The Father of Spin: Edward L. Bernays and The Birth of Public Relations

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Biographer Larry Tye can't help but be entertained by his subject's professional antics. Edward L. Bernays (1892-1995), a pioneering practitioner of public relations, zestfully ballyhooed his clients, utilizing a shrewd blend of publicity stunts, careful cultivation of the press, and solicited endorsements from "experts." Yet journalist Tye is also aware of the moral ambiguities inherent in the career of a man who vigorously promoted cigarette smoking and whose work for the United Fruit Company played at least some role in the 1954 military overthrow of Guatemala's democratically elected government. This judicious book balances appreciation for Bernays' inventiveness with a sober understanding of its consequences, including the extent to which PR permeates contemporary American life. --Wendy Smith

Book Description

The Father of Spin is the first full-length biography of the legendary Edward L. Bernays, who, beginning in the 1920s, was one of the first and most successful practioners of the art of public relations. In this engrossing biography, Larry Tye uses Bernayss life as a prism to understand the evolution of the craft of public relations and how it came to play such a criticaland sometimes insidiousrole in American life. Drawing on interviews with primary sources and voluminous private papers, Tye presents a fascinating and revealing portrait of the man who, more than any other, defined and personified public relations, a profession that today helps shape our political discourse and define our commercial choices.

Customer Reviews:

A Great Read.......2006-01-07

I enjoyed this book immensely. Tye chronicles Bernay's life and times well. Bernay's is presented as a genius and a demon and the facts support that he was both! If you disagree, read this book; it reveals how there are no real heroes, just good/bad/indifferent PR!

a compelling and unexpected biography.......2004-01-07

Larry Tye takes on a subject that few journalists would regard of savory: the biography of a PR man. One might dismiss PR people as not meriting attention or even toleration. But Tye walks a fine line here because the life of Eddie Bernays has some tension and complexity, and the book makes that clear. He is a worthwhile character study, not just for people in the communications industry, but also those in business more generally, politics, or interested in consumer and opinion issues. As Freud's nephew, Bernays carried around more heritage than most, and how he shoulders that burden creates interest. Bernays also placed himself at the forefront of an industry's development, and that creates another set of issues. The book is fraught with the same conflict that many deal with in communications: are they adding egocentric bias to information, or warping it for vested powers? Lastly, Bernays had a role in helping leaders develop their visibility, but does he stand as a peer at their shoulders? Tye does a great job at making us reflect on these issues in this highly readable book.

the father of spin:edward l bernays & the birth of PR.......2003-01-29

The book is entertaining in parts and provides interesting information to someone who has no prior knowledge on Bernays. But considering the impact Bernay's ideas & work made on PR and spin and consequently the American way of life, I found the writing style to be rather flippant; and the book, as a whole, skimpy. From the research material available and the interviews which he had conducted, Tye could have written a more substantial if not a scholarly piece, irrespective of his sentiments for Bernays the person. Perhaps, that was not his intention. However, Tye did make a bold claim with his title, and I naturally expected more from his book.

Fascinating Biography of an Amoral Man.......2002-09-01

Bernays is generally acknowledged as the Father of PR. But, is he also the Father of Spin?

Tye writes a fascinating biography of this key communications individual, filled with the key episodes that earned Bernays his moniker. From getting women to smoke to getting people to eat bacon, Bernays always seemed to figure out a way.

But, Tye focuses heavily on these episodes and gives short shift to the implictions and consequences of Bernays's actions beyond fattening the bottom line. While it is true Bernays could not have fully appreciated all the consequences, his relentless drive to serve his clients reveals a man who forgot that public relations means being the conduit between the public and the client, not being another salesman, no matter how clever.

If you're interested in seeing the modern fruition of Bernays's tactics, then I suggest Michael Levine's Guerilla PR: Wired, which updates Bernays's ideas into the digital age.

Overall, this book is well-worth reading if you're interested in a man's actions. But, if you're interested in seeing how a man's actions can affect the world, then you might be better off with another book.

okay but not great.......2002-08-29

Larry Tye attempts an ambitious view of Edward Bernays but falls short. While his stories are entertaining he fails to draw a connection between his ideas and the results. Frankly, I found Michael Levine's Guerilla PR Wired to be a much better and useful read.

