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Manuals, Dictionaries & Guides
See also: Reference/Annuals
Crew Guides (technical guides for film crews)
Cinematography/Videography
Directing and Directors
Producing/The Business
 The Rough Guide to Film
Rough Guides
The Rough Guide to Film is a bold new guide to cinema. Arranged by director, it covers the top moguls, mavericks and studio stalwarts of every era, genre and region, in additiong to lots of lesser-known names. Softcover, 649 pp. $36.99.
 100 British Documentaries: BFI Screen Guides
Patrick Russell
100 British Documentaries provides an accessible and occasionally provocative introduction to a rich and surprisingly varied tradition, by considering 100 examples from a century's worth of cinema. Patrick Russell's insightful essays on the 100 films place them in context, discuss the ways in which they represent their subject matter, and consider how they portray Britain during a century of great social and political change. Softcover, 270 pp. $26.95.
 The Rough Guide to Film Musicals
David Parkinson
From the magic of Astaire and the pathos of Garland to the flair of Fosse, The Rough Guide to Film Musicals is the perfect companion to cinema's most spectacular genre, revealing how an escapist entertainment became Hollywood's most ingenious art form. Softcover, 326 pp. $19.99.
 The Rough Guide to Film Noir
Alexander Ballinger & Danny Graydon
From dimly lit streets to glamorous apartments, world-weary detectives to irresistable femmes fatales, The Rough Guide to Film Noir shines a searchlight into cinema's darkest and most dangerous corner. Softcover, 302 pp. $19.99.
 The Village Voice Film Guide: 50 Years of Movies from Classics
to Cult Hits
Dennis Lim
For the past 50 years, The Village Voice has set the benchmark
for passionate, critical, and unique film coverage for a savvy and
sophisticated audience. Some of America's most respected film critics
and culture writers have championed movies in the pages of the Voice that
were often dismissed or ignored by the mainstream media. Now, the Voice has selected 150 of the greatest films that its influencial critics have
celebrated -- and it has compiled their landmark reviews in this one-of-a-kind
book. Softcover, 320 pp. $22.95.
 The Rough Guide to British Cult Comedy
Julian Hall
Focusing on the last three decades, this book covers the gamut of UK
comedy talent, showcasing the cultiest comedians and the most side-splitting
shows. It chronicles the rise of alternative comedy to surrealist
sketches and the triumph of reality comedies such as The Office;
50 stars of live and TV comedy, from 1980s legend Harry Enfield
to current headliner Ross Noble; 50 sitcoms, sketch shows and mockumentaries
that broke the mould, among them The Royle Family and The
Fast Show; American influences on British comedy, from Richard Pryor
to Bill Hicks; best comedy venues, recommended DVDs and CDs, tips
of the trade (how to deal with hecklers) and much, much more. Softcover,
277 pp. $21.99.
 The Rough Guide to Westerns
Paul Simpson
From the saloon to the cattle trail, gunslinging outlaws to ferocious Indians,
The Rough Guide to Westerns is the ultimate companion to the genre
that has, since the birth of cinema, fed our fascination with the
Wild West. Softcover, 293 pp. $21.99.
 The
Pocket Essential Australian Film
Saskia Vanderbent
Australia has always been at the forefront of the film industry,
giving birth to the world's very first fiction and documentary features,
and a host of international stars, directors and first rate crews.
This book analyses over 80 significant works from silent through to contemporary
cinema, considering their technical innovation and recurring themes.
The diverse range of films include The
History of the Kelly Gang, Walkabout, Picnic
at Hanging Rock, Mad Max, My Brilliant Career, The
Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith, Dead Calm, Shine, Rabbit-Proof
Fence, Chopper, Moulin Rouge and
recent controversial horror, Wolf Creek. Softcover,
160 pp. $9.95.
 The
Pocket Essential Great British Movies
Don Shiach
Don Shiach has attempted to encapsulate in this volume the peaks
of the British film achievement from the beginning of the sound era to
the first decade of the 21st century. The giant figures of the 1930s, Alfred
Hitchcock and Alexander Korda, set a standard for the domestic film industry
in its attempt to challenge the domination of the Hollywood film. Great
British Movies makes a fascinating read, a useful reference book
and a must for all fans of British cinema. Softcover, 160 pp. $9.95.
 The
Pocket Essential Film Noir
Paul Duncan
Noir explores the dark side of post-war society--gangsters, hoodlums, prostitutes
and killers--and shows how it corrupted the good and the beautiful. Many of these
films are now touchstones of what we regard as classic Hollywood -- The
Maltese Falcon (1941), The Big Sleep (1946), Double
Indemnity (1944) and The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946).
