This is a full, 330-page reprinting of an incredibly rare film equipment catalogue from 1907--it's first reprinting in over 100 years. Yes, the last time film exhibitors set eyes on this book’s contents was seven years before WWI–back in the era of vaudeville and nickelodeons! Even many cinephiles don’t realize that back before the age of movie theaters and nickelodeons many people were only able to see films through travelling shows. And travelling showmen got their supplies by ordering from a catalog like the ones put out by the Chicago Projecting Co. This company offered absolutely everything an enterprising showman could need, from stereopticons to magic lantern slides to “motion picture films” to little bottles of 30-cent film cement. (I was amused by one entry for a “Snapper.” As described: “When pressed with the finger it gives a loud click, and may be used by the lecturer to signal the operator for the next slide.” Only a quarter each!) Every page of this comprehensive, 330-page catalog has been reproduced by publisher Darren Nemeth, including all the gorgeous engravings for the various types of equipment (oh, those beautiful graphophones and other “talking machines”!). The best part is probably the list of over 1,000 films, including descriptions, allowing us to see exactly what motion pictures were available to some of the earliest film audiences: "Love at Fifty-Five," "Poor Old Fido!," "Lady Plumpton’s Motor Car," "How Mike Got the Soap in His Eyes," "A Pastry Cook’s Jokes." Also fascinating are the lists of magic lantern slides, in another bewildering variety of subjects. Nemeth also includes some supplemental material: Chicago Projecting Co. ads, reproductions of some of those magic lantern slides, photos of early travelling shows, and an excerpt from the sparingly-titled guide "Instructions and General Information for Motion Picture Exhibitors and Stereopticon Lecturers Who Use Enterprise Instruments and Outfits, 1906 Edition." I'd say this book is essential for anyone with a deep interest in early film history (not to mention collectors specializing in early audio-visual equipment). Silent comedy fans in particular will be fascinated to discover how many film gags date back not just to 1900s films, but to magic lantern slides! And you can't beat the refreshingly low price of $16, too.Read full review
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