Product Description

With politics taking centre stage due to the US presidential election, the time is perfect for a reprint of this classic work from Edward Bernays, the father of public relations and political spin and the man who designed the ad campaign that got the United States involved in World War I. Written in 1928, this was the first book to discuss the manipulation of the masses and democracy by government spin and propaganda.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #21887 in Books
• Published on: 2004-09-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 175 pages

Synopsis
With politics taking centre stage due to the US presidential election, the time is perfect for a reprint of this classic work from Edward Bernays, the father of public relations and political spin and the man who designed the ad campaign that got the United States involved in World War I. Written in 1928, this was the first book to discuss the manipulation of the masses and democracy by government spin and propaganda.

Customer Reviews

Systems of Control
I rated this at 3 because I mean 'it was OK'. I could not say I 'Liked it' because the information was not what most people would like to know about the world they live in. Sadly we do live in such a world and it certainly is a reality check. I read most of it in one sitting. There are so many shocking quotable quotes in this book.
one of which is:
"If we understand the mechanism and motives of the group mind, is it not possible to control and regiment the masses according to our will without their knowing about it?"
Edward Bernays (nephew of Sigmund Freud) from book 'Propaganda' page 71

Another quote: "There are invisible rulers who control the destinies of millions. It is not generally realised to what extent the words and actions of our most influential public men are dictated by shrewd persons operating behind the scenes. Now, what is still more important, the extent to which our thoughts and habits are modified by authorities. In some department of our daily life, in which we imagine ourselves free agents , we are ruled by dictators exercising great power."
Edward Bernays (nephew of Sigmund Freud) from book 'Propaganda' page 61

I found the book useful in that I am more aware of the systems of control that surround me in the media (i.e. advertising + TV 'programming') and the political arena (i.e. the news).
I'm sure things are even more sophisicated these days than this book lays out.
I was expecting a more complex book than it turned out to be. Thankfully the book was very simple to read. I have no intention of using the techniques, but I guess if you did, then this would be a very good guide to refer back to.
It got a bit boring near the end, but it was worth reading everything. I felt that Bernays represented an enemy somehow and that I needed to arm myself with these truths to protect myself from being deceived. Insightful book.

Good Book - Pity the publisher did not proof read
The book is very good, Bernays has very interesting and pioneering ideas. The only problem was there was more than a handful of spelling errors (excluding the US spellings) and gramatical errors in the print. I found it quite annoying at times, as some pages had two or three mistakes, but as the content was so interesting it was an overcomable hinderance.

Sociology for the real world
Bernays is considered as one of the originators of the modern Public Relations industry. If you work in PR, it is essential reading. But it also serves as a dramatic sociological text, full of hard truths about the reality of modern life. This is the reason why Noam Chomsky recommends this book so strongly.

Bernays, as one would expect from the most successful propagandist of the 20th century, has a thorough grasp of psychology and sociology. His psychological view is based on "Uncle Siggy" - his Uncle Sigmund Freud. The origin of his sociological views, however, are less clear, but he shares the views of many liberal thinkers that a real democracy is a danger to be avoided, and not an ideal to be sought.

Bernays likes to point out the fact that we like to think that we are "free", but we are often led by the "experts": in business, in politics, in science, philosophy, ethics. The PR agent serves the interests of the minority who control the interests and habits of the masses (what Bernays calls the "invisible Government"), by using the media industry itself, without its exclicit knowledge.

He describes an example from the fashion industry that is so obvious, that one feels very stupid in not noticing it.

Read.