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When Vito Russo published the first edition of The Celluloid Closet in 1981, there was little question that it was a groundbreaking book. Today it is still one of the most informative and provocative books written about gay people and popular culture. By examining the images of homosexuality and gender variance in Hollywood films from the 1920s to the present, Russo traced a history not only of how gay men and lesbians had been erased or demonized in movies but in all of American culture as well. Chronicling the depictions of gay people such as the "sissy" roles of Edward Everett Horton and Franklin Pangborn in 1930s comedies or predatory lesbians in 1950s dramas (see Lauren Bacall in Young Man with a Horn and Barbara Stanwyck in Walk on the Wild Side), Russo details how homophobic stereotypes have both reflected and perpetrated the oppression of gay people. In the revised edition, published a year before his death in 1990, Russo added information on the new wave of independent and gay-produced films--The Times of Harvey Milk, Desert Hearts, Buddies--that emerged during the 1980s. --Michael Bronski
Book Description
Praised by the Chicago Tribune as "an impressive study" and written with incisive wit and searing perception--the definitive, highly acclaimed landmark work on the portrayal of homosexuality in film.
Customer Reviews:
Great writing, great information.......2006-01-18
This is one of the very few books that has useful information on gays in cinema from the beginning of the film industry to (somewhat) present day. I used it as research for a writing project on homosexuals in film and it was probably the most useful source as a stepping stone of information. By current standards, some academics may say that this book is outdated and "overdone" however I consider it to be the best single source of information on gays in film to date. I question why there are so few other "popular" publications that branch out from the wonderful points and concepts that Vito Russo makes.
One of the best works of film criticism ever written........2005-11-08
The movie "The Celluloid Closet" is great, but you
occasionally get the feeling that the directors
are straining to make a point about homosexuality
in old movies. But you never feel this way reading
Russo's book. Russo is not a gifted prose stylist,
the writing of the book is wel, it's prosaic, but
he's a good writer with a keen eye and an excellent
memory. If you've seen the movie and enjoyed it get this
book to complete the experience.
A Remarkable Text by a Gifted Amateur in Love with Movies.......2004-02-10
Although Vito Russo (1946-1985) was well known as a gay activist and was extremely influential in the creation of such AIDS-activist organizations as ACT UP, today his reputation rests almost exclusively on THE CELLULOID CLOSET, a powerful commentary on the way Hollywood portrayed homosexuality on film from the silent era to the early 1980s. The book received considerable attention when first published in 1981, and it continues to receive considerable attention to this day--and justly so, for Russo's examination of the various gay characters created by Hollywood explores not only how such images were created by Hollywood, but how they shaped "straight" America's ideas about homosexuals and often altered the gay community's own self image as well.
The position Russo takes and the interpretations he offers are nothing short of fascinating, and THE CELLULOID CLOSET holds up extremely well to re-reading. Even so, it is essentially an excellent work by an amateur writer. For all the power of its interpretations and arguments, the text is badly structured, and too often the tone of the prose seems less about the films under consideration than about the personality that considers them. And there are frequent factual errors in the text, with Russo's comments on the cult favorite The Rocky Horror Show perhaps the most glaring case in point.
Although Russo's omnipresent personality tends to undercut his prose at times, it is an engaging personality, and in a certain sense it drives the narrative--and indeed does a great deal to make the book's shifting structure seem more acceptable than it would have otherwise been. And after a careful re-reading of the text, I have come to the conclusion that the errors involved are best described as "surface" errors; they do not seem to me to undercut the power of Russo's interpretations, arguments, or positions, all of which are extremely well presented and very astute. Even so, given the book's somewhat problematic nature, I would take issue with those who describe it as "definitive," which is a rather sweeping word. I would prefer to describe it as a fascinating analysis of a difficult subject written by a gifted amateur author--who manages to overcome his limitations to present an endlessly fascinating series of interpretations, arguments, and positions. The book deserves a place on the bookshelf of every one who loves film as much as the writer did, and I recommend it strongly. But it would be a mistake to take it as an absolute.
GFT, Amazon Reviewer
Classic in its field.......2001-07-13
Russo, now deceased, published the first edition of this book in 1981, in the dark ages before queer independent cinema, and before mainstream cinema began the tradition of giving every female lead a gay man for a best buddy -- back when gay men appeared only as swishy queens or psychotic killers, and lesbians appeared only as psychotic killers, period. He exhumed hundreds of long-forgotten films, from moody German expressionism through the fluffy bedroom farces of the 1950's, and created an invaluable survey of the way movies look at gay people, comparable in scope to Donald Bogle's survey of African-Americans in film, "Toms, Coons, Mulattos, Mammies, and Bucks." We desperately need an update, but for everything from Laurel and Hardy shorts to "Personal Best," this is the place to go.
