Can films be used as historical evidence? Do historical films make good or bad history? Are documentaries more useful to historians than historical drama?

Written from an international perspective, this book offers a lucid introduction to the ways films are made and used, cumulating with the exploration of the fundamental question, what is history and what is it for?

Incorporating film analysis, advertisements, merchandise and internet forums; and ranging from late-nineteenth century short films to twenty-first century DVD 'special editions', this survey...