Documentary

 This is the second major revision of a book universally acclaimed as the definitive history of the documentary film. The final section has been completely rewritten and expanded to take into account the major films and trends of the past nine years. Particular attention has been paid to the growth of documentary film-making in the Soviet Union since Glasnost and the corresponding expansion in the United States, including Ken Burns's The Civil War, which broke all audience records for Public Television in 1990.

Review:

"This is the best historical overview of that major genre termed 'Documentary' or 'Non-fiction." --Edward S. Small, Phd., University of Kansas

"Nothing compares, still." --Amy Villarejo, Cornell University

"A reasonably priced introduction to a major area of film making which is all too often left in the shadow of drama. It is both thorough and readable." --Fred Caffney, South Kent College

"First rate history--well written, with a coherent and constant focus on the power of the documentary film." --Tom Mullin, Eastern Washington University

"The best in its field. I have used the first edition for almost twenty years to great effect. Barnouw is a masterful text writer." --Robert J. Allen, Seton Hall University

"This is the basic book for anybody who wants to be a documentary filmmaker. Very good!" --Aleksander Mandis, New York University

"A concise, accurate and indispensable book for any lover of documentary film. An indispensable reference and a worthy text for any course on the subject." --Lynne Jackson, St. Francis College

"The best general history of documentary available. Concise, yet wide ranging and erudite. A valuable classroom text." --Michael Griffin, University of Minnesota

Praise for Previous Editions

"A helpful antidote to the spirit....It presents sign posts to where documentary could be and where it may emerge. Barnouw's style has a clarity and precision that make his books delights to read." --Film Quarterly

"The whole panorama has been richly researched and compactly organized into easy prose by Barnouw, writing at the peak of his competence." --Variety

"Erik Barnouw puts film history in the mainstream of human history as few others have done before. He reminds us of the powers of film to instruct, exhilarate, excite and deceive, and shows how these powers have been used in our time." --Daniel J. Boorstin

"Provides students with a foundation of knowledge from which they can learn, explore, and create." --Ronald A. Hoodak, Elmira College

"Indispensable text. I have used Barnouw's book since 1975, and I'm grateful for each updated edition." --Bill Huie, Texas A&M University, Corpus Cristi

"Well-written and wonderfully researched. Clear and concise!....I'm very excited using it." --Robert J. de Maria, Washington and Lee University

"Superior text. [I've] used it for years and will continue to do so." --Professor E. Scott Bryce, St. Cloud State University

"I will almost certainly use it when I next teach the class."--Professor Edward S. Small, University of Kansas

"Very good overview."--Mike Duvall, Saugamon State University

"This knowledgeable chronicle and advocacy of the documentary is marked with the poetry of Barnouw's own appreciation of the medium." --William Judson, University of Pittsburgh