Historical Dictionary of American Cinema
By (author) Keith M. Booker
Not available to order
Publication date:
17 March 2011Length of book:
508 pagesPublisher
Scarecrow PressISBN-13: 9780810874596
One of the most powerful forces in world culture, American cinema has a long and complex history that stretches through more than a century. This history not only includes a legacy of hundreds of important films but also the evolution of the film industry itself, which is in many ways a microcosm of the history of American society as a whole.
The Historical Dictionary of American Cinema provides broad coverage of the people, films, companies, techniques, themes, and genres that have made American cinema such a vital part of world cinema. This is done through a chronology, an introductory essay, a bibliography, and over 500 cross-referenced dictionary entries. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about the history of American Cinema.
The Historical Dictionary of American Cinema provides broad coverage of the people, films, companies, techniques, themes, and genres that have made American cinema such a vital part of world cinema. This is done through a chronology, an introductory essay, a bibliography, and over 500 cross-referenced dictionary entries. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about the history of American Cinema.
This historical dictionary by Booker (English, Univ. of Arkansas) focuses on the intersection of art and business in the American film industry, including corporate structures, merchandising, and post-release sales. An introductory essay provides a brief history of American cinema from the turn of the 20th century through the studio system years to the era of the blockbuster, sequels, and today's digital processes. Alphabetical entries range from one paragraph to three pages; the latter are generally essays on genres (monster movies, science fiction) or terms (special effects). Entries include people--actors, directors, authors, and producers--along with film titles, studios, and film-related organizations. The scope is truly US-centric: no Fellini or Ingmar Bergman films appear here....This volume includes a chronology covering milestones in the US film industry from 1878-2010 and an extensive bibliography (books only)....Recommended. Lower- and upper-level undergraduates; general readers.