Softcover, 159 pp. $9.95.
 Sports
Cinema 100 Movies: The Best of Hollywood's Athletic Heroes, Losers,
Myths and Misfits
Randy Williams
In this first-of-its-kind tribute to sports-oriented films, sports writer and
film buff Randy Williams counts down his top 100. A synopsis, complete cast list,
film highlights, commentary, and trivia on each film, along with the "story
behind the film" from actor's directors, producers and crew members deliver
new perspectives on old and new favourites. Softcover, 430 pp. $32.95.
 The Parents' Guide to Kids' Movies
Jo Berry
Part of Jo Berry's guide to kids' movies is aimed at the concerned parent
and provides a sensitive guide to the content of hundreds of kids'
films, but the book mainly operates as a source for alternatives:
for the parent faced with the long summer holidays and the thirty-third
viewing of The Lion King, maybe it's time to delve back through
a long line of Disney classics, check out the original Alice
in Wonderland adaptation from 1951, or investigate Ray Harryhausen's
Dynarama special effects in the 1974 Golden Voyage of Sinbad. Written
with humour and insight, Jo Berry has produced an informative,
entertaining and balanced aid for the modern-day parent drowning
in a sea of DVD releases. Softcover, 324 pp. $16.95.
 The
Rough Guide to American Independent Film
Jessica Winter
Unconventional, controversial and often downright disturbing, indie films have
given us some of cinema's most innovative and influential moments. The Rough
Guide to American Independent Film gives you the lowdown on maverick filmmaking,
from sleazy exploitation flicks and satirical documentaries to chilling horror
movies and quirky suburban dramas. Softcover, 277 pp. $21.99.
 Rough
Guide to Chick Flicks
Samantha Cook
The Rough Guide to Chick Flicks is a lively guide to the movies women love,
from melodramas to biopics, thrillers to rom-coms. Sassy, informed
and occassionally unexpected, it celebrates women's films of every
kind. Softcover, 283 pp. $21.99.
 Crime
Wave: The Filmgoers' Guide to the Great Crime Movies
Howard Hughes
Crime Wave investigates gangster and heist movies, blaxploitation and noir,
murder mysteries, vehicles for vigilante or buddy cops, even a gangster
love story. It features biographies and filmographies detailing the key
participants and background details of the films' making, locations and
sets. It also explores each film's sources and influences, its impact
on the crime genre and current fashion, including spin-offs, copies and
sequels.
It examines the films' themes, style and box office fortunes. Softcover,
236 pp. $30.50.
 Once
Upon a Time in the Italian West: The Filmgoers' Guide to Spaghetti Westerns
Howard Hughes
Authoritative and entertaining, Once Upon a Time in the Italian
West offers
detailed critical and historical analyses of 20 key films. Taken together,
these essays identify the salient trends, tropes, and filmmakers of this
popular genre, and provide a useful guide to its signature films. Softcover,
266 pp. $26.95.
 The
Rough Guide To Sci-Fi Movies
John Scalzi
The Rough Guide to Sci-Fi Movies is a comprehensive companion
to the "final
frontier" of film. It explores cinema's fascination with space exploration,
time travel and fantastical worlds, and tells the stories behind
the movies that have been expanding our universe since film began.
Features include
origins, the canon, the locations, the icons of the sci-fi genre.
Softcover, 325 pp. $21.99.
 The
Rough Guide to Comedy Movies
Bob McCabe
Cracking open a whole barrel-load of movie mirth, The Rough Guide
to Comedy Movies gives you the ultimate lowdown on laughter in the
cinema, from Airplane! to Withnail and I, and from John Belushi to Billy Wilder. Sections
include: the comedy story, the comedy canon, comedy movie icons,
comedy teamwork,
and international comedy. Softcover, 303 pp. $21.99.
 The
Rough Guide to Gangster Movies
Lloyd Hughes
From The Godfather to Get Carter, tales of organized
crime have produced many of the big screen's greatest films and most
memorable moments. The Rough Guide to Gangster Movies gives
you the low-down on all aspects of
the genre. It's all here, from James Cagney and his fellow 1930s mobsters
right up to the hitmen of Quentin Tarantino and John Woo -- not forgetting
all the Goodfellas, Untouchables and Kings
of New York in between. Softcover, 322 pp. $21.99.
The Rough Guide To Horror Movies
Alan Jones
The Rough Guide to Horror Movies is a comprehensive guide to the world's
scariest films. Conjuring up vampires, monsters, ghosts and zombies, it tells
the stories behind the movies that have frightened us from the birth of cinema
to the present day. Softcover, 277 pp. $21.99.
