The Complete Countdown Companion

The Complete Countdown Companion was a 1990 book written by word-puzzle specialist Peter Newby together with series producer John Meade.

The book was published by Peltham Books in association with Channel 4 and Yorkshire Television, and was dedicated in memory of people who had worked on the show and had passed away - Dictionary Corner guests Russell Harty, Ted Moult and Kenneth Williams, the show's first executive producer Frank Smith, and Calendar Countdown director David St. David-Smith. The foreword was written by Richard Whiteley.

This 188-page paperback book was very much an earlier version of Countdown:Spreading The Word with its blend of behind the scenes stories from the producers, peppered with anecdotes and some word games.

Chapters

• Preface by John Meade (as John B. Meade).
• Foreword by Richard Whiteley.
• The Countdown to Countdown by John Meade

• Pignuts - and Why Not? by Peter Newby
• Aardvarks (A little Aardvark never hurt anyone) by Peter Newby
• Target Practice by Peter Newby
• Alternative Countdown Word Games by Peter Newby
• Looking at Words by Peter Newby
• Short Cuts to Success by Peter Newby
• Anagrams by Peter Newby
• Countdown Crosswords

• Those Who Dwell in Dictionary Dell by John Meade
• The Contestants by John Meade

• Coinage by Peter Newby
• The Vital Statistician by John Meade
• Bringing Numbers into Play by Peter Newby
• Sum Fun by Peter Newby

• Classic Countdown Games by John Meade
• Glossary by Peter Newby
• Countdown Honours List
• Acknowledgements