My Dictionary Of Cinema is another of those books which took on a life and a flavour all of its own. Of all of my non-fiction titles, this is probably the one that is closest to my heart, insofar as I was allowed to write anything, and put in anyone – stars, directors, cinematographers, screenwriters, designers – I wanted. Everything about the book worked, from the magnificent design by Jason Cox, to the enlightened editorial input from Jenny Rayner. Phil Moad, of the Kobal Collection, found me a vast selection of previously unused or unfamiliar photographs, and the writing of the book, which took upwards of two years and ran to 250,000 words, was a joy from start to finish.

I actually learned more about the mechanics of cinema whilst researching the book than I had ever known before, and it gave me the perfect excuse to watch new movies and re-watch old ones with gratifying impunity. My publisher unfortunately got into financial difficulties just as the book was coming out [see also The Music-Makers], and the publicity campaign was shelved, together with half of my advance. This means that there can’t be more than a few dozen copies of the coffee table hardback edition out on the open market, and I suspect that one day, in years to come, that edition of the book will become a collector’s item for that very reason. The large format paperback equally bit the dust, but not before it had been gratifyingly well reviewed. The BFFS [British Federation of Film Societies] were so impressed that they offered to sell the book directly from their office, but, thanks to my publisher’s financial crisis, that was not to be. I’m very proud of the book, however, and was particularly pleased when Constable Robinson agreed to bring out pretty much the complete, updated, non-technical text in a glossy paperback format, complete with all-new pictures, which they called the Movie Companion.

Here are a couple of reviews:

‘I can highly recommend a new book, Dictionary Of Cinema by Mario Reading, which I have added to my close proximity books… it is the work of one dedicated and enthusiastic film fan rather than a committee or contributor compilation, which gives it that personal touch… this publication is 356 pages of fun to make you read, learn something new and set you thinking… it should certainly be on your shopping list, or in your Society’s library to educate your members.’
Chris Coffey in Film Magazine

‘…that magnificent Dictionary Of Cinema…’
Sheridan Morley