Hollywood: The Oral History is a truly engaging and fascinating read for any fan of classic Hollywood. I hadn’t read a book structured in such a way before, and I was delighted to examine this particular book’s look at the story of Hollywood. Utilizing almost three thousand interviews from the American Film Institute’s archive, this book is massively thorough in its documentation of Hollywood through the words of its many on and off-screen talents.

Jeanine Basinger and Sam Wasson examine Hollywood’s beginnings, directors actors, studio heads, etc. through interview compilations structured in a way that chronicles the growth of the film industry. They also cover monumental transitional moments, such as the shift into the sound era for movies. As the compilations continue, they cover the end of the studio era and more contemporary Hollywood. One of my favorite chapters also deals with the studio workforce, honoring the many individuals needed to make a film.

Hollywood: The Oral History is exceptional in its coverage and conversational style. This is an inviting must-read for fans of classic Hollywood.

Hollywood: The Oral History is available for purchase via HarperCollins.