"Dixon assumes a splendidly against-the-grain posture in his history of black-and-white cinematography, illuminating a long list of shining moments – and spotlighting a fair share of dull ones – that threaten to fade from view as color becomes ubiquitous and mimetic innovations like IMAX, motion capture, and augmented reality gather ever more momentum in theaters and homes around the world."
~Quarterly Review of Film and Video
"Covering a hitherto neglected subject, this should be essential reading to all those with an interest in cinema history."
~Library Journal
"Dixon, no stranger to film history, gives us a complete overview of the black and white movie era, from the 1900s through the 1960s ... This book will help to inspire others to think about the artistry so that this classic era of cinema is never forgotten."
~Flicksided
"Dixon has created a book that is original and important … Highly recommended."
~CHOICE
"Dixon covers the entire history of black and white movies in one volume, and talks about the films and cinematographers who created these films, and often got little credit for their work. Fascinating and compelling, this is essential reading for anyone who loves movies."
~Robert Downey Sr., director, Putney Swope
“Dixon has an encyclopedic knowledge of film history, and a subtle and well-honed aesthetic sense. He rescues important films from oblivion, and finds fresh angles of approach to films that are already familiar."
~Steven Shaviro, Wayne State University
"Wheeler Winston Dixon’s colorful study of black-and-white cinema reaffirms yet again his unfailing expertise as a critic, historian, and dazzlingly fine writer. Indispensable for students, scholars, and movie buffs alike."
~David Sterritt, author of The Cinema of Clint Eastwood: Chronicles of America
"Highly recommended for really passionate fans of old movies, people who are familiar with names like Gregg Toland, Nicholas Musuraca and John Alton. For the rest of us, this is a really interesting look at black and white films."
~Midwest Book Review
"[Dixon's] short – but packed to bursting – history expertly details notable films and those who created them."
~Times Literary Supplement
