William Johnston (1924–2010) was the world’s most prolific author of original TV tie-in novels, encompassing several genres; but it was his series of nine based on Get Smart! that put him on the map as go-to sitcom specialist from 1965 through the late ‘70s. He also authored many screenplay novelizations in as many genres (from Klute to Caligula), plus his own medical, mystery, romance, potboiler and adult-reading originals. Shortly before his death, he was given the very first Grandmaster Scribe Award for career achievement from the International Association of Media Tie-In Writers.