Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

This book is an examination of how American advertising both mirrors society and creates it. From the first newspaper advertisement in colonial times to the latest Web sites for advertising agencies, Soap, Sex and Cigarettes explores how advertising grew in America, how products and brands were produced and promoted, and how advertisements and agencies reflect and introduce cultural trends and issues. The threads of art, industry, culture, and technology unify the work. The text is chronological in its organization and is lavishly illustrated with advertisements.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• Part 1 Historical Overview
• 1 1492-1880: The Beginnings
• Part 2 Early American Advertising
• 2 1880-1900: Selling the Goods
• 3 1900-World War I: The Rise of a Consumer Economy
• Part 3 Modern American Advertising
• 4 1920-1929: The Roaring Twenties
• 5 1930-1945: The Depression and World War II
• 6 1945-1960: The Postwar Boom
• Part 4 Contemporary American Advertising
• 7 1960-1975: The Creative Revolution
• 8 1975-1990: From Positioning to Image Building
• 9 1990s and Beyond: The Media Revolution

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

Sivulka incorporates the many changes that have occurred in advertising since the first edition (1998) of this text, including how new media have altered advertising's creativity and production. Chapters are organized chronologically. The volume begins with a chapter on the printing press and its impact in the new world. Subsequent chapters address advertising practices from 1492 to 1880, 1880 to 1900, 1900 to WW I, the 1920s, the Great Depression and WW II, and the postwar years, 1945-60. The last four chapters focus on the modern period, examining the creative revolution in advertising, from 1960 to 1990, and the impact of technological changes on advertising and consumers since 1990, including more recent digital trends such as mobile devices and interactive media. Each chapter is filled with interesting examples of advertisements as well as information about individuals who played a major role in the development of advertising. Sivulka (Ad Women, CH, May'09, 46-5128) also addresses controversial issues such as feminism and minorities, when warranted. Without question, this sweeping, well-written volume would be of great value to anyone interested in learning about advertising in the US. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels of students; faculty; general readers. E. Applegate formerly, Middle Tennessee State University