This wide-ranging study traces the history of the documentary from the first Lumiere films to Michael Moore's 'Fahrenheit 9/11'. Chanan argues that documentary makes a vital contribution to the public sphere - where ideas are debated, opinion formed and those in authority are held to account.

MICHAEL CHANAN is a documentary film-maker and Professor of Film and Video at Roehampton University. His films include 'Detroit - Ruin of a City' (with George Steinmetz, 2005). His books include 'Cuban Cinema' (2003) and 'Repeated Takes: A Short History of Recording and its Effects on Music' (1995).