Book Review: Abandoned Cinemas of the World by Simon Edelstein

"Abandoned Cinemas of the World" by Simon Edelstein is a stunning photo book that takes readers on a journey through the remnants of cinema theaters and drive-in cinemas that have been left to decay around the globe. With its breathtaking collection of photographs, this book is a must-have for anyone who has ever been fascinated by the magic of the movies and the grandeur of old cinemas.

The cover itself is unassuming; it transports you to a world of faded grandeur and forgotten dreams. The photographs within are nothing short of breathtaking, capturing the essence of these abandoned cinemas in all their crumbling glory.

One of the standout features of this book is its diverse range of locations. From the iconic cinemas of Havana, Cuba, to the forgotten drive-ins of California, USA, and the majestic theaters of India, this book takes readers on a visual journey across the globe. Each photograph is meticulously captured, showcasing not just the exterior facades of these cinemas but also the intricate details of their interiors.

The photos of the interiors are particularly striking, offering a glimpse into the past when these cinemas were bustling with life. The decaying seats, the faded hand-painted film posters, and the abandoned projection rooms all tell a story of a bygone era. It's almost as if the reader is stepping into these forgotten spaces, feeling the weight of history and the passage of time.

The book covers an impressive array of cinemas, including the Campoamor in Inglewood, California, the Tower in Ajmer, India, and the Studio in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Each location is unique, with its own story to tell, and Edelstein's photographs do justice to these forgotten landmarks.

The book has received rave reviews from Goodreads users, with many praising its stunning photography and nostalgic value. One reviewer noted, "This book is a treasure trove for film buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike. The photographs are stunning, and the variety of locations is impressive." Another reviewer praised the book's ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia, saying, "This book is a must-have for anyone who loves old cinemas. The photographs are hauntingly beautiful, and the stories behind each location are fascinating."

In conclusion, "Abandoned Cinemas of the World" is a beautifully crafted photo book that is sure to captivate anyone with an interest in film, architecture, or history. With its stunning photographs and poignant storytelling, this book is a must-have for anyone who has ever been fascinated by the magic of the movies. Whether you're a film buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of forgotten places, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Here is a partial list of photos of cinemas in this book:

1. Havana, Cuba, Campoamor Theatre
2. Inglewood, California, USA, 5th Avenue Theatre
3. San Francisco, California, USA, Tower Theatre
4. Ajmer, India, Ajanta Cinema
5. Delhi, India, Filmistan Cinema
6. Allahabad, India, Lakshmi Talkies
7. Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, Huntridge Theater
8. Arad, Romania, Studio
9. Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Hemakcheat Cinema
10. Chicago, Illinois, USA, Chicago Theater
11. Alexandria, Egypt, Plaza Cinema
12. Kingsville, Texas, USA, Texas Theater
13. Edna, Texas, USA, Edna Theatre
14. Detroit, Michigan, USA, Harpos Concert Theatre
15. Detroit, Michigan, USA, Senate Theater
16. Houston, Texas, USA, OST (Old Spanish Trail Theater)
17. Yuba City, California, USA, Sutter Theatre
18. Varanasi, India, Natraj Cinema
19. Havana, Cuba, Cine Mantilla
20. Gujan-Mestras, France, Eldorado
21. Stretford, England, Essoldo Stretford
22. Alleppey, India, Vidya Cinema
23. Durgapur, India, Chitralaya Cinema
24. Hospet, India, Vijaya Karnataka
25. Beawar, India, Royal Talkies
26. Brooklyn, New York, USA, Loew’s Kings Theatre
27. Los Angeles, California, USA, Huntington Park Warner
28. Staten Island, New York, USA, Paramount
29. Le Havre, France, Normandy
30. Saint-Jean-d’Angely, France, Eden
31. Biscarosse Plage, France, Atlantic
32. Lisbon, Portugal, Cinema Paris
33. Jaipur, India, Samrat
34. Langoiran, France, Cinéma Splendid
35. Blairgowrie, Scotland, Picture House
36. Sete, France, Rio Cinema
37. Beam, France, Idéal Cinéma
38. Costa Nova (Porto), Portugal, Avenida
39. Delhi, India, Gianand Cinema
40. Gaya, India, Sudha Cinema
41. Casablanca, Morocco, Cinema Opera
42. Delhi, India, Alpana Cinema
43. Havana, Cuba, Cine Cosmos
44. Havana, Cuba, Cine Apolo
45. Perris, California, USA, The Perris
46. Beeville, Texas, USA, Rialto Theatre
47. Bronte, Texas, USA, Texas Theatre
48. Havana, Cuba, Cine El Megano
49. Bakersfield, California, USA, Nile Theatre
50. Inglewood, California, USA, Fox Theater
51. Varanasi, India, Lalita Cinema
52. Tripoli, Lebanon, Cinema Empire
53. Bankura, India, Kusum Cinema
54. Hollywood, California, USA, Hollywood Palladium
55. Detroit, Michigan, USA, Guild Theatre
56. Ubrique, Spain, Gran Cinema Alcázar
57. Vicenza, Italy, Cinema Corso
58. Mumbai, India, Diana Talkies
59. Agra, India, Roxy Cinema
60. Brussels, Belgium, Mirano Cinema
61. San Jose, California, USA, Mexico Theatre
62. Kyaukse, Myanmar, Han
63. Montreuil-sur-Ille, France, Armor
64. Marrakesh, Morocco, Cine Theatre Palace
65. Newark, New Jersey, USA, RKO Proctor's Theatre
66. Havana, Cuba, Cine Campoamor
67. Tangier, Morocco, Gran Teatro Cervantes
68. Ambala, India, Nishat Cinema
69. Allahabad, India, Rupbani Cinema Hall
70. Jaipur, India, Ram Prakash Cinema
71. Marrakesh, Morocco, Cinéma Zohra
72. Kyaukse, Myanmar, Han
73. Chekka, Lebanon, Picadilly Theater
74. Chittagong, Bangladesh, Cinema Palace
75. Mumbai, India, Palace Talkies
76. Mumbai, India, Bharatmata Cinema
77. Portland, Oregon, USA, Laurelhurst Theater
78. Kilgore, Texas, USA, Crim Theatre
79. Beverly Hills, California, USA, Saban Theatre
80. Detroit, Michigan, USA, Fox Theatre
81. Berlin, Germany, Astor Cinema
82. Berlin, Germany, Intimes Kino
83. Viviez, France, Guy Brunet
84. Dallas, Texas, USA, Circle Theater
85. Jersey City, New Jersey, USA, Stanley Theatre
86. Brussels, Belgium, ABC Cinema

Here is my note at Goodreads:

Abandoned Cinemas of the World by Simon Edelstein
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a stunning photo book that takes you on a journey through the remnants of cinema theaters and drive-in cinemas that have been left to decay around the globe. With its breathtaking collection of photographs, this book is a must-have for anyone who has ever been fascinated by the magic of the movies and the grandeur of old cinemas. From the iconic cinemas of Havana, Cuba, to the forgotten drive-ins of California, USA, and the majestic theaters of India, this book takes readers on a visual journey across the globe. Each photograph is meticulously captured, showcasing not just the exterior facades of these cinemas but also the intricate details of their interiors.

"Abandoned Cinemas of the World" is a beautifully crafted photo book that is sure to captivate anyone with an interest in film, architecture, or history. With its stunning photographs and poignant storytelling, this book is a must-have for anyone who has ever been fascinated by the magic of the movies. Whether you're a film buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of forgotten places, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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