The Women Who Built Hollywood: 12 Trailblazers in Front of and Behind the Camera

This nonfiction book profiles twelve women who helped shape the early film industry during the first decades of the twentieth century. Its subjects include performers as well as producers, directors, a screenwriter, costume designer, film editor, and stuntwoman; several worked in more than one role. The profiles highlight their different ambitions and creative work, alongside their efforts to support other women in a developing industry. Examples include Mary Pickford’s role in founding United Artists and Fredi Washington’s successful push to correct inaccuracies in a film script.