100 Years of Hollywood: A Century of Movie Magic
by Carol Krenz
100 Years of Hollywood is a great combination of pictures, glamour, and film history. The rectangular hardback is separated into three sections: Moguls and Masterminds, Hollywood’s Brightest Stars, and Unforgettable Films. In the first section, the men behind the masterpieces are showcased. Oftentimes in Hollywood picture books, the producers and directors are left out of the shuffle, since their faces are not as glamorous as the stars. This book gives a thorough history of Hollywood, back when it was Hollywoodland, and the creation of the major studios. And, unlike most books who only give credit to those powerful men in the early 20th century, Carol Krenz includes modern masters, like James Cameron and Woody Allen, who have added so much to the industry. This might be my favorite section of the book, but that’s not very surprising since, as a film student, some of my favorite classes were those of film history.
The design of this book is really well-thought-out, and the sections flow easily for the readers. The second section “Hollywood’s Brightest Stars” is further delineated into silent stars, leading men, leading ladies, comedians, song-and-dancers, etc. The last section, featuring classically well-liked films, such as Ben-Hur and Gone With the Wind, doesn’t feature too many modern movies, but the way the book is put together, the reader doesn’t really miss them.
This is a great book for film beginners, as well as the seasoned student who just wants to look at beautiful pictures and feel validated that their favorite stars and films are included in this wonderful compilation. I’ve read so many of these types of coffee table books, and this is by far one of my favorites.
The design of this book is really well-thought-out, and the sections flow easily for the readers. The second section “Hollywood’s Brightest Stars” is further delineated into silent stars, leading men, leading ladies, comedians, song-and-dancers, etc. The last section, featuring classically well-liked films, such as Ben-Hur and Gone With the Wind, doesn’t feature too many modern movies, but the way the book is put together, the reader doesn’t really miss them.
This is a great book for film beginners, as well as the seasoned student who just wants to look at beautiful pictures and feel validated that their favorite stars and films are included in this wonderful compilation. I’ve read so many of these types of coffee table books, and this is by far one of my favorites.