This seminal study and critique of propaganda from one of the greatest French philosophers of the 20th century is as relevant today as when it was first published in 1962. Taking not only a psychological approach, but a sociological approach as well, Ellul’s book outlines the taxonomy for propaganda, and ultimately, it’s destructive nature towards democracy. Drawing from his own experiences fighting for the French resistance against the Vichy regime, Ellul offers a unique insight into the propaganda machine.
Review
“A far more frightening work than any of the nightmare novels of George Orwell. With the logic which is the great instrument of French thought, [Ellul] explores and attempts to prove the thesis that propaganda, whether its ends are demonstrably good or bad, is not only destructive to democracy, it is perhaps the most serious threat to humanity operating in the modern world.” —Los Angeles
“The theme of Propaganda is quite simply . . . that when our new technology encompasses any culture or society, the result is propaganda. . . . Ellul has made many splendid contributions in this book.” —Book Week
“Ellul’s work is brilliant, thoroughgoing, frightening.” —Kirkus Reviews
From the Back Cover
‘The theme of Propaganda is quite simply. . . that when our new technology encompasses any culture or society, the result is propaganda. . . . Ellul has made many splendid contributions in this book.’ -Robert R. Kirsch, The Los Angeles Times
About the Author
Jacques Ellul was a French philosopher and Christian anarchist. He served as professor of history and the sociology of institutions on the Faculty of Law and Economic Sciences at the University of Bordeaux for many years. Although he was trained as a sociologist, Ellul is considered a philosopher with a particular interest in technology and the possibility of technological tyranny. He is said to have coined the phrase “Think globally, act locally.” Among his books are Propaganda, The Political Illusion, The Theological Foundation of Law, The Meaning of the City, and many others. Jacques Ellul passed away in 1994 at the age of 82.