My #1 Favorite "Gay" Book.......2000-12-15
For me, this book answered many questions about why people, both gay and straight, have certain attitudes about homosexuality. The portrayal of gays in popular entertainment plays a gigantic role in how gay people are perceived, and this book gives many great examples of that.
It also points the way to plenty of interesting movies that deal, in one level or another, with the subject. It would never have occurred to me to rent "Victim" (the 1961 movie) or "Suddenly Last Summer" if it weren't for this book. (What can I say--I'm provincial.)
The newer addition includes some of the changes in the 80s. I wish that Vito Russo were still alive. The topic of gays in the movies is one that's still moving forward and backward at the same time, and it would be interesting to read his take on movies like "Beautiful Thing," and "Boys Don't Cry" as well as "To Wong Foo" and "Braveheart."
Book Description
Throughout her long and illustrious career, Lillian Fuchs was lauded as one of the first great American violists. This penetrating study of Ms. Fuchs's professional life as a performer, teacher, composer, arranger, and chamber music coach offers a fascinating view of this remarkable personality. whose professional life influenced countless musicians.
Based upon conversations with Ms. Fuchs and members of her family, interviews with former students and colleagues, and concert reviews, Lillian Fuchs: First Lady of the Viola draws together oral and written information to create a biographical portrait that also sheds light on the history of American music in the twentieth century--a time when talented women had to struggle fiercely to survive in the face of male domination of the music profession.
Customer Reviews:
Biography of a great artist.......2001-06-11
Lillian Fuchs was not only a fine violist, but was a great teacher and mentor to many, many musicians. In this book the author, who clearly admires and loves his subject, unearths many details about her life, her approach to her instrument and her teaching philosophy.
Unfortunately the book is rather clumsily written and the subject never really comes to life. I studied with Miss Fuchs for five years and got to know her very well. This book, though it contains many facts, completely misses her unique personality, her probing mind, and most of all, her rich sense of humor.
Finally, a book about Ms. Fuchs!.......2000-01-02
This was very informative and interesting book about the life and career of Lillian Fuchs, arguably the greatest violist/artist of all time. It gives a very good insight into her creative processes and character. Bravo Amadee!
Book Description
The Three-Dimensional Victorian Doll House is a beautifully illustrated carousel doll house with two stories and eight rooms. When you tie back the ribbons, the house stands on its own, revealing great decorative details and authentic-looking-pop-up period furniture - and press-out play dolls and accessories!
Customer Reviews:
Great book for little girls.......2007-07-07
My daughter loves pop-up books and this one is beautiful! She is at an age where she has quite an imagination and this book helps her to live out some dreams. It is a treasure.
great for travel dollhouse!.......2007-07-04
This is nicely made, pretty sturdy, and perfect to take along for traveling to relatives houses or on any vacation. Folded up it takes up almost no space, but provides for fun pretend play when opened up.
Victorian Glory.......2007-01-14
It was in perfect condition and made a very good gift for my 6yr old granddaughter.
A Charming Gift!.......2007-01-12
For dollhouse lovers, this is a real gem! It's the size of a tall book, GREAT for taking on trips! Opens up to full-circle dollhouse. We love the old fashioned, Victorian style. It's sturdy, well-made and able to light up a child's face in a big way!
Victoian Doll House was a hit.......2007-01-09
I bought 2 of the Victoria Doll houses as gifts for my 2 great nieces. I was present when one of my nieces opened her gift and played with it. She is 6 years old. She loved it. She played with that doll house the whole time. She told me it was the best present she ever received.
Book Description
Take a tour through the miniature Victorian house—from the hustle and bustle of the basement kitchen, the impressive hallway, to the grand dining room and comfortable parlor—and make projects for every room. Using basic tools and materials, beginners will enjoy crafting the waxed sugar dome and dressing table set, while for the more experienced miniaturist there is the challenge of a traveling trunk or four-poster bed. Each project is accompanied by historical information, providing a real insight into the lives of the Victorians to help bring your dolls’ house to life.
Customer Reviews:
Dolls' House Enthusiasts.......2007-06-26
This is an ideal publication for those dolls' house enthusiasts who enjoy making their own furniture and accessories. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, with required materials being easy to obtain. Beautifully illustrated, this book is enjoyable to read and gives inspiration to make your dolls' house into a unique possession.
