John Baxter (publisher)

John Baxter is a British-born Australian writer, filmmaker, and film critic, best known for his extensive body of work on cinema history and biography, particularly focusing on genre film, Hollywood, and notable filmmakers.

Baxter's career spans several decades, during which he has authored numerous books, ranging from biographies of celebrated directors like Federico Fellini, Luis Buñuel, and Steven Spielberg, to studies of film genres like science fiction, horror, and exploitation cinema. His writing is characterized by its thorough research, engaging prose, and often irreverent perspective on the film industry.

Beyond film, Baxter has also written about other subjects, including culinary history and his own experiences living and working in various countries. His memoir A Pound of Paper: Confessions of a Book Addict details his life-long passion for books and the literary world.

Baxter's works have been translated into multiple languages and have contributed significantly to the field of film studies and popular understanding of cinema history. He has also worked as a television and radio presenter, further expanding his reach and influence as a commentator on film and popular culture. While he is primarily known as a writer, his career also includes experience as a filmmaker, providing a multi-faceted perspective on the creative process.