The Dream the Kicks is a classic account of the prehistory and early years of cinema in Britain. In this new paperback edition, which has been thoroughly revised to take into account recent scholarship of early cinema, Michael Chanan provides a fasciniating account of the rich and hitherto hidden history of the origins of film.
Chanan demonstrates that the theory of `the persistence of vision', which led to the invention of moving pictures, has been superceded by modern scientific findings. In its place, he puts forward a theory of invention as a type of bricolage, and shows that cinematography was a product of the forces of nineteenth century capitalism. He discusses the wealth of influences, both popular and bourgeois, on the culture of early cinema, including diorama, the magic lantern, itinerant entertainers and music hall. He looks at the relationship between film and photography, and considers the nascent film business, the ways in which early cinema was received by its audiences and the developing aesthetics of cinema in its first fifteen years.

About the Author

Michael Chanan is a film maker, writer and teacher. A music critic in the early 1970s, when he directed documentaries on music for the BBC, he went on to make several films in Latin America during the 1980s. He is the author of The Cuban Image (on Cuban cinema) and of Musica Practica and Repeated Takes (on the social practice of music and the recording industry) and he is a member of the editorial board of Vertigo, an independent film and television magazine.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

We have a 'brick and mortar' bookstore in Ventura, California; dealing in new, used, rare and collectible books. The store is completely stocked with all types of literature but we specialize in cookbooks, religion, education, biographies, various fiction genre, as well as local interest books. There is a wide selection to choose from in our physical store that is not listed on-line.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Bank of Books
CA, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

CHECKS, MONEY ORDERS, DISCOVER CARD AND PAYPAL accepted upon request. Visa and Mastercard are default methods for purchases. Shipping/ handling costs are: Media mail $4.25 for 1st book and $1.00 for each other book. PRIORITY MAIL for books up to 2 pounds;$7.75 for 1st book and $4.00 for each other book. We will contact you with a quote for the shipping costs if the book is over 2 pounds. We ship Internationally. We will give a price quote for shipping either FIRST-CLASS INTERNATIONAL or PRIORITY...

More Information

Shipping Terms

Orders usually ship within 24 hours. Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	5 to 14 business days	2 to 5 business days
First item	US$ 4.25	US$ 8.25

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.