World Film Directors: Volume One 1890-1945

by John Wakeman (Contributor)

The first volume of World Film Directors covers 202 directors with a detailed, often film-by-film biography, filmography, and bibliography.

Genres: Film, Reference

1247 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1987

Reviews

[Evan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wakeman's two massive guides of pre-war and post-WII film directors is the non plus ultra magnum opus in the field; covering major (and some arguably not so major) international artists working before and after 1945 (in volume II). Each entry is a breezy (but not overlong) overview of a director's career, placing within a biographical and chronological narrative context a rundown of the director's films and lacing the whole thing with the director's own thoughts and those of critics. Both volumes are indispensable references, among the best ever published, but increasingly hard to get and very expensive. I was lucky to procure Vol. II at clearance price of $5 and Vol. 1 for $20. Vol. 1 is now routinely listed on Amazon used for $100 or more and Vol. II is not far behind in inflated cost. A cornerstone set in my collection.

[Evan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wakeman's two massive guides of pre-war and post-WII film directors is the non plus ultra magnum opus in the field; covering major (and some arguably not so major) international artists working before and after 1945 (in volume II). Each entry is a breezy (but not overlong) overview of a director's career, placing within a biographical and chronological narrative context a rundown of the director's films and lacing the whole thing with the director's own thoughts and those of critics. Both volumes are indispensable references, among the best ever published, but increasingly hard to get and very expensive. I was lucky to procure Vol. II at clearance price of $5 and Vol. 1 for $20. Vol. 1 is now routinely listed on Amazon used for $100 or more and Vol. II is not far behind in inflated cost. A cornerstone set in my collection.

[Tosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used to program films at Beyond Baroque and for special events at other locations - and this two volume-set was really helpful in locating obscure filmmakers as well as the well-known directors of course. The two volumes are organized by the years - and it's pretty will thought-out with a good size biography plus key points or themes in their work.

I used to hang out at the Hollywood Library due to this wonderful resource - but over the years I found the two volumes in various used bookshops and it is now one of my most prized objects in the house

[Tosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used to program films at Beyond Baroque and for special events at other locations - and this two volume-set was really helpful in locating obscure filmmakers as well as the well-known directors of course. The two volumes are organized by the years - and it's pretty will thought-out with a good size biography plus key points or themes in their work.

I used to hang out at the Hollywood Library due to this wonderful resource - but over the years I found the two volumes in various used bookshops and it is now one of my most prized objects in the house