A Day in the Life was a pleasant visit.......2007-03-31
Loved the book. I always enjoy books with projects in them. I've already put some the instructions to use. Loved the pictures and the directions.
Book Description
Irresistible collection features 6 colorful patterns, all based on classic Victorian wallpaper designs. 4 sheets of each pattern (about 350 square inches) will more than cover an average dollhouse room. Ideal for other craft projects, too — book covers, picture frames, lampshades, decoupage, more.
Average customer rating:
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Victorian dolls' houses and their furnishings
Flora Gill Jacobs
Manufacturer: Washington Dolls' House & Toy Museum
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
 Decorative Arts
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ASIN: B0006CYYL8 |
Book Description
With forty projects to choose from, miniaturists can complete their nineteenth-century-style dollhouses in authentic detail. Featuring clear instructions and beautiful photographs, full-color charts and stitch diagrams, and, this inspiring collection uses a wide range of needlework techniques in miniature, including patchwork, canvaswork, cross stitch, surface embroidery, and simulated lacework, applique, and quilting. Most of the projects are based on existing examples or paintings from the period, and influences on design and decorative trends are discussed. Whether you are completing your doll house in the early or late Victorian, Edwardian, Arts and Crafts, or Art Nouveau style, you will enjoy making beautiful carpets, rugs, curtains, cushions, linens, screens, pictures as well as samplers, and other decorative items. Information on framing, transferring designs, bonding methods, coloring techniques, and finishing methods, as well as a handy, illustrated stitch glossary, complete this helpful resource. From an elegant parlor to a cozy bedroom, any doll house room can be enhanced using miniature embroidery. 192 pages, 83 color illus., 150 b/w illus., 8 1/4 x 10 7/8.
Customer Reviews:
This is the Best book I have seen written on this subject........1999-05-20
After having read and created many projects from other books of this type, I have to say this is the best and most informative book up to date. The author not only shows us projects using many types of different needlework, she also explains the history behind them. Mostly this book is limited to the "Victorian" period, but it looks like she plans to produce other books along this line on other periods. Although I find this book especially to my liking, I don't think it is for everyone. Most of the projects are for the advanced needleworker with some very fine detailed oriented designs. There are patterns for using needlepoint, embroidery, quilting, netting and so on, and they consist of projects from rugs to quilts to curtains and small items. I can't wait for her next book to come out.
Average customer rating:
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Victorian Dollhouse Sticker Picture (Sticker Picture Books)
Darcy May
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Victorian Doll House
ASIN: 0486403750 |
Book Description
Youngsters can enjoy hours of fun by filling the empty rooms of this charming, old-fashioned dollhouse with authentic period furnishings that include velvet draperies, a sofa, dressers, beds, dining set, kerosene lamps, pictures, baby carriage, a proper Victorian family, and more. 75 reusable stickers for placing on a laminated backdrop.
Product Description
Slim Booklet. A 4-Story 4-Room Victorian House. One room on each level. Opens at front and right roof. 1-foot to 1-inch 45" in height, 14" Wide, and 21" deep. Craft Publications, Inc. #104.
Average customer rating:
- Fantastic Book - A Must Have.
|
Making Victorian Dolls' House Furniture
Patricia King
Manufacturer: Sterling Pub Co Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Dollhouses
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ASIN: 0946819564 |
Customer Reviews:
Fantastic Book - A Must Have........1998-12-17
I bought this book not realizing that the exquisite miniatures in it were made from the cheapest findings available and throwaway items. Furnishing a lavish Victorian dollhouse is affordable at long last. The incredibly talented author/professional art instructor writes with great humor and enthusiasm. Exploded views of all items demonstrate very easy construction techniques. No special equipment or training required. Beautiful color photos of fully decorated, Victorian room boxes are included. A most delightful book on antique dollhouse furniture, totally lacking in the elitism and tremendous expense which are normally encountered on this subject.
Average customer rating:
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Black in the British Frame: Black People in British Film and Television 1896-1996
Stephen Bourne
Manufacturer: Cassell
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Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0304333751 |
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The Celluloid Closet (Special Edition)
Screened Out: Playing Gay in Hollywood from Edison to Stonewall
The Prime Time Closet: A History of Gays and Lesbians on TV
Toms, Coons, Mulattoes, Mammies & Bucks: An Interpretive History of Blacks in American Films
Open Secret: Gay Hollywood--1928-2000
