Twenty Ads That Shook the World: The Century's Most Groundbreaking Advertising and How It Changed Us All Paperback - 2001

First line

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From the jacket flap

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.

Media reviews

“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