This is the first detailed history of Spanish cinema written in English for English readers. It presents a balanced exploration of trends and genres from the popular to art-house cinema, including landmark documentaries and children's films. There are sections in each chapter where popular, oppositional, and experimental directors are introduced as auteurs. The eleven chapters are arranged chronologically from the silent reels of the photographers to the twenty-first century, taking into account technological advances, as well as production, distribution and socio-political constraints and developments. Each chapter ends with suggestions for additional reading and possible areas of future research. The bibliography concentrates on assessments and criticism published in English, and there is a filmography of all directors and titles mentioned, a comprehensive index not restricted to cinema, and a supporting selection of stills.

BERNARD BENTLEY is Senior Lecturer in Spanish at the University of St Andrews.