The Story of Hollywood: An Illustrated History [Hardcover]

Gregory Paul Williams (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2006

Before the film industry arrived, Hollywood was filled with quaint bungalows, millionaires' estates, and churches dedicated to teetotalism. Movies shattered Hollywood's tranquillity, and brought wealth, fame and glamorous movie stars. The giants of the movie industry invented klieg-lighted movie premieres and the Academy Awards in Hollywood. Go beyond the star-studded surface to the district's days of union busting, gangsters, and scandal, foreshadowing Hollywood's seedy decline. The book concludes with Hollywood's redevelopment that continues today. The book features the famous faces and places that made the town legendary, offering a unique perspective on celebrity nightlife and the behind-the-scenes stories of day-to-day life. Lavishly illustrated with over 800 vintage images from the author's private collection, "The Story of Hollywood" brings new insights to readers with a passion for Hollywood and its place in the history of film, radio, and television.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Gregory Paul Williams has been interested in Hollywood's history since he wrote The Story of Hollywoodland, a book about the neighborhood where he grew up. Williams has been a puppeteer and a puppet designer for films such as Men in Black, Men in Black II, Child's Play 3, and Pee-wee's Playhouse.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 416 pages
• Publisher: BL Press LLC (September 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0977629902
• ISBN-13: 978-0977629909
• Product Dimensions: 12.1 x 9.1 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #433,479 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WOW - What a fantastic work!, December 4, 2006

By 

Eric F. Pinczower "pinz" (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Story of Hollywood: An Illustrated History (Hardcover)

The Story of Hollywood is a beautiful and faithful photographic journey through Hollywood from about 1850 to the present. It is the reality behind the glam. But somehow it is more glamourous than the illusion. I grew up in the Hollywood hills in the 60's and 70's - and frequented the boulevard and side streets. I don't think I have ever had more powerful feelings of deja vu than what this book invoked. It reminds me of Berenice Abbott's work in NYC. If you love Hollywood - If you love movies and want to understand where they really come from - you need to buy this book. Gregory Williams needs to be congratulated for what will be considered the definitive historical reference on Hollywood - yet it does not read or view like a history book. I am very pleased with my purchase!

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best coffee table book about Hollywood (the place0>, October 10, 2006

By 

WRG "Webstercat" (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Story of Hollywood: An Illustrated History (Hardcover)

I was bowled over by the research and attention to detail in this amazing book. It shows the true story of what has been happening to Hollywood for years, and I found it very moving. The photos are generally quite small, but there are a lot of them. This is the book that I wish I had written. A wonderful and fascinating account of my favorite small town in the big city!

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Story of Hollywood: An Illustrated History, November 24, 2006

By 

Archivist - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Story of Hollywood: An Illustrated History (Hardcover)

Majestic and meticulously researched. Kudos to the author and publisher of this compelling book that should be a staple in every film, tv and production executives library. I discovered information about Hollywood I never knew - and the images to go along with it! You can actually get the sense from the way the author tells the story, about how people lived, worked and made Hollywood one of the most famous places on the planet. I highly recommend The Story of Hollywood to anyone who is interested in learning more about the real Hollywood. The images alone are worth the purchase price. Perfect holiday gift.