Propaganda

by

English language

Published Feb. 22, 2004

ISBN:
978-0-9703125-9-4
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4 stars (6 reviews)

Propaganda, an influential book written by Edward L. Bernays in 1928, incorporated the literature from social science and psychological manipulation into an examination of the techniques of public communication. Bernays wrote the book in response to the success of some of his earlier works such as Crystallizing Public Opinion (1923) and A Public Relations Counsel (1927). Propaganda explored the psychology behind manipulating masses and the ability to use symbolic action and propaganda to influence politics, effect social change, and lobby for gender and racial equality. Walter Lippman was Bernays' unacknowledged American mentor and his work The Phantom Public greatly influenced the ideas expressed in Propaganda a year later. The work propelled Bernays into media historians' view of him as the "father of public relations."

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reviewed Propaganda by Edward L. Bernays

Review of 'Propaganda' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

Worth a read. A groundbreaking book in its day. Most of the content is well known and/or very dated now. If you wanted to see what kicked off PR, Marketing and political propaganda in a simpler age then read this for the history. Not difficult, just dated. Makes you realize how pervasive propaganda tactics are today and some of the dangers of propaganda giving the wrong emphasis especially in public institutions. Key message is that it is not only what you do but what you appear to be doing that is important as if you don’t project your message then some other message will be taken in.

reviewed Propaganda by Edward L. Bernays

Review of 'Propaganda' on 'Goodreads'

3 stars

It's a nice book that covers the basics of propaganda, or what is now called public relations, and while I have no doubt whatsoever that the information presented is correct, I must admit to being unable to relate to much of it. This might be due to a certain uninterest from my side in the subject, the book mainly being on my to-read list due to the documentary The Century of The Self and the portrayal of Edward Bernays in it.

Speaking of which, I'm surprised as to the apparent ethical approach of propaganda that Bernays seem to propagate in the book. He knows the power of propaganda and he means for it to be used for good, which, in his words, would be:

"Propaganda will never die out. Intelligent men must realize that propaganda is the modern instrument by which they can fight for productive ends and help to …

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