Film is the pre-eminent mass medium of the modern age. It is a valuable source of evidence for the study of both the past and the contemporary world, and is a social practice that has affected the lives of millions. How can historians engage with this important and influential medium?Written for both students and teachers, : - provides a concise, accessible introduction to the use of film in historical enquiry and a summary of the main theoretical debates- Charts the development of film history as a subject area and a discipline in its own right- Considers different approaches to film history, including film as an art form, as ideology, as a historical source, and as a social practice- Includes case studies to ground discussion of theories and approaches in specific examplesWide-ranging and authoritative, equips students with the methods both to analyse film texts and to understand the place of film in history and culture