The Oxford History of World Cinema

by Geoffrey Nowell-Smith

Book Overview

From its humble beginnings as a novelty in a handful of cities, cinema has risen to become a billion-dollar industry and the most spectacular and original contemporary art form. In The Oxford History of World Cinema, an international team of film historians traces the history of this enduringly popular entertainment medium. Covering all aspects of its development, stars, studios, and cultural impact, the book celebrates and chronicles over one hundred...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0198742428
• ISBN13: 9780198742425
• Release Date: February 1999
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Length: 848 Pages
• Weight: 4.11 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.9" x 7.4" x 9.7"
• Age Range: 13 to 17 years
• Grade Range: Grades 8 to 12

Customer Reviews

Excellent source of information

They have reduced the price, and now the book is affordable. So take advantage of this. THE OXFORD HISTORY OF WORLD CINEMA introduces the readers to foreign films/international productions, and explains the different genres of pictures throughout the history of world cinema. You should add this book to your library if you like cinema.

Excellent reference

This is an excellent reference source for the expert and lover of world cinema. It is complete and authoritative. All genres are well discussed, and the chronology is superb.

Indispensable guide!

This is recommendable guide for all those who assumed the commitment to know about the Cinema considered as an artistic discipline. Plenty of abundant information about the well different tendencies and filmmakers along a Century you will find important and decisive data for having a whole vision around the last of the Arts. Totally recommended.

A must for film students and ardent film buffs.

'The Oxford History of World Cinema' is an excellent reference text with contributions from well-respected academics and critics across the globe. It provides condensed versions of national cinemas, styles, and movements through different eras. What is more, a conscious effort has been made to cover well-known styles such as Italian neo-realism and the Hollywood studio system in addition to lesser known ones such as Scandanavian or Arabian cinema. Furthermore, it moves beyond national cinemas to include a diverse range of topis such as documentary, music, censorship, exploitation, animation and much more. For those studying cinema, like myself, will find it useful as a condensed reference from which to depart into greater depths of research. Film buffs will find it useful to view films within cinematic contexts such as style, industry, and reception. The book is divided into three main chapters: (1) Silent cinema (2) Sound cinema and (3) Modern cinema with the differnt topics aforementioned pervading throughout. In addition to this, a few hundred actors, directors, and cinematographers et al have been selected to feature in a special biography page of their own. These include notables such as Sternberg, Bunuel, DeMille, Dreyer, Ozu, Garbo, Warhol and so much more. There are many illustrations - most of which are black and white but are stunning accompaniments nonetheless. Buy, read, enjoy and cherish it. I know I did!

Really, offering a lot...

The great title is not fake. Huge coverage of different cinema eras and national cinemas. In depth explanations of film staff. I found everything what i needed to see about world cinema.