Book review: the Prisoner "I am not a Number" 
 - a series guide by Steven Ricks
 Reviewed by Ronnie Soo

Webmaster writes: Unfortunately this booklet is now out of print and becoming harder to find; you may still be able to obtain it from PrizBiz but bear in mind its value is appreciating.

This 32 page, A5 book from former Six of One co-ordinator Steven Ricks is a short but very informative guide to our favourite cult classic.  Divided into several sections, there is generous use of production photos and stills throughout, including many of the pictures Steven discovered during his research for the "Prisoner Investigated" documentary series.   

There is much for the casual and dedicated fan to enjoy here, the photographic content alone makes this book worthwhile, many pictures are in colour and Steven has featured prominently the pictures of the original Mk 1 "Rover", which will never have been seen before outside of a Six of One publication.  These pictures illustrate clearly why it was abandoned for the now familiar balloon!  

There are potted biographies of PMcG, David Tomblin and George Markstein, the main figures in the production, as well as a short history of the "Prisoner" series itself, and details of the filming on location in Portmeirion, followed by a centre page spread of four colour photos taken during shooting. 

All the actors who played "Number Two" are listed by episode, complete with
a one line character synopsis.  I particularly liked the description of Patrick Cargill's character as a "paranoid control freak"!  The final episode, "Fall Out" is the next subject Steven details, outlining how the episode was written "on the fly"  in order to conclude the series.  There is even a run through of the different cars seen, from the two KAR 120C's used to the ubiquitous Mini-Moke.  

Also included is a "comic strip" style run through of the "Prisoner" opening sequence, a section featuring the many quotable exchanges between Number Six and Number Two, including Alan's favourite beach scene from "Dance of the Dead".  

The book closes with a full episode guide, an official "Prisoner press release" issued following the final episode, up to date video release details, a guide to further reading on "The Prisoner" including some now out of print books, and details on how to join Six of One, including its rather long winded web site address www.theprisonerappreciationsociety.com  

All in all a fascinating booklet and refreshingly free of self indulgence and waffle, for the asking price this is an essential purchase for any Prisoner fan.  For international purchase  click the cover or go to www.priz.biz; don't forget to tell them TPF sent you!