Motion Pictures, 1894-1912 Identified from the Records of the United States Copyright Office

This reference gathers every motion picture registered between 1894 and 1912 that appeared in the United States Copyright Office as photographs, then re‑identified as films by a seasoned curator of historic collections. It lists more than 8,500 works—roughly 6,000 distinct titles—starting with Edison’s famous “Kinetoscopic Record of a Sneeze” and ending with the early biblical epic that closed the pre‑amendment era. The catalog not only records basic claimants and dates but also supplies brief explanatory notes that clarify obscure titles and production contexts.

Organized with a detailed main section and a cross‑referenced claimant index, the volume lets scholars and film lovers trace the lineage of pioneer studios, inventors, and early exhibitors. It highlights the shift that occurred in August 1912, when copyright law finally recognized motion pictures as a separate class, marking a key moment in the industry’s legal history. Listening to this guide offers a clear, searchable map of the foundational years of American cinema.