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1. The Mysteries of Cinema
There’s no denying the world has changed almost entirely since the first moving pictures were projected at the end of the nineteenth century. But how much of this change is really down to cinema itself? In The Mysteries of Cinema we explore how the medium has altered the way we experience reality, and take a roller coaster ride through the ups and downs of movie history.
Read contributions by names like Kafka, Virginia Woolf, Joan Didion and Salvador Dalí. Learn what directors and critics think about the true nature of cinematic vision and find out how French Surrealism and German Expressionism influenced the early days of cinema. This exhilarating survey charts the rise and rise of the moving image and asks what’s next for film in a world saturated by content.
Treat yourself to The Mysteries of Cinema for a contagiously enthusiastic look back at film history.
2. Cinema: The Whole Story
Smell the popcorn and feel the sticky carpet under your feet with this comprehensive study of cinema history. Chronicling the story of film from 1895, the book puts cinema in context using the social and cultural developments that have taken place since its beginnings.
Cinema: The Whole Story is organised chronologically and covers key time periods, genres and events in the world of cinema. The book takes us from the earliest days of moving images to the super high-tech blockbusters of today. Illustrated throughout with charts, graphics, photos and stills, this is one of the best books about cinema history and a must read for any fan of film.
Read Cinema: The Whole Story to learn more.
3. Ridley Scott: A Retrospective
The most successful British filmmaker in Hollywood history, Ridley Scott has directed a slew of influential and memorable movies over the years. From Blade Runner to Gladiator and Alien to Black Hawk Down, Ridley Scott: A Retrospective takes us behind the scenes of these blockbusters and offers a privileged view of the man behind the lens.
The book is illustrated with stunning images, many taken directly from Scott’s iconic works. Interviews with the director bring context and vitality to these incredible stories while the author’s own experiences on set help to paint an even richer picture. One of those film history books you just can’t put down, Ridley Scott: A Retrospective will keep you coming back for more.
Explore Ridley Scott: A Retrospective to find out more.
4. Tarantino: A Retrospective
Undeniably one of the big beasts of cinema, Tarantino has directed a plethora of hits including Reservoir Dogs, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Pulp Fiction. His Midas touch has seen him stay at the top of his game for decades, with his talents extending into screenwriting and acting as well as directing.
Tarantino: A Retrospective looks at all ten films he’s directed, giving us expert insight and in-depth commentaries on each of the cult classics. Stills, interviews and first-person accounts add context to the book, while behind-the-scenes photos offer fans a tantalising glimpse into the world of Tarantino.
Learn more about this cinematic legend with Tarantino: A Retrospective.
5. Eisenstein on Paper: Graphic Works by the Master of Film
Sit down, make yourself comfortable and get ready for a real treat. This landmark publication presents, for the first time, five hundred of the very best graphic works by Sergei Eisenstein, one of the greatest innovators and most unique minds in cinema. Previously unpublished, these striking images, which range from early childhood sketches to set and costume designs, take us into the mind and creative process of the pioneer.
One of the best books about film in the Soviet era, Eisenstein on Paper: Graphic Works by the Master of Film includes fascinating insight from foremost Eisenstein scholar Naum Kleiman. Using excerpts from Eisenstein’s own discursive texts, as well as drawings and biographical sources, Kleiman offers fresh insight on Eisenstein, his drawings and the films he created.
Leaf through the beautiful pages of Eisenstein on Paper: Graphic Works by the Master of Film to learn more.
6. History of Film (World of Art)
Like many of the best books on film history, History of Film (World of Art) starts at the beginning. Author David Parkinson starts his story with the earliest shadow shows, and takes us right through to the high-tech film making of the twenty-first century.
Considering the impressive scope of the book, it’s remarkably concise. This makes it engaging and easy to read, even for those new to the world of cinema. In History of Film, we’re given a guided tour through some of the most important eras in film, from the silent movies of the early twentieth century to the Golden Age of Hollywood, and Italian Neorealism to the French New Wave. Whether you’re a dedicated fan of cinema or just want to learn more about the art form, this definitive study is a great place to begin.
Read the History of Film (World of Art) for more information on the story of cinema.
7. Artists' Film (World of Art)
If you think you know everything there is to know about film, think again. In Artists' Film (World of Art), we’re given an alternative history of the moving image, one that places the artist at the heart of the story. In the book, film expert David Curtis looks at artists who’ve been inspired by cinematic language and felt compelled to react to it in their own, unique ways.
From experimental films to video installations and multimedia shows, moving images have had a whole other life far away from the dimmed auditoriums of your local cinema. This generously illustrated book looks at over four hundred international artists who use video or moving images as their medium. Through their work, we can see that the art form is continually evolving, attracting new practitioners and new audiences as it grows in popularity around the world.
See a different side of cinema with Artists' Film (World of Art).
8. A Chronology of Film
If you like your facts presented in a visual – and beautiful - format, you’ll love A Chronology of Film. This original book uses photos, graphs and an intuitive layout to help the reader get to grips with the most important events in cinema history.
As well as the all-important timeline, the book features expert commentaries and information on the social, political and cultural events that occurred alongside key developments in film. Well laid out and thoughtfully illustrated, the book is easy to dip in and out of, making it perfect for your coffee table or reference library.
Explore A Chronology of Film to learn more about the history of cinema.
9. Tarkovsky
Renowned cinematic genius Andrey Tarkovsky was the most important Russian filmmaker of the post-war era. This beautiful monograph echoes the dream-like feel of his films, using extended sequences of stills to convey the look, atmosphere and disquiet of his creations. In fact, the photos in Tarkovsky are so evocative, they’re almost artworks in their own right.
Tarkovsky’s films stand out thanks to their metaphysical themes, extended takes and an absence of conventional dramatical structure and plot. By creating something visionary, and totally unique, the director is able to achieve an intensity and beauty that’s considered by many to be unparalleled. Featuring personal Polaroids and extracts from his writings, this mesmerising study is a fantastic introduction to the filmmaker and his art.
Read Tarkovsky to learn all about this pioneering director.