Book Description

Boxer Craig Bodzianowski loses a leg in an accident and makes the most spectacular comeback in sports history. His life, courage, struggles, action in the ring are vividly portrayed in his biograph. 20 action photos included.

Customer Reviews:

are you serious.......2005-02-17

If I didn't know any better, I'd think this was a joke. Whoever wrote this book thinks like an 8th grader and writes like a 3rd grader. As I turned the pages, I was waiting for a popup. Does this book come with crayons? Glad I borrowed it and didn't buy it.

BOXING BIO PACKS A GREAT PUNCH.......2001-04-20

AUTHOR MIKE FITZGERALD AND CRAIG BODZIANOWSKI TELL A GREAT BOXING STORY, THAT IS ALSO A GREAT LIFE STORY. I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED READING THE BOXING PASSAGES AND INTERVIEWS WITH PEOPLE WHO WATCHED THE CAREER OF THIS REAL LIFE HERO. I ALSO ENJOYED IT AS THE STORY OF A PERSON WHO OVERCAME ADVERSITY TO DO WHAT HE WANTED TO DO. CRAIG IS AN INSPIRATION AND THIS STORY IS A MUST FOR ANYONE WHO LIKES BIOGRAPHIES, SPORTS OUR SHARES OUR LOVE OF BOXING. DON LENZA CHICAGOLAND SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

The Gimp is a Champ in my book!.......2001-03-09

Boxing historian and white collar tough guy Mike Fitzgerald (Fitzgerald-"The Madison Mauler"-has 1 professional boxing credit to his name and holds the Janesville Chicken Fighting title) has penned a fantastic story about one of boxing's most courageous athletes in "Tale of the Gator." Fitzgerald, who is quickly becoming one of boxing's most authoritative writers with books on Ken Norton, Archie Moore and Earnie Shavers, beautifully recounts the life of Craig "The Gator" Bodzianowski starting with a tough childhood in Chicago. The book then takes the reader through Bodzianowski's climb through the boxing ranks, up to his motorcycle accident where his left leg had to be amputated. Amazingly, Bodzianowski made a miraculous comeback to the ring with a cutting edge prosthetic leg and a world title shot. Bodzianowski is not only a credit to boxing, but has managed to raise the expectations of amputees on how to live a better quality life. This book should serve as an inspiration to all readers, not just boxing buffs.

A MUST READ!.......2001-03-07

Tale of Gator is a must read for all boxing fans and people interested in what the human spirit can endure in it's quest to overcome the greatest of odds. Gator was that special type of person who may have made the greatest comeback in all sports history. Author Mike Fitzgerald has brought the readers a clear account and a very entertaining one that takes us from Gator's childhood to his eventual quest for the coveted Cruiserweight Championship of the World.

I throughly enjoyed each chapter of this book because it painted a clear mental picture of his entire life and that is always how I have judged a book. With that said, I would purchase any book by this author because he truly has what it takes to put a good book out and keep a reader not wanting to put it down until he is finished.

All the Best,

...

Book Description

"Since reality television began to flood TV screens, we've had to deal with another phenomenon: a renewed debate about what is 'fun' versus what is 'good for you.' The essays in this volume enlighten that discussion and take us beyond it. They provide both the record of a strange moment in history and a contribution to contemporary cultural politics."
—Toby Miller, editor of Television & New Media

Survivor. The Bachelor. Extreme Makeover. Big Brother. Joe Millionaire. American Idol. The Osbournes. It is virtually impossible to turn on a television without coming across some sort of reality programming. Yet, while this genre has rapidly moved from the fringes of television culture to its lucrative core, critical attention has not kept pace.

Beginning by unearthing its historical roots in early reality shows like Candid Camera and wending its way through An American Family, Cops, and The Real World to the most recent crop of reality programs, Reality TV is the first book to address the economic, visual, cultural, and audience dimensions of reality television. The essays provide a complex and comprehensive picture of how and why this genre emerged, what it means, how it differs from earlier television programming, and how it engages societies, industries, and individuals. Topics range from the construction of televisual "reality" to the changing face of criminal violence on TV, to issues of surveillance, taste, and social control.

By spanning reality television's origins in the late 1940s to its current overwhelming popularity, Reality TV demonstrates both the tenacity of the format and its enduring ability to speak to our changing political and social desires and anxieties.

