The Encyclopedia of Novels into Film

By John C. Tibbetts and Professor John C Tibbetts

Book Overview

Revised This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 081603317X
• ISBN13: 9780816033171
• Release Date: January 1997
• Publisher: Facts on File
• Length: 522 Pages
• Weight: 3.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 11.5" x 9.3" x 1.5"

Customer Reviews

Fun for many hours of browsing.

This book is a great collection of exactly what it says, "novels into film". As with any book, this does not contain all novels in all films, and periodically, you may be disappointed that they left out your favorite. One of my favorites is “Metropolis” by Thea Von Harbou, and of course, it's missing from this book. However, we should be concentrating on what “is” in the book. The films are pretty much lined up in alphabetical order, and the information on them only takes about a page, or a page and a half. Each reference contains the title and description of the novel, then the description of the film adaptation(s), and finally a reference for further reading. Interspersed are monochrome stills from various films. First, the book is described, and then the film adaptation. I don't always agree with the statements in this book; however, that can be an advantage. The authors, John C. Tibbets and James M. Welch, have their agenda and see things a little differently. All in all, this is a great reference for your library, and you might find yourself going back to it as you discover new old films.

A College Course in Literature

Generally, I am suspicious of "encyclopedias" of film because they tend to be superficial or boring. Not so with this big book. The authors begin by discussing a selected novel's plot, then assess the novel's strengths and weaknesses. After explaining the novel, the authors discuss whether the film was faithful to the novel - not only in the story but in mood and characterization. Of course, some will argue that "this movie should be included, that shouldn't." The book focuses on the most important novels OR the most important films based on novels. (For example, I loved the movie based on the novel, The Pearl, but this film is not generally available. Overall, it is a very interesting resource for literature or film courses. Don't be afraid to buy it.