Just got a big crate o' books from McFarland Press, which issues a lot of esoteric books, mainly on The Arts, in what are usually limited press runs. One (which gives me the excuse to run the photo at left) is From Beautiful Downtown Burbank (Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In: A Critical History). It's written by Hal Erickson, an e-mail acquaintance who interviewed me when he did a book on Sid and Marty Krofft, which was also issued by McFarland. Both are good, as are most — though by no means, all — you'll find in that company's catalog. What you will find are a lot of titles that will prompt you to say, "Gee, I've always wanted a book about that." Hal's Laugh-In book is, incredibly, the first real history of a television program that changed the face of American TV comedy, launched several major stars and, some theorize, helped put Mr. Nixon into the White House. Even without access to some of the key players who declined to be interviewed, Hal did a fine job and you can purchase a copy, or just browse the McFarland offerings, at the publisher's website. Here, you'll be happy to know, is that link.