Contributors include: Nick Couldry, Mary Beth Haralovich, John Hartley, Chuck Kleinhans, Derek Kompare, Jon Kraszewski, Kathleen LeBesco, Justin Lewis, Ted Magder, Jennifer Maher, Anna McCarthy, Rick Morris, Chad Raphael, Elayne Rapping, Jeffrey Sconce, Michael W. Trosset, Pamela Wilson.

Customer Reviews:

An anthology of essays by learned authors .......2004-12-09

Reality TV: Remaking Television Culture is an anthology of essays by learned authors exploring the popular culture phenomenon of "Reality TV" that has redefined entertainment, particularly in the twenty-first century. From hybrid blends of documentary and reality TV, to ubiquitous court TV shows, demographics of those who follow reality TV, webcasting, the profound impact of "Survivor", and more, Reality TV: Remaking Television Culture explores avenues with scholarly depth and attention to detail. An index allows for quick research in this groundbreaking cultural expose recommended especially for academic libraries.

Book Description

Why do so many chess players only draw winning positions or lose drawing ones? Why do many continually slip into time trouble, despite vowing after every game to move more quickly? How can players perform like Grandmasters on one day and complete novices the next? What's the best way to beat lower-rated players and what gives the best chance against higher-rated ones? In this book International Master Angus Dunnington answers these questions and more as he takes a fresh look at the value of studying psychology in chess. Read this practical guide, eliminate mistakes, punish opponents', and improve results! * A practical guide to chess psychology * Written by a experienced chess professional * Ideal for club and tournament players

Customer Reviews:

Annotated games, and litle psychology.......2006-03-16

I found the title of this book highly misleading. There is not much psychology here. Like any other chess books, it is mostly a book of annotated games.

Actually, there is an extensive research literature on chess in psychology. The rating system makes it easy to spot the expert in chess, and hence chess has been the subject for many studies of what constitutes expert knowlege. There is no mentioning of this research in the book.

A lage subfield in psychology is sports psychology. In any sport performers have to achieve under pressure. Adaptations of this research to chess would have been highly interesting, but there is non of it in the book.

If you already have annoted games from other chess books or magazines, you do not need this one.

Book Description

Revolutionize your financial advisory business by quickly forging an unbreakable bond with your clients or prospects to become an advisor who is trusted with 100 percent of their assets. Most clients invest only about 30 percent of their assets with a financial advisor, but some financial advisors invest 100 percent of their clients’ assets. Your Client’s Story describes the secret of their astounding success. For more than three years, authors Scott West and Mitch Anthony studied the winning approaches used by financial advisors who managed 100 percent of their clients’ assets. Notably, the most successful had mastered a genuine ability to engage in a discovery dialogue where clients openly expressed their financial objectives and motivations. The best financial advisors knew how to listen, ask the right questions, and create an atmosphere of empathy. Your Client’s Story includes specific scripts for reenacting winning discovery dialogues geared to the life situations, transitions, and goals that drive financial planning.

Included are tips and key questions geared to specific clients and situations, such as: •Small business owners •Clients or prospects who are entering or planning for retirement •Those seeking balance in their lives •Individuals who are fearful about outliving their money •Mature investors

Financial planners and advisors share their stories, explaining how they’ve changed the way they do business, and how these changes have generated more successful books of business. Clients also tell their side of the story, explaining how the discovery dialogue has enhanced the entire financial planning process.

Customer Reviews:

New to Life Planning.......2006-03-18

Life planning is much more than a catch phrase, it is a complete different way of doing financial planning. Gone are the days of asking our clients to simply fill out a financial questionnaire listing out our client's assets, liabilities, job titles, and insurances. The goal of a financial advisor should not be to see what investments we can sell our clients and which insurance products we can sell and get the most commissions. Our goal as financial "advisors" should be to seek understanding our clients, and to help them fulfill their dreams using the tools we have as professionals at our disposal. This book helps define the process of revealing who our clients are, what their stories are, and how that affects not only their current life situation but also their goals and deams. Everyone has a story to tell. This book will help you get past your own agenda (as I believe almost all financial advisors have)and listen to what your clients are really looking for and asking.

