Propaganda

Despite some spelling errors, this is one of those books that helps one put things together, if one is predisposed to such things. The book is also instructive in that it shows how far advertising and public relations has veered from ethics. I recommend this book.

This book was originally published in 1928, so it seems quite base by today's standards. While well written, it did not add much value for the time spent reading it. The author equates propaganda to mean something a bit different than what it is understood to mean today. Moreover, Bernays allows no concession for filtering data through a Biblical worldview sieve. This book might be good for the person who does not understand how much propaganda really occurs in society today (at practically every level and niche of society), but for those that want more, this book is lacking.

Though examples are dated, it's apparent that the techniques for using mass communications to sway public opinions haven't changed too much since 1928.

The low number of stars is due to poor proof reading of this edition. The typographical errors were distracting.

This book trys very hard to use the techniques it espouses as the very reasons why "propoganda" should be used more. It sounded like the author was at a job interview and trying to convince me that I would be missing something important if I didn't develop an entire marketing division and hire him as director. I found it to be like reading Machiavelli's "The Prince" in that it all makes sense today; but, I have to realize that it was written long ago and Bernays was the first to tell us what we now know as obvious. This may be a good read for someone just being introduced to marketing.

Insightful on the engineered world and workings of practically everything around us. How powerful and subliminal the puppet masters are. An educational guide book informing its readers of propagandas cold shadow insnaring science, public opinion, religion, politics, etc., within its slimy tentacles.

This delves behind the scenes of the corporate and government marketing of ideas that is so much a part of our society again. You'll never look at media messages the same after reading this. Important reading for anyone who trusts the media.

What's stunning show much peace time propaganda goes on today. It's hard to know what is true and what is manipulation. This book with give you an understanding of how the masses are fooled and molded to those working behind the scenes to bring about outcomes to their ends and not those of the average person.

The content of the book is phenomenal, just as useful today as it was when it was written. It gives you a great primer on the theory of propaganda and it's modern form, public relations.

I had to take a star off though because the book had a surprising number of typos in the middle. Usually it was one character every few pages but sometimes it was several characters a page or even a whole word being mangled. Not sure if this was a printing issue or what, but it was never enough for me to not understand what was meant.

This book is about manipulating people. It is written from a Ranchers point of view with the majority of us, his herd. He can't force you (at least in a civil society) to drink but he can secretly salt your oats. I was disappointed to learn that a heary breakfast is a contrived idea since breakfast is my favorite meal.

Now that I know some propaganda techniques, I will have an ever growing suspicion of ads, speeches, even photos and videos of the news. It reminds me of learning to play a musical instrument. I no longer listen to the music; I analyze it, deconstruct it and map it...I do everything but enjoy it.

A fascinating and somewhat sad read.

Edward Bernays book is relevant and applicable 100 years after its initial publication. His ideas designed to control mass people is transpicuous thorough MSNBC, FOX news, CNN, etc. I recommend reading Propaganda.

Propaganda is probably one of the most important books that I have ever read. If you want to understand our world a little bit better this book is very revealing about how Propaganda has shaped our world and its importance in Democracy. This book is short and when I got done with it I honestly wanted to read more. Edward Bernays writes this book in a nice concise intelligent way. I especially recommend this book for anyone running a business, working in advertising, or has ambitions to be a Politician. Propaganda can be used for good or evil it just depends on the message being conveyed. This book is dated and has no mention of Internet or social networking because they were not around at the time. Nevertheless the points that Edward Bernays brings up are still relevant to today's world.

Edward Bernay and Ivy Lee were the progenitors of today's public relations and marketing machine. They didn't create the "Spin" machine, merely steered it in the direction it was naturally going. "Propaganda" is a "must read" for anyone desiring to create an effective PR/Marketing campaign. It's more a philosophy behind the strategy.

Ideas rule the world and "Propaganda" is the method by which it's done.

Edward Brown
Core Edge Image & Charisma Institute, Inc.

Not a very principled person but this book does give insight to the mindset of the early 20th century elitist,progressive university thought professors that wanted to manipulate the public for the highest bidder,whether that be the govt or corporations.Bernays was one of those truly arrogant elitist that believed he was the smartest man in the room.This book is ok for it's time and somewhat beneficial today but as most elitist,Bernays never understood freewill,just like most politicians and corps,past and present.I guess we can at least thank him for having smoked bacon for breakfast.