The first edition of Historical Dictionary of Irish Cinema was published in 2007. This second edition covers the years from 1896 (the first public cinema screening in Dublin) through 2018 (Irish Film Board is officially renamed Screen Ireland). The front matter of the book includes a 10-page chronology that serves as a useful overview of key events in the development of Irish cinema, and an in-depth introduction that provides crucial historical and political context and expands on the chronology. The concluding bibliography is subdivided by topic: genre, censorship, actors, and so on. The dictionary itself is alphabetically arranged, and entries range in length from one paragraph to three pages. Besides actors, directors, and films, subjects covered include editors, musicians, production companies, reports on the industry, studios, publications, governmental and cultural organizations, and concepts (e.g., censorship, LGBTQ cinema).

Inclusion of younger screenwriters, directors, and actors--among them Chris O'Dowd, Saoirse Ronan, Jack Reynor, and Rebecca Daly--makes the work more relevant to students. Any entry mentioned within another is bolded for the reader's convenience. A valuable resource for those interested in film studies, Irish studies, or world cinema.Summing Up: Recommended. All readers.