October 2021 Auction Ends Thursday, October 28th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/28/2021
First edition, first printing of ''Propaganda'' by Edward Bernays in the nearly nonextant original dust jacket, scarce as such. New York: Horace Liveright, 1928. In this groundbreaking book, Bernays explored the little known concept of propaganda at a time of drastic change in the world -- when the radio was becoming a household staple, and as America pivoted to city dwelling. Very presciently, he argued that leaders must understand how to ''engineer consent'' among the populace in order to preserve the fragile institution of democracy, writing: ''The intelligent manipulation of the organized habits and opinions of the masses is an important element in democratic society. Those who manipulate...constitute an invisible government which is the true ruling power of our country.''
Although Bernays envisioned propaganda to be used to advance liberal causes, such as education (a word he used instead of ''indoctrination''), his work was quickly adopted and studied by Joseph Goebbels, the Minister of Propaganda in Nazi Germany. It was also influential in creating modern advertising campaigns, with Bernays earning the title of ''The Father of Public Relations.'' Book measures 5.75'' x 8.375'' and runs 159pp. Bound in black cloth boards with titling in gilt to front and spine. Jacket in orange and black shows puppet-like hands pulling at a man. Light shelf wear to book, overall in near fine condition. Jacket has some chipping, and paper loss along bottom edge, else very good plus condition.
First Edition, First Printing of ''Propaganda'' in the Original Scarce Dust Jacket -- The Book by Edward Bernays That Profoundly Impacted 20th Century Capitalism and Politics
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