Description
Editorial Reviews
Review
“This is the best historical overview of that major genre termed ‘Documentary’ or ‘Non-fiction.” –Edward S. Small, Phd., University of Kansas
“Nothing compares, still.” –Amy Villarejo, Cornell University
“A reasonably priced introduction to a major area of film making which is all too often left in the shadow of drama. It is both thorough and readable.” –Fred Caffney, South Kent College
“First rate history–well written, with a coherent and constant focus on the power of the documentary film.” –Tom Mullin, Eastern Washington University
“The best in its field. I have used the first edition for almost twenty years to great effect. Barnouw is a masterful text writer.” –Robert J. Allen, Seton Hall University
“This is the basic book for anybody who wants to be a documentary filmmaker. Very good!” –Aleksander Mandis, New York University
“A concise, accurate and indispensable book for any lover of documentary film. An indispensable reference and a worthy text for any course on the subject.” –Lynne Jackson, St. Francis College
“The best general history of documentary available. Concise, yet wide ranging and erudite. A valuable classroom text.” –Michael Griffin, University of Minnesota
Praise for Previous Editions:
“A helpful antidote to the spirit….It presents sign posts to where documentary could be and where it may emerge. Barnouw’s style has a clarity and precision that make his books delights to read.” —Film Quarterly
“The whole panorama has been richly researched and compactly organized into easy prose by Barnouw, writing at the peak of his competence.” —Variety
“Erik Barnouw puts film history in the mainstream of human history as few others have done before. He reminds us of the powers of film to instruct, exhilarate, excite and deceive, and shows how these powers have been used in our time.” –Daniel J. Boorstin
“Provides students with a foundation of knowledge from which they can learn, explore, and create.” –Ronald A. Hoodak, Elmira College
“Indispensable text. I have used Barnouw’s book since 1975, and I’m grateful for each updated edition.” –Bill Huie, Texas A&M University, Corpus Cristi
“Well-written and wonderfully researched. Clear and concise!….I’m very excited using it.” –Robert J. de Maria, Washington and Lee University
“Superior text. [I’ve] used it for years and will continue to do so.” –Professor E. Scott Bryce, St. Cloud State University
“This knowledgeable chronicle and advocacy of the documentary is marked with the poetry of Barnouw’s own appreciation of the medium.” –William Judson, University of Pittsburgh
Richard Boardman –
I teach documentary film production at a university and use it as a text. It’s the same book we used when I took documentary in grad school 40 years ago. It is still the definitive history of the form.
Nikica Gilic –
As far as cinema studies goes,this is one of the classics; full of valuable information, reliable interpretations and insightfull comments.If you’re nterested in the numerous facets of documentaries, you could do much worse than start with Barnouw’s seminal book.Also, this is a very good example of great academic writing: clever but intriguing (granted, it’s easier to write like that in writing history than theory, but nevertheless, you’ll probably read this book with great pleasure).Highly recommended!
Merry Horenberger –
Book I read some 15 years ago for documentary class.And I remembered it and was impressed with it’s honestappraisal of the war movies, especially the ones that were exaggerations, half truths or edited before they could be shown. Interestinginformation.
Mary –
Bought used came like new!
Johnny D –
I came across this book as a requirement for a class. Not knowing much – if anything – about documentary I found it to be a good read …. nice, concise history of the genre, lots of good information.I enjoyed reading it so much, when class was over – I did not sell it back.good introduction to the documentary genre !
Bunuel –
Excellent and very readable history of documentary written before the Post-Modern insanity!
R C R –
Must read for anyone interested in documentary. This is THE documentary book.
Earthling –
BEST BOOK ON DOCUMENTARY AND NON-FICTION FILMS EVER!
teresa lavina –
Five Stars
I love it
Merlina –
Ottimo inizio
Ottimo inizio per chi vuole approcciarsi alla storia del documentario, Barnow scrive in maniera semplice e comprensibile anche per chi, come me, non è madrelingua.