Help your clients maintain their golden egg. (financial and tax advising)(Cover Story): An article from: The National Public Accountant

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Help your clients maintain their golden egg. (financial and tax advising)(Cover Story): An article from: The National Public Accountant
Jerry G. Krueze
Manufacturer: National Society of Public Accountants
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The National Public Accountant, published by National Society of Public Accountants on January 1, 1997. The length of the article is 1298 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

From the supplier: Home mortgages are among the most significant financial considerations for many families. Financial and tax advisors can therefore serve their clients well by guiding them in their home mortgage decisions. These professionals should remind their clients to consider financial and tax issues when making the decision to pay their existing mortgage through periodic mortgage payments, mortgage refinancing or a repayment of the principal.

Citation Details
Title: Help your clients maintain their golden egg. (financial and tax advising)(Cover Story)
Author: Jerry G. Krueze
Publication: The National Public Accountant (Magazine/Journal)
Date: January 1, 1997
Publisher: National Society of Public Accountants
Volume: v42 Issue: n1 Page: p18(3)

Article Type: Cover Story

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Home remedies: helping your clients relieve mortgage interest deduction headaches. (Cover Story): An article from: The National Public Accountant

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Home remedies: helping your clients relieve mortgage interest deduction headaches. (Cover Story): An article from: The National Public Accountant
Annette Hebble
Manufacturer: National Society of Public Accountants
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The National Public Accountant, published by National Society of Public Accountants on February 1, 1995. The length of the article is 3389 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

From the supplier: Public accountants should help clients who have difficulty understanding the complex tax provisions covering the deductibility of mortgage interest. Clients should be aided in structuring mortgage debt so that interest paid on the debt is classified as qualified residence interest up to the possible extent. They should also base the amount of mortgage and the period of amortization on their financial goals.

Citation Details
Title: Home remedies: helping your clients relieve mortgage interest deduction headaches. (Cover Story)
Author: Annette Hebble
Publication: The National Public Accountant (Magazine/Journal)
Date: February 1, 1995
Publisher: National Society of Public Accountants
Volume: v40 Issue: n2 Page: p16(6)

Article Type: Cover Story

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Mutual funds: guiding your clients through the many hazards of loaded options.(Cover Story): An article from: The National Public Accountant

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Mutual funds: guiding your clients through the many hazards of loaded options.(Cover Story): An article from: The National Public Accountant
Stuart E. Michelson , and Charles W. Wootton
Manufacturer: National Society of Public Accountants
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The National Public Accountant, published by National Society of Public Accountants on November 1, 1996. The length of the article is 2639 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

From the supplier: The job of advising clients interested in investing in load mutual funds has become more challenging for accountants and financial advisers because of the sheer number of purchase options that are now available. These options include front loads, back loads, contingent deferred sales charges, management fees, 12b-1 fees and a wide range of stocks that prospective investors can buy in the same mutual fund. Financial advisers need to be familiar with these options to be of better service to their clients.

Citation Details
Title: Mutual funds: guiding your clients through the many hazards of loaded options.(Cover Story)
Author: Stuart E. Michelson
Publication: The National Public Accountant (Magazine/Journal)
Date: November 1, 1996
Publisher: National Society of Public Accountants
Volume: v41 Issue: n11 Page: p16(4)

Article Type: Cover Story

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Telling your client's story.(Trial Without Error): An article from: Trial

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Telling your client's story.(Trial Without Error): An article from: Trial
Katherine James , and Alan Blumenfeld
Manufacturer: Association of Trial Lawyers of America
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Trial, published by Association of Trial Lawyers of America on April 1, 1998. The length of the article is 2605 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

From the supplier: Trial lawyers understand that the creation of a live event by telling the client's story is the key to success. Just as is true for the audience in a theater, there must be a story in the courtroom for the jury to follow. Storytelling can separate victory from failure. The basic elements of a story that the trial lawyer must use are begining, middle and end, a consistent and forceful point of view, simple language, the present tense and juror participation.

Citation Details
Title: Telling your client's story.(Trial Without Error)
Author: Katherine James
Publication: Trial (Magazine/Journal)
Date: April 1, 1998
Publisher: Association of Trial Lawyers of America
Volume: 34 Issue: n4 Page: 54(4)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Book Description

* The true adventure tales of a U.S. Air Force fighter who flew more than 400 combat hours while on duty in Vietnam
* Provides a rare insider's glimpse into the world of the flying elite, detailing their education, training, emotions, and day to day experiences
* Poignant, sometimes funny, brutally honest, always exciting, and an eye-opening look at one of the most tumultuous eras in U.S. history.

