A Short History of the Movies 11th Edition Chapter Summaries

November 20, 2021

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· 209 ratings · 17 reviews

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Feb 13, 2013 John rated it it was amazing

This is the best single-volume history of film I have ever come across. I re-read it regularly. The sections on the birth and early years of cinema are essential reading for any film buff, and the in-depth analyses of key films are full of original insights. I have the 4th Edition, published in 1986 and written by Gerald Mast. Later editions (the 11th came out in 2011) were authored by Bruce Kawin, after Mast died of AIDS in 1988, at age 48.

Probably one of the best textbooks I've read. The fascinating subject matter helps, of couse, but Mast and Kawin offer a superb overview of the entire history of cinema, from its very beginnings to the present day. Aside from wishing that asian cinema were more thoroughly explored, I have no complaints. I recommend this book to any film enthusiasts; I'm not a film student myself, and I loved the read (it introduced me to a lot of great movies, too). Probably one of the best textbooks I've read. The fascinating subject matter helps, of couse, but Mast and Kawin offer a superb overview of the entire history of cinema, from its very beginnings to the present day. Aside from wishing that asian cinema were more thoroughly explored, I have no complaints. I recommend this book to any film enthusiasts; I'm not a film student myself, and I loved the read (it introduced me to a lot of great movies, too). ...more

Jan 31, 2009 Terry rated it really liked it

Required reading for me in a film appreciation class at university, this is a nice benchmark for anyone interested in studying film.

The chapters on film history and the technical advances that the medium has enjoyed over the last century were easily the most fascinating for me. It almost read like a narrative. However, a lot of these middle chapters end up being gauntlets of plot summaries, complete with SPOILERS, SPOILERS, SPOILERS. So if you see a title on your watchlist mentioned, feel free to start liberally skimming. Overall, an excellent and invaluable text for film buffs.

A very informative, if technically out of date, book from 2015. It is written in a dry, encyclopedia like format and it's a bit long-winded, but, if you can put up with that, it is an informative read. A very informative, if technically out of date, book from 2015. It is written in a dry, encyclopedia like format and it's a bit long-winded, but, if you can put up with that, it is an informative read. ...more

Nov 12, 2018 Brian rated it really liked it

I had to take a point off because 608 pages and not one mention of Charlotte Greenwood. Just doesn't seem right. I had to take a point off because 608 pages and not one mention of Charlotte Greenwood. Just doesn't seem right. ...more

Nov 11, 2020 Jim Manis rated it really liked it

I read this book in 1981, and that edition is not listed in Goodreads' data base. I read this book in 1981, and that edition is not listed in Goodreads' data base. ...more

This is my only book on cinema history, so I like it.

So informative. Read it for a class and learned a lot!

Oct 18, 2010 Bridget rated it really liked it

Comprehensive and understandable. I still find myself referring to this book often.

Dec 30, 2013 Darrell rated it liked it

This book is okay. The author has really done his homework. The reader is directed to many interesting points.

May 04, 2012 Ke rated it really liked it

Like many History books, the authors may have emphasized some events/films more than others. But, overall, they were quite concise.

A good place to start for anyone interested in film history.

dense with info on u.s and foreign film history. though the book can read a bit dry at times it has taught me most of what i know about the great and the good films out there :)