I'm a newbie and was reading "From Reel to Deal" and from the way it's described it sounds like the cinematographer plays a very important part. Like they are almost more important than the director.

What is the difference between the two?

You are true with your idea. Both cinematograoher and director have an important role in film making. To learn more about their differences as well as their responsibilities or you are interested in enrolling to online film making school, you can visit the best online schools .

The cinematographer (aka the director of photography) is the head of the camera and lighting crew. He works side by side with camera operators, camera assistants, gaffers, and the light and grip crew.

The director's main task is to interpret the script and transform it into a movie. The director is in charge of acting, set design, and more... If the director doesn't like something regarding the light or camera operating, then he or she will address the cinematographer and explain the changes he would like to see.

Although the cinematographer receives orders from the director, his paycheck can actually be higher in some situations. This is NOT true for motion pictures but for commercials in some locations.

It may sound counter-intuitive but it makes since because during any given shoot, lighting is what most stalls the process, thus the cinematographer suffers the onus of being fast and efficient.

In a nutshell, that's it... Any clarifications needed?

Well both cinematograoher and director have an important role in film making...
Nicklaus Misiti | Nicklaus Misiti

Cines and Directors are very different.
The director would tell the cinematographer what his vision of the film will be. The cinematographer makes that happen visually. He is in charge of making the lighting and composition of the scene reflect the director's vision.
The Director works on the actors and other stuff, but they don't do the exact same thing. No one is really more important the other.
Do not forget, film making is team work not who's the big cheese.