The Archaeology of Hollywood: Traces of the Golden Age

by Paul Bahn author of The Archaeology

Overview

The Golden Age of Hollywood, dating to the hazy depths of the early 20th Century, was an era of movie stars worshipped by the masses and despotic studio moguls issuing decrees from poolside divans… but despite the world-wide reach of the movie industry, little more than memories of that era linger amidst the freeways and apartment complexes of today’s Los Angeles. Noted archaeologistPaul G. Bahndigs into the material traces of that Tinseltown in an effort to document and save the treasures that remain.

Bahn leads readers on a tour of this singular culture, from the industrial zones of film studios to the landmarks where the glamorous lived, partied, and played, from where they died and were buried to how they’ve been memorialized for posterity. The result is part history, part archaeology—enlivened with pop culture, reminiscence, and whimsy—and throughout, it feeds and deepens our fascination with an iconic place and time, not to mention the personalities who brought it to life.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780759123786
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	04/14/2014
Pages:	280
Product dimensions:	9.20(w) x 6.00(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Paul G. Bahn is a noted British, freelance archaeologist. Bahn has authored or co-authored numerous title including Disgraceful Archaeology (with Bill Tidy, 2nd ed. 2012) and Archaeology: Theories, Methods and Practice (with Colin Renfrew, 6th edition 2012). He is one of many enthusiasts of the Golden Age of Hollywood and is dedicated to its preservation.

Table of Contents

CONTENTS Acknowledgements Introduction 1. The Prehistory of Hollywood 2. Why Hollywood? The Historical Background 3. Riddle of the Sands: Hollywood Egytpology 4. The Industrial Zone: The Industrialisation of Dreams 5. The Entertainment Areas: Bread and Circuses 6. Residential Areas: The Original Beverly Hillbillies 7. Hollywood Hieroglyphics: Cult Centres and Sacred Rituals 8. Stardust: Cities of the Dead Conclusion Appendix: Lists of Resting Places Refrences Index About the Author

Editorial Reviews

In Paul G. Bahn’s slender and well-illustrated book, The Archaeology of Hollywood: Traces of the Golden Age he looks at Hollywood and how much of its past is still standing, exists or has been memorialised.. . .It is an interesting read and does advise that any tour of Hollywood for tourist should be taken with a pinch of salt. It will, hopefully incite any reader take an active interest in the conservation of Hollywood and its archaeology.

Filmwerk

Paul G. Bahn takes the reader on a virtual tour of some of the most important historical spots in Hollywood in this meticulously researched page-turner. For L.A. experts, Bahn’s thorough and thoughtful examination of Hollywood history will provide a unique and intimate insight into this fascinating city. For those who have never been to Hollywood, this book will make you want to book your flight.

Lara Gabrielle Fowler

[T]he author. .. takes the reader through the 'cities of the dead'—the cemeteries—with a narrative that takes the reader well behind and beyond the engraved words on stone.. . .What makes it a very good read can best be attributed to the interesting and often fascinating tidbits of information Bahn relates about the personalities, dreams, plans, places and acts of the famous town's inhabitants through those early Golden years—and not just the celebrities, but the producers and businessmen and dreamers and visionaries who made Hollywood what it was and is today.. . .And if you don't have the time or inclination to read something the length of War and Peace—this publication is a very quick read.

Popular Archaeology

A refreshing account of Tinseltown’s heyday. In this compact narrative, Bahn describes Hollywood’s magical era from the perspective of the material splendor of the film colony’s celebrity mansions, elite hotels, iconic restaurants, unique cemeteries, etc. He contends that by focusing on the tangibles, we can better understand this long-gone lavish era, its colorful individuals, and its majestic, privileged way of life. Enhancing his highly readable presentation are a wonderful array of period photos and a detailed appendix of which celebrities are buried where. Recommended reading.

James Robert Parish

Archaeologist and lover of cinema lore Paul Bahn provides an engaging tour of Hollywood before, during and after its Golden Age. In this compact and engaging volume, Bahn guides readers through the remains of long-buried monumental movie sets, studios, theaters and other architectural treasures still standing or now covered by parking lots, as well as celebrity gravesites that have been places of pilgrimage for nearly a century. The fascinating stories, legends, and gossip heard along the way buttress Bahn’s central and well-supported argument that the remnants of Hollywood’s past are worth preserving.

Jennie R. Ebeling

The Archaeology of Hollywood is a light-hearted investigation of a magical era.. .. British archaeologist Paul Bahn has assembled.. . a very readable volume that examines the material remains of the film culture.

American Archaeology