"From Library Journal
Scores of female writers and filmmakers contributed to this encyclopedic inves-tigation first published in 1990 in Britain. Evaluated are concepts (e.g., crossdressing, motherhood, postmodernism), genres, actresses, directors (women and men), national cinemas, studios, and much more. Demonstrating a clearly feminist perspective, the entries are stimulating yet never become arcane. The editors even have some fun by inserting trivia questions throughout the text. Kuhn and Radstone hope their efforts spur further works. One obvious choice for study would be silent film star Clara Bow, the "It Girl," who is ignored here in favor of her less popular but more politically correct contemporary, Louise Brooks. The index of the films mentioned in the text is helpful. Recommended for women's and film collections, where it complements Ally Acker's Reel Women: Pioneers of the Cinema, 1896 to the Present (LJ 4/15/91).
Kim Holston, American Institute for Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters, Malvern, Pa.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. "
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