About the Author

Kevin Brownlow is a British film historian, television documentary-maker, filmmaker, author, and film editor. He is best known for his work documenting the history of the silent era.

Reviews

"Though silent film was no more than 40 years past when this rich, fascinating survey of its history was published, it felt as ancient then to many budding cinephiles as it does to those today. Brownlow's book, with its phenomenal interweaving of facts, anecdotes, interviews, and stunning array of pictures made what seemed dated and passe fresh and demanding to be experienced. Few books on cinema have ever made the movies they covered come alive as much as here to those who have not yet seen them. Among its achievements was the rediscovery of the mostly forgotten French pioneer Abel Gance."-- "IndieWire"

"Brownlow is also a fanatical historian and an eloquent writer. The resulting combination of scholarship, first­ hand knowledge and superbly articulated passion is rarein books about movies (or about anything else). Brownlow's book is a fascinating compilation of stills, reminiscences, and facts. It is a perceptive and indeed definitive account of the silent era, and an artist's notably eloquent eulogy to a generation of artists who went before him. It takes a permanent place on anyone's shelf of books about the movies."-- "Los Angeles Times"

"Not since Terry Ramsaye's memorable A Million and One Nights was published back in 1926 have the colorful early days of the movies . . . been re-created and freshly documented with such flair and fervor. . . . The book is a must for movie buffs."-- "New York Times"