The first major overview of the field of film history in twenty years, this book offers a wide-ranging account of the methods, sources and approaches used by modern film historians. The key areas of research are analysed, alongside detailed case studies centred on well-known American, Australian, British and European films.

'A very welcome entry into the field of film history, the contributors to this exemplary collection engage rigorously and imaginatively with the structures and processes that have shaped the medium of film. Structured around the four key areas of History, Authorship, Genre and Reception, this collection tackles some of the big questions that have vexed film historians - what is the relationship between creativity and commerce, how do ideas "get into" film in a lively and informative manner. An indispensable collection for students and researchers of film, media and cognate disciplines.' - Melanie Bell, Lecturer in Film, Newcastle University, UK

'...an invaluable tool in both teaching and research...the essays are scholarly and engagingly written, and genuinely extend the boundaries of the discipline. It will quickly become a central text for film history courses.' - Melanie Bell, Journal of British Cinema and Television