Published to coincide with the 1998 film release of 42 Up, this is the companion volume to the acclaimed 7 Up film series, a fascinating longitudinal study of children born in the UK around 1957 which began in 1964 as a series of British television programs.

Filmmaker Michael Apted set out to test the aphorism "Give me the child until the age of seven, and I will show you the man." He filmed fourteen seven-year-old boys and girls from all walks of British life, then revisited the same group at fourteen, twenty-one, twenty-eight, thirty-five, and -- most recently -- forty-two. The film series, chronicling the subjects' successes and failures, fears and dreams, is one of the most popular longitudinal studies of all time.

42 Up -- the book -- provides an overview of this project from its inception. Illustrated with lots of great photos, the book chronicles the life stories of each of the film's subjects, capturing the spirit of the films in an accessible format. Highly, highly recommended!

There's an article on the 7 Up series on the Directors Guild of America's website here. Apted's film 49 Up is expected to be released this year.

INTERNATIONAL BOOKRING

Rules of this bookring:
1. This is an international bookring -- if you join, please be willing to ship the book anywhere.
2. Please journal the book when you receive it, and again when you mail it out -- that way, everyone will know the book's approximate location.
3. If you don't think you'll be able to read this book within a reasonable time, please let me know before it's sent to you by the previous reader, and I'll be happy to move your name down the list.
4. Whether you have read the book or not, please do not keep it longer than six weeks. Thanks!

Participants:
1. Scout-Finch - Sherman Oaks, California, USA - rec'd April 6, 05; mailed June 9, 05.
2. jessibud - Toronto, Ontario, Canada - rec'd June 17, 05; mailed July 4, 05.
3. cougmax - Federal Way, Washington, USA - rec'd July 11, 05; mailed July 18, 05.
4. flowergirl68 - Fleet, Hampshire, United Kingdom - rec'd September 30, 05; sent November 30, 05.
5. dodau - Bristol, United Kingdom - rec'd December 1, 05.
6. goatgrrl - New Westminster, BC, Canada

I'll be mailing this to Scout-Finch in Sherman Oaks, California on Tuesday, March 29th. Hope you enjoy it!

So excited to read this as I've seen every installment of this series starting with 7 Up. I'm virtually the same age as the subjects, maybe a year older, so I've always been fascinated with their stories, the similarities and differences..while I've never lived in England I've been lucky enough to have visited a bunch which I think has enhanced my appreciation. Still, universal themes are just that - life, death, tragedy, miracles, poverty, madness...looking forward very much to 49 up!
Am finishing one bookring book and this will come next right afterwards. Will post here when I am done.

I was woefully negligent in my handling of this ring. This book (which I really did want to read!) was buried on Mt. TBR. A gentle email from goatgrrl reminded me and redfaced, I thought it better to send it on than hold it any longer..I have learned my lesson and will not sign up for any more rings - Mt. TBR is just too big ;-)

This arrived today! I am very excited to read it and may have to put other stuff on hold while I do! In fact, I may even end up purchasing my own copy! This film series is one of my all-time favourites! I know I have taped some of them from when they were shown on tv.


I'll be back....!

I am enjoying this book very much. I think it really makes a difference that I've seen all 5 films before reading it, though. It makes it much easier for me to feel as if I *know* the characters,; I can even *hear* their voices! I really hope they do a 49-Up soon!


I am not quite finished it yet, but I am sending it on to cougmax because I decided, in the end, to order my own copy of it and I just got a phone call from the bookstore that it has come in. I will have it in the mail when I go to the post office on Monday (and I may very well be finished reading it, anyhow, by then!)

Thanks, goatgirl, for sharing this one with me.

It is on its way! Mailed this morning! Thanks again, it brought back great memories of the films and I can't wait now for the next one to come out

Arrived today. This looks really interesting. I will have to go to the library this week and see if I can request one of the videos.
Thank You!

The book was very interesting. It was neat to see how their lives formed and changed through adulthood. Though many of the participants did not seem like they were willing or enjoyed doing the interviews. Most were negative or bored by the questions. The wives and husbands seemed to have more energy or be more interested in the interview. I can see why they did not like it, but I can guess that many of them have used the quasi-celebrity status to their advantage at one time or anonther.
I would really like to read the full interviews from past years or view the video. I am going to try and find a copy to rent soon. If anyone has it burned on to DVD, they should add it to the bookring, just a suggestion...
Off to flowergirl68

PMd cougmax seeking additional information regarding when this book was mailed, since flowergirl68 is concerned she hasn't received it yet.

I sent the book eons ago... based on when I saved my emails in my file, I can make an educated guess that it went out right around August 10th, late that week or weekend.
I feel like I sent it off with a second book, but I can't remember for sure. I hope it shows up your way soon.

Arrived today! I've got 2 rings in front of this, but it shouldn't be long till I get round to it.

So sorry for the delay. I have pm'ed dodau today for their address.

I really enjoyed reading this, particularly as it coincided with 49Up being shown on the tv!

Sent on to dodau today

Arrived home 20 minutes ago to a crammed parcel box. Lots of goodies for everyone but DS2. Not to feel sorry for him though as he just had 6 or so books from the charity shop. This one for me was so well wrapped it took ages to open and I'm going to ask the flowergirl to come and wrap all my christmas pressies next year.

Quite interesting in a limited way. Basically a written version of the tv show.

RELEASE NOTES:

It's back! New Westminster -- Sherman Oaks -- Toronto -- Federal Way -- Fleet -- Bristol and back to New West. Thanks very much, everyone, for keeping this book moving, and for treating it so gently (I can't believe how great it looks, even after all that travelling). Best wishes to all.