Books by Colin M. Barron

Since the earliest days of cinema, time travel movies have enthralled and amazed audiences across the world. With their tales of changing history and exploring possible futures, time travel cinema has repeatedly challenged critical expectation and proven popular with moviegoers the world over.In this exciting new study of the genre, Colin M. Barron explores the history of the time travel film from its formative period right up until the present day. Examining the golden age of time travel movies and their glory days in the 1980s through to the most recent features to have emerged in the past decade, he discusses the many elements which have made these films among the most memorable in all of science fiction cinema.Recounted with sharp wit and a keen eye for detail, "Travels in Time" is the essential guide to the past and present of time travel movies, with more than a few hints of what we can expect from the future of this endlessly fascinating category of film.

Naval battles have inspired countless films and television dramas over the years, recounting the bravery and tragedy that have unfolded over centuries of conflict on the high seas. From the author of Planes on Film and Battles on Screen, this book examines some of the most exciting features that have dealt with naval warfare, exploring the ways in which they have achieved critical success and enduring popularity with audiences.Victories at Sea considers the many different aspects of warfare on (and below) the waves as they have been depicted on screen, discussing such topics as amphibious operations, carrier warfare, underwater sabotage, and Cold War strategies. Covering films ranging from vintage World War II classics to modern seaborne thrillers, the book investigates the real-life stories which lay behind the production of these features as well as how they eventually came to be received at the box-office.From blockbuster Hollywood epics to must-see television series, Victories at Sea is a comprehensive guide to the greats of the genre, combining a forensic eye for detail with meticulous analysis of the features under discussion. With discussion of low-budget dramas and high-octane action movies alike, this examination of naval warfare on the big and small screens relates all of the exhilaration and gallantry that have made these films such lasting favourites amongst cinema and TV aficionados.

The 1980s were a golden age for action movies, with the genre proving popular at the box-office as never before. Across the world, stars such as Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis were becoming household names as a result of their appearances in some of the best-known films of the decade.But what were the stories which lay behind the making of these movies? Why were the eighties to bear witness to so many truly iconic action features? And who were the people who brought these legends of action cinema to life?In Dying Harder: Action Movies of the 1980s, Colin M. Barron considers some of the most unforgettable movies of the decade, exploring the reasons behind their success and assessing the extent of their enduring acclaim amongst audiences which continues into the present day.

Public speaking is one of the most important skills in personal and professional life. Yet too often this key ability is neglected, leading to presentations which are dull, uninspired and poorly delivered.The Craft of Public Speaking examines some of the crucial aptitudes which are fundamental to delivering an effective presentation for listeners. These include preparation, structure and rehearsal, in addition to some of the more overlooked aspects of oration such as the use of visual aids, adding humour, and dressing for success. As well as discussing how to deliver effective live addresses in public settings, the book also covers interview techniques for TV and radio along with how to organise seminars and conferences.Dr Colin M. Barron has delivered hundreds of lectures and presentations to audiences during a long career, giving speeches on a wide variety of different subjects over many years. In The Craft of Public Speaking, he shares the essential knowledge that you will need to become a truly successful public speaker.

One of the most durable genres in cinema, the aviation film has captivated audiences for decades with tales of heroism, bravery and overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds. Some of these movies have become national icons, achieving critical and commercial success when first released in cinemas and still attracting new audiences today. But what are the stories that lie behind the production of these films? How did they come about? Where were they filmed? How did the production teams get access to all of the aircraft? And how were the special effects achieved? In Planes on Film: Ten Favourite Aviation Films, Colin M. Barron reveals many little-known facts about the making of several aviation epics. Every movie is discussed in comprehensive detail, including a thorough analysis of the action and a complete listing of all the aircraft involved. With information about where the various planes were obtained from and their current location, the book also explores the subject of aviation films which were proposed but ultimately never saw the light of day. With illustrations and meticulous factual commentary, Planes on Film is a book which will appeal to aviation enthusiasts, military historians and anyone who has an interest in cinema. Written by an author with a lifelong passion for aircraft and their depiction on the silver screen, Planes on Film presents a lively and thought-provoking discourse on a carefully-chosen selection of movies which have been drawn from right across the history of this fascinating cinematic genre.