The Alfred Hitchcock Encyclopedia

(Hardback)

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Description

Several decades after his last motion picture was produced, Alfred Hitchcock is still regarded by critics and fans alike as one of the masters of cinema. From silents of the 1920s to his final feature in 1976, the directors many films continue to entertain audiences and inspire filmmakers. In The Alfred Hitchcock Encyclopedia, film critic Stephen Whitty provides a detailed overview of the director's work. This reference volume features in-depth critical entries on each of his major films as well as biographical essays on his most frequent collaborators and discussions of significant themes in his work. For this book, Whitty draws on primary-source materials such as interviews he conducted with associates of the directorincluding screenwriter Jay Presson Allen (Marnie), actresses Eva Marie Saint (North by Northwest) and Kim Novak (Vertigo), actor Farley Granger (Strangers on a Train), actor and producer Norman Lloyd (Saboteur), and Hitchcocks daughter Patricia (Stage Fright; Psycho)among others. Encompassing the entire range of the directors careerfrom early influences and silent films to his decade-long television show and cameos in nearly every featurethis is a comprehensive overview of cinemas ultimate showman. A detailed and lively look at the master of suspense, The Alfred Hitchcock Encyclopedia will be of interest to professors, students, and the many fans of the directors work.

Reviews

This encyclopedic reference is made up of more than 1,000 articles, ranging in length from a paragraph to several pages. This work is notable for the authors herculean effort of compiling a comprehensive reference as a single author. Every conceivable entry is included, including every Hitchcock title; noted individuals (from characters, producers, and actors to any number of smaller roles); and topical entries, such as alcohol, fetishes, and strangulation. Included on every few pages are high-quality images from Hitchcocks public and private life and films. Any serious scholar of Hitchcock would not be caught dead without this comprehensive volume. * Booklist *
This encyclopedia assesses the numerous film and television works of director Alfred Hitchcock. This is the first book by Whittya freelance critic and journalist. This extensive work contains almost 500 pages of entries as well as an author's introduction. Entries largely focus on Hitchcock's films and television episodes, examinations of his themes and motifs (such as color, domination, male gaze, and transference, to name just a few), and the people directly or tangentially involved in his productionsthis last category being the most numerous. Though general information on films, cast, and crew can be found everywhere on the internet, Whitty provides details and backstory for many entries, giving context to relationships that might have gone unexplained. Plot synopses within entries are sufficiently minimal and not used simply as padding, and much space is given over to analysis and criticism. Offering a plethora of information and insight, the book assembles a mosaic perspective on a complex, contradictory filmmaker. Summing Up: Recommended. Beginning students through upper-level undergraduates; general readers. * CHOICE *
Stephen Whitty, the reliably wise film critic for the Newark Star-Ledger, pens this exhaustively comprehensive guide to all things Hitch and when I say comprehensive, I mean comprehensive. Hes not just doing entries on Cary Grant and Macguffins; hes writing about Psycho cinematographer John L. Russell and writer Angus MacPhail, who some say coined the term Macguffin. Its a terrific reference book, but also much more than that; Whittys elegant, intelligent writing burns with affection and fascination for the subject matter, tackling the filmmaker with a historians attentiveness and a critics insight. * Flavorwire *
The Alfred Hitchcock Encyclopedia is a wonderfully engaging and highly useful reference source for one of the arguably greatest and most iconic twentieth-century film directors. Hence, with its accessible style, strong cross-referencing and reasonable pricing, this book would make a worthy addition to academic or public library collections. * s *
Whittys Hitchcock encyclopedia might be added to the essential books about Hitchcocks work. Obviously entries on all the films are here along with everyone involved and the films about Hitchcock. Also included are entries on Hitchcocks intersections with critics like Pauline Kael. A book as smart and witty as it is informative. * The Buffalo News *
Here, Stephen Whitty undertakes the monumental task of detailing not only the films of this auteur but also the artistic process and people who made each of his films a classic.... Overall, Whitty manages to capture the breadth, depth, and influence of this great director within a superbly compiled tertiary source. Ever since the publication of Thomas Leitchs 2002 Encyclopedia of Alfred Hitchcock, there has been a noticeable gap in the reference literature on this towering figure of cinema. Whitty has produced a book worthy of the wait. * American Reference Books Annual *
American film critic Whitty attempts and succeeds with the seemingly impossible: adding a new twist on analysis of Hitchcocks films. He does this by providing interesting insights, trivia and quotations in an encyclopedic format that wisely doesnt attempt to be definitive. Instead, Whitty highlights elements of Hitchcocks life and work that are the most relevant and enlightening with extensive insights into some of his least-known works. The book is essential reading for any serious retro movie lover and will appeal to anyone with even a passing interest in the Masters body of work. * Cinema Retro *

Author Bio

Stephen Whitty is an award-winning, nationally syndicated journalist for The Star-Ledger / Newhouse Newspapers. He reviews over 200 films a year, conducts filmmaker interviews, and writes weekly pieces on cinema history. Whitty is the current chair of the New York Film Critics Circle, which annually bestows one of the most prestigious film awards of the year.