The Oxford Handbook of Silent Cinema

The Oxford Handbook of Silent Cinema is a comprehensive re-examination of the silent film medium, covering topics such as its invention, aesthetics, non-theatrical uses, political economy, global modernities, and publics. It is influenced by diverse methodologies and aims to rethink silent film history in the context of the early 1900s media ecosystem.

Format: Hardback
Length: 784 pages
Publication date: 09 March 2024
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The Oxford Handbook of Silent Cinema is a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of a medium that would emerge as the dominant form of mass entertainment by the second decade of the twentieth century. Comprising thirty-four original chapters authored by renowned scholars from three dozen institutions, this volume offers a profound and provocative re-examination of silent cinema. The handbook is organized around a series of broad themes, including the invention of cinema as both technology and medium, the intermedial development of film aesthetics and genres, the non-theatrical and non-commercial applications of cinema, the political economy of Hollywood mass culture, the relationship between film and global modernities, and the publics and counter-publics of silent cinema.

The historiographical essays in this collection engage with the critical question of how we can reimagine the history of silent film, particularly in the context of the developed media ecosystem that characterized the early 1900s. Drawing upon diverse methodologies such as media archaeology and industrial studies, these essays are sensitive to the textual nuances of silent films and the cultural, economic, and ideological currents that shaped them. The Oxford Handbook of Silent Cinema invites its readers to envision its subject matter in expansive terms, encompassing the vibrant energy of the early 1900s and employing contemporary analytical frameworks.

In its examination of silent cinema, the handbook delves into various aspects, including the technological innovations that facilitated the emergence of the medium, the evolution of film aesthetics and genres, the diverse uses of cinema beyond theatrical exhibition, the political and economic dynamics of Hollywood, the global impact of film, and the complex relationships between silent cinema and its audiences. Each chapter provides a detailed and nuanced analysis of its respective topic, drawing upon a wealth of primary sources and scholarly research.

One of the key strengths of this handbook is its interdisciplinary approach, which brings together scholars from various fields such as film studies, history, cultural studies, media studies, and more. This collaboration fosters a rich and multifaceted understanding of silent cinema, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of its historical, cultural, and social significance.

Furthermore, the handbook is designed to be accessible to a wide audience, including students, scholars, and general readers interested in the history and cultural significance of silent cinema. The chapters are written in a clear and concise manner, making the content accessible and engaging, while the extensive footnotes and bibliographies provide valuable resources for further research.

In conclusion, The Oxford Handbook of Silent Cinema is a groundbreaking and essential resource for anyone interested in the study of silent cinema. With its comprehensive coverage of topics, interdisciplinary approach, and accessible writing style, this handbook offers a fresh and insightful perspective on a medium that has been largely overlooked in recent scholarship. By re-examining the history, aesthetics, and cultural significance of silent cinema, this handbook contributes to our understanding of the evolution of film and its impact on society.

Dimension: 248 x 171 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190496692