Category Review: The category is a collection of books about Hollywood and its history. These books provide insight into different aspects of Hollywood's past, including its pioneers, comedy, and war efforts. The reviews for each book are as follows: 1. Hollywood In The Beginning - This book provides an overview of the early days of Hollywood, from its founding in 1903 to the end of World War I. It covers topics such as the development of filmmaking techniques, the rise of stars like Charlie Chaplin and D.W. Griffith, and the impact of censorship on Hollywood's output. Overall, this book is a great introduction to the history of Hollywood and its early years. 2. Hollywood Pioneers - This book focuses specifically on the pioneers of Hollywood, including figures such as Thomas Edison, Lon Chaney, and Mary Pickford. It covers their contributions to the film industry and how they helped shape the future of Hollywood. The book also includes biographies of lesser-known figures who played important roles in the early days of Hollywood. 3. Hollywood Single Beds and Double Standards - This book takes a more lighthearted approach to Hollywood's history, focusing on the romantic relationships between stars. It covers topics such as affairs, marriages, and divorces, and provides insight into how these relationships affected the careers of actors and actresses. While this book may not be for everyone, it is an interesting look at a different aspect of Hollywood's past. 4. Hollywood Swanson and Valentino - This book focuses on two of Hollywood's biggest stars: Charlie Chaplin and Rudolph Valentino. It covers their careers in detail, including their rise to fame, their personal lives, and their impact on the film industry. The book also includes biographies of other important figures from this era, such as Greta Garbo and Buster Keaton. 5. Hollywood Comedy: A Serious Business - This book explores the history of comedy in Hollywood, from silent films to modern-day sitcoms. It covers topics such as the evolution of comedy styles, the impact of social issues on comedy, and the role of comedy in American culture. The book also includes biographies of some of the most famous comedians in Hollywood's history, such as Charlie Chaplin and Mel Brooks. 6. Hollywood: The Pioneers by Kevin Brownlow (1979-10-29) - This book is a comprehensive overview of the early days of Hollywood, from its founding to the end of World War I. It covers topics such as the development of filmmaking techniques, the rise of stars like Charlie Chaplin and D.W. Griffith, and the impact of censorship on Hollywood's output. The book also includes biographies of important figures from this era, such as Thomas Edison and Mary Pickford. Overall, this book is a great introduction to the history of Hollywood and its early years. 7. Hollywood Hazards of the Game - This book focuses specifically on the dangers faced by actors and actresses in Hollywood, including drug addiction, mental illness, and violence. It covers topics such as the rise of rehab culture in Hollywood and the impact of celebrity culture on young people. The book also includes biographies of some of the most famous stars who struggled with these issues, such as Marilyn Monroe and Anna Nicole Smith. 8. Hollywood Goes to War - This book explores how Hollywood responded to World War II, both in terms of its output and its role in propaganda efforts. It covers topics such as the creation of war films, the impact of censorship on Hollywood's output during this time, and the role of stars like Humphrey Bogart and James Stewart in promoting the war effort. The book also includes biographies of important figures from this era, such as Orson Welles and John Ford. 9. Hollywood Autocrats - This book focuses specifically on the studio heads who ran Hollywood during its golden age, including figures such as David O. Selznick, Irving Thalberg, and Darryl F. Zanuck.