The Documentary Film Reader

The Documentary Film Reader: History, Theory, Criticism, 1st Edition, edited by Jonathan Kahana, gathers foundational debates and historical writings on documentary cinema. Published by Oxford University Press, this reader surveys more than a century of non-fiction film practice and theoretical inquiry.

Organized across seven distinct historical periods, the volume compiles more than 100 articles. The selections include contemporary reviews, manifestos, interviews, and ephemera alongside retrospective scholarly assessments.

Introductory essays preface each section to outline its design and establish critical context. The collection supports beginning students, advanced scholars, general readers, and working documentarians exploring the medium's development.