Fred Allen

Treadmill to Oblivion, first published in 1954, is comedian Fred Allen's account of his career in radio as host of his comedy-variety show (1934-1949). Filled with Allen's wit and humor, the book includes many radio skits featuring Allen, his wife Portland, and stars such as Jack Benny and George Jessel, and provides a fascinating look at radio during its “Golden Age.” Prior to his radio career, Allen was a vaudeville star; those exploits are recounted in his book Much Ado About Me. Fred Allen died in New York City in 1956 at the age of 61.