.