"The history of filmmaking is one of great technical innovation and artistry. Investigate everything from set design to costumes to the development of the camera itself, in this immersive guide featuring exquisite illustration by Adam Allsuch Boardman"--Back cover.

Introduction -- Prehistory. Playing with light -- 19th century. The 1800s -- The first filmmakers -- The 1890s -- The first screenings -- 20th century. The 1900s -- Magic and illusion -- The 1910s -- The set of Intolerance -- The movie theater -- Movie theaters through the ages -- The 1920s -- Sound! -- The 1930s -- Color! -- The 1940s -- Film noir -- The 1950s -- Samurai aesthetic -- The set of Seven samurai -- Editing -- The 1960s -- The French new wave -- The 1970s -- The set of Star wars -- The 1980s -- Synthetic environments -- The 1990s -- Diverse distractions -- 21st century. The 2000s -- Cultural exchange -- The 2010s -- Synthesis -- The future -- Heritage.