Of empire and the city

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This book examines the cinematic portrayal of cities in British film from 1895 to 1914, focusing on locations such as London, Glasgow, Dublin, and Delhi. The author contends that these films serve as vital records of the economic, social, and cultural dynamics of these urban areas, while also reflecting how imperialism influenced their spatial organization and representation. Early filmmakers often conveyed an imperialist ideology by emphasizing monumental and ceremonial spaces, as well as modern communication and transport links within the cities and their empires. By identifying recurring motifs and themes—such as modernity, Orientalism, spectatorship, and the imperial subject—the book connects the cinematic depictions of these cities. It makes a significant contribution to the fields of early film studies, British urban history, and the history of the British Empire. The work is praised for its originality and groundbreaking approach, addressing a gap in scholarship that has previously overlooked the relationship between early films and imperialism. It employs diverse ideas and methodologies, presenting a compelling new framework for future research on British silent cinema.