 Hey!
It's That Guy! The Fametracker.com Guide to Character Actors
Tara Ariano & Adam Sternbergh
Who is that guy? You know the one: the actor who always shows up in movies
as the rumpled police detective, or the stern but ineffectual high school
principal, or the wiseguy mobster. What is that guy's name? And where
have you seen that woman before. You'll find them all in this exhaustive
and
entertaining guide to character actors whose faces you recognize but
whose names you can never quite recall. Softcover, 255 pp. $19.95.
 A
Field Guide to Monsters
Dave Elliot
Monster fans listens up: the information contained in this compact field guide
can very well save you life. Within these pages lie the secrets to many of the
monsters that are still at large today. Dozens of creatures are profiled in detail,
including information about their appearance, their orgins, their habitats, their
powers, and their weaknesses. Softcover, 192 pp. $19.95.
 The
Animated Movie Guide
Jerry Beck
Here, for the first time in print, is an accurate and complete guide to every
animated movie ever released in the United States. This lavishly illustrated
companion traces the orgin of the art form, discusses what it takes to make a
great animated feature, and guides the reader through all manner of hits and
flops that make up this previously uncharted world. Every film listing includes
reviews, four-star ratings, background information, plot synopses, accurate running
times, consumer tips, and MPAA ratings. Softcover, 348 pp. $36.95.
 Great
TV & Film Detectives
Maxim Jakubowski
Celebrating some of the world's best-known and most beloved detectives
-- hardworking professional investigators, reformed thieves, and rich
dilettantes among them -- Great TV & Film Detectives promises to rouse
all fans of crime thrillers on-screen or on the page. Hardcover, 509
pp. $39.95.
 The
Best DVDs You've Never Seen, Just Missed or Almost Forgotten
Peter M. Nichols
If just trudging to the latest Hollywood blockbuster doesn't appeal to
you, The Best DVDs You've Never Seen, Just Missed of Almost Forgotten is the perfect companion. Inside, the film critics of The
New York Times have
made their top choices for those movies that are unjustly marginalized,
overlooked or just plain forgotten. These newly updated reviews are
for 500 films, all of which are available on DVD. Softcover, 489
pp. $18.95.
 Halliwell's
Top 1000
John Walker
A canon has been established. In this mighty tome, long-time Halliwell's
editor, John Walker, lists out Halliwell's 1000 favourite films. The
merits of each movie are given a full evaluation, including information
such as
the cast and crew on the film, any awards the movie won, DVD and soundtrack
availability plus other interesting facts such as original film titles
and gossip from behind-the-scenes. Richly illustrated, with film stills
and
posters, this is a book every cinema-goer will want to own. Softcover,
572 pp. $39.95.
 The
New York Times Guide to the Best 1000 Movies Ever Made
Peter M. Nichols
This handy reference book covers the entire spectrum of cinema, from the first
talkies of the 1930's to blockbusters like The Wizard of Oz and Chicago; from
timeless classics like Casablanca and Notorious to modern award winners like
Shakespeare in Love and Boys Don't Cry. Beloved foreign films by directors such
as Truffaut, Kurosawa, Fellini, and Almodovar appear with milestone achievements
by renowned American directors like Kubrick, Huston, Spielberg, and Welles. The
reviews -- by Vincent Canby, Janet Maslin, and others -- are eloquent, honest,
incisive, and intuitive, making this book not only an invaluable resource for
any film lover but also a fascinating, often surprising insight into Hollywood
history. Softcover, 1174 pp. $36.95.
 Beautiful
Monsters: The Unofficial Guide to the Alien and Predator Films
David McIntee
In this unofficial companion, David McIntee takes us behind the scenes to
reveal how the Alien films were developed, what their influences and
antecedents were, and how they have continued to develop and influence
to this day.
We also take in the popular Predator films and see how, through various
ranges of spin-off merchandise, we arrived at the 2004 clash of the titans,
the long awaited Alien vs. Predator movie. Softcover, 266 pp. $22.95.
 Science
Fiction Films: The Pocket Essential
John Costello
As well as an introductionary essay, this book chronicles and discusses
the vast spectrum of SF movies: from Metropolis to The
Matrix; Things
to Come to The Thing; Brazil to Blade
Runner; Dark Star to Star Wars;
2001 to CE3K. Different worlds, different races, utopias, dystopias,
far futures,
alternative histories, parallel presents: all are discussed in this comprehensive
guide. Softcover, 60 pp. $10.95.
