"E. L. Doctorow has played an active role in transforming his novels into films, writing screenplay adaptations of three of his works - The Book of Daniel, Ragtime, and Loon Lake. Published here for the first time, these scripts reveal a new aspect of his cinematic talents and offer film students and other cineastes unique insight into the complex relationship of literature and motion pictures." "For this book, Doctorow has revised his dazzling Ragtime screenplay, making clear how different the film might have been, and has written a preface about the art of screenwriting. In addition, editor Paul Levine provides a general introduction to Doctorow's fiction and specific introductions to each screenplay; interviews Lumet about making Daniel; and talks with Doctorow about his abiding interest in the art and craft of cinema."--Jacket.