From Library Journal
Intended for film students and experienced scholars unfamiliar with the new terminology deriving from the meeting of media and cultural studies, this unique volume presents over 400 signed scholarly entries, both lengthy (2000-3000 words) and brief (100-700 words), that map out the conceptual framework of post-1960 film and television theory. Topics range from the biographical (e.g., Habermas) to broad concepts (e.g., narrative, psychoanalysis), but the reader should not expect to find definitions of terms like "key grip" or "boom." Major entries include short secondary bibliographies, and numerous cross references and an index improve the work's use. Although most entries survey both nations, U.S. readers should also be aware of the British emphasis throughout (Pearson is a senior lecturer in journalism at the University of Cardiff). Unfortunately, some of the definitions lack the simplicity necessary for a beginning student without backgrounds in semiotics, psychology, and/or cultural studies. However, no other reference work covers the theoretical aspect of media studies quite like this one, although any number of books (e.g., Anthony Easthope's Contemporary Film Theory, Addison-Wesley, 1994) survey the field. Recommended only for libraries serving advanced cultural and/or media studies programs. Anthony J. Adam, Prairie View A&M Univ., TX
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
Graduate students in culture studies and related fields will find the Dictionary most useful. -
ChoiceThe volume will be a good reference source for a range of courses at undergraduate level. -
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