In this book the authors tell the history of cinema as they conceived it, it was written and taught by the most important theorists and historians of the seventh art. With the help of hundreds of examples and photos, the reader can gain a thorough and comprehensive picture of the evolution of cinema, from the first attempts to project moving images with the kinetoscope to the blockbusters of the 21st century.

Film historians often say that there is not one "Film History" but many. For some, this means that it is not possible to include all genres in a single narrative, the schools, trends and events. But for others, a "Cinema History" is called upon to make use of a variety of perspectives and to combine various methodological tools, interests and goals. The present volume adopts the second approach and invites the reader to know the art of cinema through contemporary aesthetic and ideological perceptions.

The book does not require special knowledge of film aesthetics or theory, and is mentioned in both fiction and documentary films, in experimental or avant-garde cinema and animated films. It is an essential textbook for those attending film studies programs, but also a rich source of information for all movie lovers.

THECHRISTIAN THOMPSONis an honorary doctorate in the Department of Arts and Communication at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He holds an MA in film from the University of Iowa and a PhD from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

THE DAVID BORDWELLis Professor of Cinema Studies at the Jacques Ledoux Chair in the Department of Arts and Communication, as well as a Hilldale Chair in the Humanities Department at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.