THE ITALIAN CINEMA BOOK is an essential guide to the most important historical, aesthetic and cultural aspects of Italian cinema, from 1895 to the present day. With contributions from 39 leading international scholars, the book is structured around six chronologically organised sections: THE SILENT ERA (1895–22)THE BIRTH OF THE TALKIES AND THE FASCIST ERA (1922–45)POSTWAR CINEMATIC CULTURE (1945–59)THE GOLDEN AGE OF ITALIAN CINEMA (1960–80)AN AGE OF CRISIS, TRANSITION AND CONSOLIDATION (1981 TO THE PRESENT)NEW DIRECTIONS IN CRITICAL APPROACHES TO ITALIAN CINEMA Acutely aware of the contemporary 'rethinking' of Italian cinema history, Peter Bondanella has brought together a diverse range of essays which represent the cutting edge of Italian film theory and criticism. This provocative collection will provide the film student, scholar or enthusiast with a comprehensive understanding of the major developments in what might be called twentieth-century Italy's greatest and most original art form.

Product Description: There is a wealth of critical commentary on Umberto Eco in scholarly books and articles; this collection provides thought-provoking insights into topics that have attracted a great deal of attention in the past without repeating many of the arguments found in earlier publications on Eco...read more

Examines the influence of Rome's culture on Western civilization and analyzes the treatment of the city in art, literature, and film

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Product Description: This study examines the career of one of Italy's most renowned filmmakers through close analysis of five masterpieces that span his career: La Strada, La Dolce Vita, 8 1/2, Amarcord and Interview. Providing an overview of Fellini's early career as a cartoonist and scriptwriter for Neorealist directors such as Roberto Rosselini, it traces the development of his unique and personal cinematic vision as it transcends Italian Neorealism...read more (view table of contents, read Amazon.com's description)

"The librarian who does not get Bondanella immediately must be petitioned, picketed, importuned". -- Choice

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Covers the major and minor Italian writers from the twelfth century to the present and includes entries on forms and genres, literary schools, periods, problems, and movements (view table of contents)

Studies seven films of the originator of Italian neorealism, Roberto Rossellini (view table of contents)

Traces the career of the Italian film director, discusses all of his major films, and looks at his use of specific themes

Product Description: The performances by Giulietta Masina as the waif Gelsomina, Richard Basehart as the fool, and Anthony Quinn as the strongman Zampano, have been acclaimed for their power and sometimes ridiculed for their sentimentality. The debates over what these characters and the story represent, and the position of the film within the neorealist genre, continue today...read more

Includes in their entirety The Prince, The Discourses, Belfagor, The Mandrake Root, Castruccio Castracani, abridged versions of The Art of War and The History of Florence, and a bibliography and chronology (view table of contents)