Customer Reviews:

One of the Great Aviation Books.......2007-03-15

Jerry Cook's "Once A Fighter Pilot" is one of the books that occupies a small section of my shelf reserved for truly extraordinary books written by pilots. Many fighter jocks are good at BFM, formation, gunnery, instrument flying, and other skills, but the ones who can evoke strong emotion through the written word are scarce. My military flying career is past, but this book takes me right back into the cockpit, in a way few books do.

This book is the real deal, folks.

Best buy yet........2006-04-18

I first saw this book in a local bookstore and saw the cover. I didnt really now what it was about, but when I read it it was the best book yet. It is on my Absolute Favorite list.Since I bought the book I have read it over 5 times, and find something new each time. It has also made me want to be a fighter pilot in our Air Force. A must read for anyone.

One of the best of the genre.......2006-03-13

I've read "Once a Fighter Pilot" more than once, and greatly enjoyed it each time. It's an intriguing mix of stories about flying in Vietnam, flying at MacDill AFB while the F-4 was just becoming available, and many flight instructor tales. (And sometimes the flight instructor stories are scarier than the ones about flying in Vietnam!) He's opinionated, open, honest, and to the point.

I consider this to be in the top 5% of its genre because it covers such a broad area and does it well. There are perhaps better and/or more detailed autobiographies specifically about flying in Vietnam, but this one is one of the few which really covers Air Force life during the 60s. I also like the overall style, it's a series of short tales in chronological order rather than a more continuous work.

It's a fun read--you won't regret it.

Sierra Hotel!.......2005-11-10

If you want to get an idea of what it was like to be a fighter pilot during this time frame, this book is one heck of a place to start! Let me assure you, it is the way it was.

Highly recommended!!

Full Afterburner.......2003-08-25

I've had the pleasure of meeting Jerry Cook and I can tell you he is what an aerial warrior is all about. This means he appreciates not only the firepower that is his responsibility, but also the restraint that is necessary as well. Above all, being a pilot myself, I can viscerally place myself in his rapt descriptions of aircraft performance and raw power. His situational "awareness" and extraordinary flying skills easily flow off the page, and speak to the incredible edge that must be developed and maintained to fight and survive in ACM environments.

Jerry, thanks for your service to the country. Although the war was extraordinarily complicated, with no real winners, the fact that you gave your all to your Commander in Chief under the flag of freedom is appreciated and respected.

Average customer rating:
Once a Fighter Pilot
Jerry W. Cook
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Professional
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OFVDUW

Customer Reviews:

A scam.......2007-05-27

First, a warning. You are not getting 2002 data. This is a reprint of a book that came out around 1990. If it has actually been update for the reprint, the update is badly incomplete, so it still reads as if it was written with knowledge available in 1990, or worse.

Among highlights include the 4-man T-72 (because apparently the T-72 does not have an autoloader). Newer systems like the 2S19 SPH are not described (probably because they weren't known when they conducted research for the4 1990 book).

On the brighter side, there is a fairly basic overview of modern combined arms tactics. A real plus is that it is written by British rather than an Americn author, with the result that the viewpoint is slightly different.

Still, if you want a modern description of equipment, skip it.

Book Description

Why do cease-fire agreements sometimes last for years while others flounder barely long enough to be announced? How to maintain peace in the aftermath of war is arguably one of the most important questions of the post--Cold War era. And yet it is one of the least explored issues in the study of war and peace. Here, Page Fortna offers the first comprehensive analysis of why cease-fires between states succeed or fail. She develops cooperation theory to argue that mechanisms within these agreements can help maintain peace by altering the incentives for war and peace, reducing uncertainty, and helping to prevent or manage accidents that could lead to war.

To test this theory, the book first explores factors, such as decisive victory and prior history of conflict, that affect the baseline prospects for peace. It then considers whether stronger cease-fires are likely to be implemented in the hardest or the easiest cases. Next, through both quantitative and qualitative testing of the effects of cease-fire agreements, firm evidence emerges that agreements do matter. Durable peace is harder to achieve after some wars than others, but when most difficult, states usually invest more in peace building. These efforts work. Strong agreements markedly lessen the risk of further war. Mechanisms such as demilitarized zones, dispute resolution commissions, peacekeeping, and external guarantees can help maintain peace between even the deadliest of foes.

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