Product Description
This official illustrated companion book features oral histories, archival photographs, behind-the-scenes stills, and the story of the new Focus Features film directed by Gus Van Sant (Good Will Hunting, My Own Private Idaho), starring Academy Award(r) winner Sean Penn (Mystic River, Dead Man Walking) as gay-rights icon Harvey Milk.

His life changed history. His courage changed lives. In 1977, Harvey Milk was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, becoming the first openly gay man to be voted into major public office in America. His victory was not just a victory for gay rights; he forged coalitions across the political spectrum. From senior citizens to union workers, Harvey Milk changed the very nature of what it means to be a fighter for human rights and became, before his untimely death in 1978, a hero for all Americans.

Part I, "The History," covering Milk's life in New York pre-1973 through his death in San Francisco in 1978, features: * a brief history of Harvey Milk * 90 historical photos * and recollections from Milk's many activist friends in his Castro Street neighborhood, campaigns and eventual victory, Prop 6 protests, the Gay Freedom Day Parade, and Harvey Milk's enduring legacy.

Part II, "The Movie," details the making of the film, and includes: * commentary by screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, who was on the set every day * movie stills, side-by-side with the historical photos they re-create * and behind-the-scene shots of the real historical characters who consulted on or appeared in the film. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Important to anyone interested in Milk the man or Milk the movie.
Milk: A Pictorial History of Harvey Milk is a tribute to a man who was a major force for Gay Rights in the United States. Billed as a photographic history, it also contains moving statements by people who worked with Harvey Milk during his political career in San Francisco.

Part One is called "An Oral and Pictorial History of Harvey Milk" and is filled with pictures form his life and statements from those who knew him or were influenced by him.

Part Two is titled "Milk, The Making of the Movie" and details the movie starring Sean Penn. Both sections were put together by the Academy Award winning writer of the movie, Dustin Lance Black, based on his research for the film.

The Real/Reel life story of Harvey Milk and the 1970's Gay Scene in San Francisco are laid out side by side in this book which provides insight into both the era and the movie.

Important reading to anyone interested in Milk the man or Milk the movie.

The making of the movie and results of research, interviews, and news stories
Film collections interested in contemporary sagas and documentaries will relish Milk: A Pictorial History of Harvey Milk It comes from a screenwriter who in 2004 began to retell the story of a gay politician who was murdered in San Francisco. The making of the movie and results of research, interviews, and news stories makes for a powerful presentation.

He was the Martin Luther King of the Gay World.
I love Harvey Milk.Of course he is dead now but than most activists/artists did pass away.Harvey Milk left behind his witty humor and his achievements.I still find Milk's dreams inspiring and his gay rights achievements inspiring.Harvey Milk is my hero and I am just lucky to have this book.I will strive to be a better gay man and I know I have not done something monumental yet.Harvey was not proud of anything he did until he became the first gay city commissioner in San Francisco.I still have a lot to learn but the pictures really helped.I am not much of a reader but this pictorial history book is worthy buying.Tell all your friends about, Harvey Milk is someone to look up to and should be a man celebrated just like Martin Luther King.I think we need to have a holiday once a year where the whole country celebrates is career and Milk as the hero of gays everywhere.

Excellent background material!
Beautifully done. Wonderful text and photos looking into Milk's life and the making of the movie. Great section of the real persons paired with the actors. Wonderful book! Proud and thrilled to own it. Delighted!

Please read this book.....
There is so much to learn from this book about the man Harvey Milk. Not only does this tell Harves story, there are things in the Introduction, (by Dustin Lance Black), that EVERYONE should read, both Gay and Straight. Words that brought tears to by eyes about how we treat each other and a lessons that hopefully will bring a greater understanding about anyone different than yourself. I loved this book. ... Read more