This anthology offers significant writings on the subject of nonfiction film, with emphasis primarily on British and American films and film makers (although the work of Alberto Cavalcanti, Leni Riefenstahl, and Joris Ivens is also represented). The first section of the book offers essays that examine and define the essential nature and idea of nonfiction film. The second section includes essays that discuss the relationships between nonfiction films and the immediate social contexts in which they were produced. The third section contains critical evaluations of the work of several major film artists, and the fourth section presents accounts by four film makers--Willard Van Dyke, Leni Riefenstahl, Robert Gardner, and Joris Ivens--of their own work. A selected bibliography on nonfiction film is included. (JM)