Description: James Twitchell takes an in-depth look at the ads and ad campaigns and their creators that have most influenced our culture and marketplace in the twentieth century. P. T. Barnum s creation of buzz, Pepsodent and the magic of the preemptive claim, Listerine introducing America to the scourge of halitosis, Nike s Just Do It, Clairol s Does She or Doesn t She?, Leo Burnett s invention of the Marlboro Man, Revlon s Charlie Girl, Coke s re-creation of Santa Claus, Absolut and the art world these campaigns are the signposts of a century of consumerism, our modern canon understood, accepted, beloved, and hated the world over."
Review Quotes: "Succinct and informative, a ... deep look into a deceptively complex subject." --Christopher Lehmann-Haupt, New York Times
"Easily the Best Book on Advertising" -- Philip Sawyer, director, Starch Advertising Research "Not a single page is without a cleverly turned sentence, thought-provoking remark, or outrageous conclusion." --Wired "An immensely entertaining and seriously provocative piece of work . . . As wise as it is witty, this is a must for anybody really interested in brand marketing--or hooked on nostalgia." --Baltimore Sun "Twenty Ads That Shook the World is a triumph. . . . James Twitchell not only recognizes and appreciates the many ways that ads shape our culture, but he also writes about advertising in ways unmatched by any other author." --Creativity magazine "This book is on fire with ideas. Far more than a history of great advertising, this invaluable and highly entertaining guide to the power of simple ideas is brimming with insights for anybody who's ever wanted to buy or sell something."--Steve Hayden, president, Worldwide Brand Services, Ogilvy & Mather "A thoroughly enjoyable read that will have you humming more than a few jingles you thought you'd forgotten." --Entrepreneur "As eerily comforting as a family photo album." --Esquire "This book is a treat. . . . Full of surprises and, as the only essential change in the advertising business through the years is the way one manipulates new technology, it is also a rich tapestry of stimulating thinking." --Mary Wells Lawrence, founding partner, Wells, Rich, & Greene