Dziga Vertov, tireless avant-gardist and premiere theoreticist of documentary films, is among the most important pioneers in the history of film. In 1918 he founded the first Soviet newsreels and was one of the trendsetters of official art in the beginning of the 20s. Vertov published his manifestos in Vladimir Majakawskis magazine, his film posters were designed by Alexander Rodtschenko and the as yet inexperienced Sergei Eisenstein sat in his editing room. In the 30s, his work was increasingly impeded by the Stalin film administration.

Vertovs Diaries and Working Papers combine exciting film theory and autobiography and provide information about the hidden mechanisms of repression of an artist. In comparison to earlier publications, his records include many passages heretofore censored, and 220, for the most part, previously unpublished photographs. An in-depth bio-filmography and numerous explanatory footnotes make this documentary film classic even more accessible.