 Digital
Video for Beginners
Colin Barrett
From choosing the right camera, to shooting creatively, through getting
your movie onto your computer, this is the ideal all-in-one guide for
the neophyte videomaker. Whether you are looking to become the next
Spielberg or if you simply want to produce slick home movies, this
book will provide
you with a wealth of practical knowledge and creative ideas. Softcover,
144 pp. $27.95.
 The New Biographical Dictionary of Film
David Thomson
Expanded and updated for 2004. More a bible than
a dictionary, this revised edition of David Thomson's definitive
classic is required reading for anyone with even a passing interest
in film. With over 1300 concise yet astutely observed biographical
sketches of the most significant personalities in film history, this
book is as intelligent as it is comprehensive as it is entertaining.
Essential. Softcover. $32.95.
 The
Incredible World of Spy-Fi
Danny Biederman
The ultimate in espionage eye candy, The Incredible World of Spy-Fi captures
four decades of our favourite spies and their impressive cache of gadgets. Danny
Biederman, creator of the legendary Spy-Fi Archives, has collected over 4,000
rare pieces -- salvaging them from the darkest, dustiest corners of old Hollywood
soundstages and studio back lots. Here, for the very first time, Biederman profiles
over 200 of his coolest, most captivating gadgets and images, offering juicy
trivia and insider stories on each piece. Softcover, 160 pp. $27.95.
 The
Rough Guide to Cult Movies
Various authors
This second edition of the Rough Guide to Cult Movies offers a
new and improved blend of essential trivia and informed opinion as
it takes you on a tour of the most compellingly weird -- and weirdly
compelling -- films in the celluloid universe.
Softcover, 475 pp. $18.99.
 The
Rough Guide to Kids' Movies
Paul Simpson
This compact movie guide contains over 400 reviews for the
best kids films on video and DVD. From recent hits such as Finding
Nemo and Elf to classics like The Wizard of Oz and Star
Wars, this book will provide the reader with countless suggestions
that will keep children entertained for hours on end. Softcover,
303 pp. $17.99.
 Legacy
of Blood: A Comprehensive Guide To Slasher Movies
Jim Harper
The "slasher" movie is the bloodiest incarnation of
the modern horror film. Although reviled by most critics -- objecting,
particulary, to the apparent misogyny -- the genre has nevertheless
had enduring appeal. Legacy of Blood is a serious attempt to
identify and explain the essential traits of the genre and to provide
a historical context in which to view its evolution. This book is also
the most exhaustive catalogue of the genre, boasting more than 200
astute
film reviews.
Softcover, 192 pp. $26.95.
 The
Virgin Movie Quiz Book
Alan Ferguson
The Virgin Movie Quiz Book provides questions and answers from all of
your favourite recent popular movies. Quizes include taglines, sequels and remakes,
scripts and quotes, six degrees of seperation, and trivia to test your movie
knowledge. Softcover,
164 pp. $12.50.
 BFI
Film & Television Handbook 2004
Eddie Dyja
Inside the BFI Film & Television Handbook 2004 you'll find exhaustive
statistics about the film, video, and television industries, as well as a detailed
production directory for the UK. This is the definitive industry sourcebook
for the
UK. Softcover, 445 pp. $59.95.
 A
to Z Guide to Film Terms
Third Edition
Tim Moshansky
This handy, pocket-sized A-Z guide is exhaustive in its listings of film
industry jargon and technical terms. "Dutch Angle", "Buffalo
Box", "MacGuffin", "Work Print", "BFL",
and more terms than you can ever imagine are defined herein. An absolute must
for industry professionals, film students, and movie fans. Softcover, 96 pp.
$12.95.
 The
Marx Brothers Encyclopedia
Glenn Mitchell
Glenn Mitchell's definitive reference work on film comedy's most anarchic team
has now been revised, expanded and updated. Newly discovered archive material
and recent Marx-related events are covered here for the first time. Covering
the team's lives and careers, their Broadway work and classic films, as well
as their radio and television work, The Marx Brothers Encyclopedia is
a must for any Marx fan. Softcover, 304 pp. $47.50.
 Eyeball
Compendium
Stephen Thrower
Culled from the pages of Eyeball Magazine this omnibus
of interviews, essays and reviews focuses on the very best of cinematic
sex, horror, art, and exploitation -- everthing from Argento to Zulawski.
Fans of off-beat genre films will appreciate this brilliantly written
and generously illustrated volume. Softcover, 395 pp. $38.99.
