by Francis Lacassin. Paris: Pierre Bordas & Fils, 1995, ISBN 2-86311-271-6,
328 pp, ill., 190FF (paperback)

Francis Lacassin belongs to the (nowadays) rare category of historians for whom scientific accuracy is as important as the pleasure of reading. From such standpoint, his latest work is a remarkable accomplishment: with its outstanding set of rare or previously unpublished illustrations, and its display of hitherto unknown documentation, Maître des lions et des vampires is a truly rewarding experience. Titles such as Les Vampires, Judex, and Tih Minh were never covered with such sense of detail, thus giving the reader a vivid rendering of the cultural and entrepreneurial atmosphere in which these cornerstones of silent cinema were made.

Clearly, the author took greater pleasure in dealing with Fantômas and its descendants than with challenging topics such as the much underrated Vendemiaire, or the extraordinary series known under the title La Vie telle qu'elle est. However, the passion and commitment shown by Lacassin in depicting the personality of a very elusive figure in the history of French film does not call for analytical distinctions. This book must be read very much like one of the novels which inspired Feuillade's films, a pure and simple invitation to watch those films. Don't look for a catalogue of archival sources, or a list of titles mentioned in the book (Lacassin's index deals with names of directors, producers, writers and performers); its filmography is also bound to raise considerable controversy among specialists. Yet again, that's not the point about Maître des lions et des vampires. One may rather see it as the ideal appetizer for a Feuillade festival, or a form of encouragement for further research. (P.Ch.Us.)