Brian Winston Books

This major new collection of essays provides a broad and thorough introduction to the history and nature of documentary cinema and addresses key contemporary debates within the field.Powerfully posing questions of ethics, ideology, authorship and form, documentary film has never been more popular than it is today. Edited by one of the leading British authorities in the field, The Documentary Film Book is an essential guide to current thinking on documentary film. In a series of fascinating essays, key international experts discuss the theory of documentary, outline current understandings of its history (from pre-Flaherty to the post-Griersonian world of digital 'i-Docs'), survey documentary production (from Africa to Europe, and from the Americas to Asia), consider documentaries by marginalised minority communities, and assess its contribution to other disciplines and arts. Brought together here in one volume, these scholars offer compelling evidence as to why, over the last few decades, documentary has come to the centre of screen studies.

Focusing on the history of mass communication in Europe, this book explores its evolution and global impact while addressing the contemporary threats to free expression. Aimed at students of media, communication, history, and journalism, it presents complex ideas in an accessible manner, making it relevant and engaging for those interested in the intersection of communication and societal issues.

A critical review of documentary in the 21st century.

The book examines the interplay between technological advancement and societal needs, arguing against the notion of a current 'information revolution.' It traces the evolution of media technologies, such as the telegraph and computers, highlighting how their adoption is influenced by a balance between social necessity and the desire to minimize disruption. This critical analysis is vital for understanding the broader social implications of technological change.

Exploring the evolution of communications technologies, this book delves into the birth and transformation of new media, examining their societal impacts. It traces the historical journey from the printing press to the internet, highlighting how each advancement has reshaped human interactions and culture. Through this detailed account, readers gain insight into the intricate relationship between media technology and society.

Challenging the notion of an information revolution, this book scrutinizes the historical context of key technologies like telephones, television, computers, and satellites. The author argues that rather than a transformative shift, these advancements have perpetuated existing societal structures, with their disruptive potential often contained. Through a critical examination, the text reveals how the narrative of an information revolution serves to obscure the true historical dynamics at play, leaving society largely unaware of the complexities of technological history.