The Edward Bernays Reader

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Edward Bernays (1891–1995), known as “the father of public relations,” was a trailblazer in propaganda and PR. He merged crowd psychology theories with psychoanalytical concepts from his uncle, Sigmund Freud, demonstrating how corporations and politicians could shape public opinion. His influential 1928 work outlined the use of propaganda in various sectors, including government and education, while his 1923 classic established principles that have guided public influence for decades. This comprehensive volume of Bernays’ writings features significant excerpts from his key works, including the full text of his 1947 essay, which discusses applying scientific methods to garner public support for ideas and initiatives. Additionally, it includes extensive selections on topics like education, war propaganda, and polling. Collectively, this material provides an in-depth exploration of Bernays' contributions, highlighting his profound impact on modern propaganda, public relations, and the concept of spin.