Mad Men Carousel

A richly layered tribute to one of television’s most stylish and psychologically complex dramas.

Mad Men Carousel is the definitive episode-by-episode guide to all seven seasons of AMC’s Mad Men, written by renowned critic Matt Zoller Seitz.

This immersive companion collects Seitz’s celebrated recaps—originally published on New York magazine’s Vulture blog—along with never-before-published essays on the show’s early seasons.

With sharp insight and cultural depth, Seitz explores the show’s themes, characters, and cinematic craft, unpacking the emotional and historical resonance behind Don Draper’s world. Each episode entry includes contextual notes on period-specific references—from the invention of the birth control pill to the release of Pet Sounds—offering readers a deeper understanding of the 1960s backdrop that shaped the series.

Named after the iconic “carousel” pitch in the show’s first-season finale, this book is both a nostalgic keepsake and a critical lens on one of the most influential series of the 21st century.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time viewer, Mad Men Carousel is the perfect companion for your journey through Madison Avenue’s golden age.

Includes black-and-white illustrations by Max Dalton and foreword by Megan Abbott

Also available from Matt Zoller Seitz:
The Oliver Stone Experience
The Wes Anderson Collection: Bad Dads
The Wes Anderson Collection: The Grand Budapest Hotel
The Wes Anderson Collection