Woody, From Antz to Zelig: A Reference Guide to Woody Allen's Creative Work, 1964-1998

(Hardback)

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Description

Alphabetically-arranged, the entries in this encyclopaedic study cover Woody Allen's movies, plays, fiction, television shows and stand-up comedy from 1964 to 1998. Film entries begin with basic production information followed by a literary analysis of the work, which considers how and why Allen develops new narrative forms for conveying his stories. The dominant themes in Allen's work and the literary and cultural traditions he draws upon are discussed. Entries draw connections among Allen's works, outline his relationships with specific cinematographers and actors, point out major influences, and demonstrate how Allen fits into the Western canon of literature, film and philosophy. Collectively, the entries reveal a serious and substantial artist whose experimentation with narrative form and structure enables him to explore human nature and human relationships in an insightful manner.

Reviews

.,."[T]his is a fine tribute to a remarkably prolific creator and a great resource for anyone interested in Allen's work."-John G. Cawelti Professor of English University of Kentucky
"Woody Allen has clearly joined the top circle of American humorists--Franklin, Twain, and Thurber. Woody, from Antz to Zelig charts in precise and meticulous detail the reasons for his exalted position. Schwartz analyzes movies, books, and standup comic routines in scrupulous detail. Sources, influences, and background data receive extensive discussion....[T]he spectrum of Allen's major work in multimedia receives exhaustive celebration. This is a major resource for the study of modern American humor."-Hamlin Hill author of Mark Twain, God's Fool Coauthor with Walter Blair of America's Humor: From Poor Richard to Doonesbury
"A big bonus--particularly helpful to film students--are the entries on major themes in Woody Allen's works (death, Holocaust, little-man humor, magic, etc.). [T]his is an excellent reference work that is enjoyable to read--not just randomly but from beginning to end. All general, academic, and technical film collections."-Choice
A big bonus--particularly helpful to film students--are the entries on major themes in Woody Allen's works (death, Holocaust, little-man humor, magic, etc.). [T]his is an excellent reference work that is enjoyable to read--not just randomly but from beginning to end. All general, academic, and technical film collections.-Choice
Most academic libraries and large public libraries will find this a useful addition to their collections.-American Reference Books Annual
"Most academic libraries and large public libraries will find this a useful addition to their collections."-American Reference Books Annual

Author Bio

Richard A. Schwartz is Professor of Emeritus of English at Florida International University, where he was a Fellow of the Honors College and Director of the Film Studies Certificate Program. Among his many publications is Woody, From Antz to Zelig (2000), a study of Woody Allens creative work also published by Bloomsbury.