Visions of Yesterday

Add to my list

by Jeffrey Richards

Type: Studies
Subject: Sociology
Keywords: sociology, memory, role of cinema
Publishing date: 2016
Publisher: Routledge
Collection: Routledge Library Editions: Cinema
1st publishing: 1973
Language: English

Relative size

Physical desc.

Paperback • 416 pages
7 ¼ x 9 ½ inches (18.5 x 24 cm)

ISBN

978-1-138-99408-9

User Ratings

(0 vote)

Average rating:

0	rating	= We can do without
0	rating	= Good book
0	rating	= Excellent book
0	rating	= Unique / a reference

Your rating: -

Report incorrect or incomplete information

Book Presentation:
Film is an important source of social history, as well as having been a popular art form from the early twentieth century. This study shows how a society, consciously or unconsciously, is mirrored in its cinema. It considers the role of the cinema in dramatizing popular beliefs and myths, and takes three case studies – American populism, British imperialism, German Nazism – to explain how a nation’s pressures, tensions and hopes come through in its films. Examining the American cinema is accomplished by analysing the careers of three great directors, John Ford, Frank Capra and Leo McCarey, while the British and German cinemas are studied by theme. The analysis of the British Empire as seen in film broke exciting new ground with a pioneering account of ‘the cinema of Empire’ when it was first published in 1973.

With full filmographies and a carefully selected bibliography it is an outstanding work of reference and its lively approach makes it a delight to read.

Reviews of the original edition:

‘A work of considerable force and considerable wit.’ – Clive James, Observer

‘…a work that is original, mentally stimulating and most pleasurable to read.’ – Focus on Film

See the publisher website: Routledge

> From the same author: