Documentary: A History of the Non-Fiction Film [Paperback]

Erik Barnouw (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 7, 1993

Now brought completely up to date, the new edition of this classic work on documentary films and filmmaking surveys the history of the genre from 1895 to the present day. With the myriad social upheavals over the past decade, documentaries have enjoyed an international renaissance; here Barnouw considers the medium in the light of an entirely new political and social climate. He examines as well the latest filmmaking technology, and the effects that video cassettes and cable television are having on the production of documentaries. And like the previous editions, Documentary is filled with photographs, many of them rare, collected during the author's travels around the world. Covering the full course of the documentary from Louis Lumiere's first effort to recent landmark productions such as Shoah, this book makes the growing importance of a unique blend of art and reality accessible and understandable to all film lovers.

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 anybodywho 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

"I will almost certainly use it when I next teach the class."--Professor Edward S. Small, University of Kansas

"Very good overview."--Mike Duvall, Saugamon 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

About the Author

Erik Barnouw, now retired, was Chief of the Library of Congress's Motion Picture, Broadcasting, and Recorded Sound Division, and long headed Columbia University's film division. His books include the prize-winning three-volume History of Broadcasting in the United States, Tube of Plenty, The Sponsor, and The Magician and the Cinema.

Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 2nd Revised edition (January 7, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195078985
• ISBN-13: 978-0195078985
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #18,316 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Definitive Introduction to the World of Non-Fiction Films, July 5, 2000

By 

David Cromwell - See all my reviews

This review is from: Documentary: A History of the Non-Fiction Film (Paperback)

I know that when you see a book receive the five star rating you think that the person reviewing is either tender-hearted or an ignoramus as it is inconceivable to think of a perfect book. However, since I am neither tender-hearted nor an ignoramus I give you my word that Barnouw's book is an amazing reference guide to the world of non-fiction films. Its an incredibly quick read, it took me a matter of days despite a hectic schedule, and though a lot of names and movies come flying at you they are easy to access and remember. So if you know nothing about documentaries you can quickly become knowledgeable by reading this book and then know what films you should seek after. The book traces non-fiction films all the way from the early experiments of Muybridge and the actualities of Lumiere all the way up to the 1990s. It divides the films not by region but by their respective genre and in the order they emerged. Then in the final chapter, "Movement," it carries documentaries up into our days and explains what's going on and where it's headed. Again, though you wished Barnouw could have delved even deeper into certain aspects, or become more localized as this is mostly a globalized look, you realize that this book is only the stepping stone into a whole new world. Barnouw is merely opening the door and inviting us to enter.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is it!, June 23, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Documentary: A History of the Non-Fiction Film (Paperback)

Barnbouw has taken a wealth of creativity and almost a century of filmmaking and not only made it manageable but intensely relevant and interesting, His breakdown of the various movements throughout the history of the documentary film is right on and remarkable. The research included in this masterpiece is unmatchable in other writings on the documentary. Filmmakers and non-filmakers alike need to read this book. It is a history lesson on a all too often over looked art.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Learning Guide, September 14, 2000

By 

David Pickup (Lasalle, Quebec Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Documentary: A History of the Non-Fiction Film (Paperback)

If you are interested in Documentary Film, this is a great introduction to the genre. Barnouw brings you through history with ease and enjoyment. I found it extremely satisfactory; definitely not a disappointment.