A masterpiece of cinema literature, Tyler has evaluated the Underground in general and the seminal films in particular, covering the history and scope of the genre with insight and verve. "Indispensable for anyone interested in contemporary filmmaking, its history, personalities, and rationale".--Publishers Weekly. 67 film stills and frame enlargements.
For the first time brings some critical standards to bear where there is usually only complete condemnation or overblown praise.--New York Times Book Review

Parker Tyler (1904-1974), one of the few great American film critics, was intimate with and enormously respected by many of the underground and experimental filmmakers of his time. In this book, Tyler evaluated the Underground in general and the seminal films in particular, covering the history and scope of the genre with insight and verve. Like Tyler's Screening of the Sexes: Homosexuality in the Movies is one of the masterpieces of cinema literature.
Introduction by J. HobermanAfterword by Charles Boultenhouse
In his excellent book, [Tyler] discusses, among others, Man Ray and the optical film, Brakhage's first beatnik film, Cassavetes, Warhol, and I Am Curious (Yellow) (an astute analysis here). Indispensable for anyone interested in contemporary filmmaking, its history, personalities, and rationale.--Publishers Weekly