Booker (English, Univ. of Arkansas) here offers a dictionary listing genres, directors, writers, actors, and production companies that make up the backbone of American cinema. The dictionary is well laid out with cross-references and a thorough bibliography broken down by subject....A detailed chronology covers American cinema history from 1878 to 2010, and the text features a 12-page introductory essay that takes the reader from the era of silent movies through Hollywood's golden age and into the 21st century. BOTTOM LINE A solid starting point for general readers and casual movie buffs.

Library Journal

Author Booker has written dozens of books on popular culture, especially science fiction, including nine books on film. This volume is a handy compendium of entries for “people, films, companies, techniques, themes, and genres.” It begins with a 12-page chronology, followed by a 12-page introduction, and concludes with an extensive thematic bibliography. In between, alphabetically arranged entries range from a paragraph to 3 pages in length. The usual big names are covered....Other entries cover topics such as Cult films, Horror, Screwball comedy, and Special effects, to name a few. Surprisingly, few film reference books have the scope of this one. This volume is a useful quick-fact addition to the field.

Booklist

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.

Choice Reviews