 DVD
Delirium 2: The International Guide to Weird and Wonderful Films on DVD
Nathaniel Thompson
Hundreds of fascinating films are reviewed in the all new second edition instalment
of the A-to-Z DVD guide specially designed for collectors of cult, horror,
exploitation, arthouse, erotic, foreign language, thriller, action and just
plain weird movies! DVD Delirium 2 is a minefield for the serious collector
with DVD's from all over the world reviewed and analysed by Thompson along
with renowned cult film critics including Kim Newman and Tim Greaves. Softcover,
639 pp. $38.99.
 DVD
Delirium: Volume 1
Nathaniel Thompson
Fans of cult, horror, exploitation, arthouse, erotic, foreign language, thriller,
action, and just plain weird movies will not want to be without this invaluable
guide to off-beat films on DVD. With 1000 in-depth reviews -- by cult-film
aficianados Nathaniel Thompson, Tim Greaves, and Stephen Thrower -- this book
is a must for any serious DVD collector. Softcover, 639 pp. $38.99.
 The
New York Times Essential Library Children's Movies
Peter M. Nichols
Some of our fondest childhood memories revolve around the magic, drama and wonder
of our favorite films. With our own children, we want them to have the same experiences,
but at the same time are unsure as to which movies will be appropriate and compelling.
In this informative guide, film columnist and parent Peter M. Nichols provides
100 carefully chosen and clearly explicated recommendations that will surprise
and delight
viewers of all ages. Softcover, 330 pp. $23.95.
 Sundance
to Sarajevo: Film Festivals and the World they Made
Kenneth Turan
Films festivals are a modern phenomenon; and, to the uninitiated, the film festival
circuit can be an intimidating and puzzling array of names and dates from around
the world. In this smart, funny, and engaging insider's look, Kenneth Turan profiles
the most important and unusual festivals, and elucidates their cultural, political
and sociological importance. Softcover, 180 pp. $22.95.
 DVD
Confidential 2: The Sequel
Marc Saltzman
Following the success of DVD Confidential, this follow-up volume boasts
a listing of DVD Easter Eggs nearly twice the size of its predessecor. Sample
Easter Eggs include: an alternate cut of "Terminator 2", James Caan's
screen test for "The Godfather", a blooper reel for "The Phantom
Menace", uncensored footage from "Boogie Nights", and much more.
If you want to get the most out of your DVD collection, then this informative
guide is a must. Softcover, 183 pp. $23.95.
 Career
Opportunities in the Film Industry
Fred Yager & Jan Yager
Career Opportunities in the Film Industry is the most comprehensive and current
guide ever published for this challenging and rewarding industry. Throughout
the 16 sections of this book, the reader will find a detailed quick-reference
Career Profile for each film industry job. Also included are indexes and appendixes
with up-to-date listings of Internet resources, books, organizations and associations,
and relevant educational institiutions. Softcover, 235 pp. $29.95.
 NY
411
Production Resource Directory 2003-2004
411 Publishing
The Tri-State area's professional reference guide for film, tv,
and video production.Coil bound, 493 pp. $88.99.
 The
Wallpaper Press Short Cuts series
The Short Cuts series offers a succinct introduction to areas of film study which
don't yet have adequate literature. A great starting point for student research
Available in this series:
Animation: Genre & Authorship by Paul Wells
The Horror Genre: From Beelzebub to Blair Witch by Paul Wells
The Star System: Hollywood's Production of Popular Identities by Paul MacDonald
Science Fiction Cinema: From Outerspace to Cyberspace by Geoff King &
Tanya Krzywinska
Early Soviet Theatre: Innovation, Ideology and Propaganda by David Gillespie
Reading Hollywood: Spaces and Meanings in American Film by Deborah Thomas
Disaster Movies: The Cinema of Catastrophe by Stephen Keane
The Western Genre: From Lordsburg to Big Whiskey by John Saunders
Psychoanalysis and Cinema: The Play of Shadows by Vicky Lebeau
Costume and Cinema: Dress Codes in Popular Film by Sarah Street
Mise-En-Scène: Film Style and Interpretation by John Gibbs
New Chinese Cinema: Challenging Representations by Sheila Cornelius with Ian
Hadyn Smith
Scenario: The Craft of Screenwriting by Tudor Gates
 Screen World 2002 Film Annual
Volume 53
John Willis
Featuring every significant U.S. and international film released
in 2001, complete filmographies, capsule plot summaries of each
movie, biographical entries, and over 1000 photographs, Screen
World is the definitive pictorial and statistical record of
the 2001 movie season. Hardcover, 432 pp. $74.95.
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