Written by one of the most influential men of his time and one of the greatest journalists in history, this seminal work of political science presents an incisive examination of democratic theory, the role of citizens in a democracy, and the impact of the media in shaping thoughts and actions.
Public Opinion
and over one million other books are available for Amazon Kindle. Learn more
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Book Description
Frequently Bought Together
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Walter Lippmann (1889 1974) was an American intellectual who was a writer, reporter, and political commentator, who twice was awarded, in 1958 and 1962, a Pulitzer Prize for his syndicated newspaper column, Today and Tomorrow .
--This text refers to an alternate
Paperback
edition.
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? |
More About the Author
Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
73 of 75 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Way back in 1922, Walter Lippmann analyzed the nature of public opinion with many valuable insights that still hold true today. Note that most of the historical references Lippmann uses to illustrate his theories are from World War I and surrounding events, and some aspects of the political environment of the time are totally irrelevant today. However, this book rises above the confines of its time. Lippmann dealt in an interdisciplinary method that is extremely rare, if not structurally impossible, in today's academic environment. His basic treatise is in the realm of political science but ably brings in supporting theories and knowledge from psychology, sociology, communications, history, and logic. Lippmann's then-current style of writing is also nearly impossible to find in today's social science writing, with a flowing prose loaded with references to classic literature and frequent use of imagined characters and scenarios. Part VI offers a surprisingly no-holds-barred examination of the American political system that is refreshingly free of today's unyielding us-and them ideologies. This feat of the intellect, just slightly outdated in its specific examples but not in its underlying insights, is a powerhouse treatise on how public opinion is constructed and influenced by social trends, politics, and media. [~doomsdayer520~]
25 of 26 people found the following review helpful
By D. Garcia
Format:Paperback
In PUBLIC OPINION, we have 1 of the foundational texts in the forming of present day public relations. According to all I've read on Walter Lippmann, he was the most influential pundit of his era, so to read his assessment of the public's opinion & what it's worth & how it must be tamed, we (the readers) are being given access to the core elements that lead to what we know today as government & business propaganda.
Lippmann was part of the Creel Committee, whose job it was to sell the idea that America should get involved in World War I to the American people...so the importance of peeking into the thought processes behind that campaign of pro-war propaganda is a priceless opportunity.
If you wish to understand what those in power actually think of the public's importance in a democracy (or democratic republic), make sure you read this book...twice!
Lippmann was part of the Creel Committee, whose job it was to sell the idea that America should get involved in World War I to the American people...so the importance of peeking into the thought processes behind that campaign of pro-war propaganda is a priceless opportunity.
If you wish to understand what those in power actually think of the public's importance in a democracy (or democratic republic), make sure you read this book...twice!
42 of 47 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
In this book, the first pundit Walter Lippmann speaks about the journalism, democracy, and the American people - creating a picture that's not pretty but remains very true up until this day. Lippmann's style may be difficult for some, but those who endeavour to read will find it fascinating.
Through the book, Lippmann talks about how there is no real public opinion, how most people have a very limited view of the government, and how the government synthesizes complex views into either-or issues (i.e. "pro-life" v.s. "pro-choice"). The journalists, who should help the American people understand the issue, end up doing little at all. Lippmann offers no real solutions in this book, but for anyone who wants a wake-up call for what's wrong with the government, they should spurn Michael Moore and Ann Coulter and turn to this book.
Through the book, Lippmann talks about how there is no real public opinion, how most people have a very limited view of the government, and how the government synthesizes complex views into either-or issues (i.e. "pro-life" v.s. "pro-choice"). The journalists, who should help the American people understand the issue, end up doing little at all. Lippmann offers no real solutions in this book, but for anyone who wants a wake-up call for what's wrong with the government, they should spurn Michael Moore and Ann Coulter and turn to this book.
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful
By A. B. Mamo
Format:Paperback
Lippmann is great, but the BN Publishing edition of this book is beyond terrible. Misplaced (or simply missing) punctuation, misspelled words, no italics or boldface where they are needed, random line breaks in the middle of sentences, no indented paragraphs, no margins on the pages, haphazard footnotes ... you get the idea.
The content is worth four or five stars for all the reasons that other reviewers have mentioned, but this printing is simply unreadable.
The content is worth four or five stars for all the reasons that other reviewers have mentioned, but this printing is simply unreadable.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By sxcx
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I have been looking for a decent printing of this incredible book for a long time, but I was foiled again. It seems that this hard-cover Kessinger Publishing version was produced without any quality control whatsoever. Some of the flaws in the printing cause entire pages to be unreadable. The printing of this edition is so deeply flawed it's at the point of being infuriating.
Here are only some of the problems I found -
- Some pages are "wavy" and blurred to the point of being absolutely unreadable. What is said on these pages, I will never know. This flaw resembles what would happen if one were to copy a document on a photocopier while pulling the document out at the same time.
- Random pages are printed with a very dark grey background - making the text quite difficult to see.
- Literally every other page of the book has a strange printing flaw where, at the top of these pages, there is a strange image - something that resembles an accidental, nonsensical banner ad. It's quite large. It seems as if in this image, the mechanics of the scanning equipment are visible. Interesting in it's own weird way I suppose, but very unprofessional and distracting.
Somebody didn't care.
Here are only some of the problems I found -
- Some pages are "wavy" and blurred to the point of being absolutely unreadable. What is said on these pages, I will never know. This flaw resembles what would happen if one were to copy a document on a photocopier while pulling the document out at the same time.
- Random pages are printed with a very dark grey background - making the text quite difficult to see.
- Literally every other page of the book has a strange printing flaw where, at the top of these pages, there is a strange image - something that resembles an accidental, nonsensical banner ad. It's quite large. It seems as if in this image, the mechanics of the scanning equipment are visible. Interesting in it's own weird way I suppose, but very unprofessional and distracting.
Somebody didn't care.
36 of 45 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
The measure of a great book is how well it stands the test of time. "Public Opinion" meets and exceeds that standard. It should be read by everyone who cares about the idea of American democracy. Walter Lippmann's insights will still be valuable in 2022. Highly recommnded.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By Alex M
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Lippman is sadly under-appreciated these days, I hadn't even heard his name until the past year, when, while working on my dissertation, I came across this book. Written in lucid, clear prose, yet dealing with incredibly complex theoretical and philosophical issues, Public Opinion argues that not only is there not really an agreed-upon "Public Opinion," but that people rarely even understand what they think they know, let alone what they can agree upon with other people. Lippman persuasively demonstrates that opinions are formed in such a way that they have little or no bearing upon "really existing" facts and truth most of the time, and instead are ill-informed, vague, and haphazard in their application of rational thought. Lippman closes by arguing that, since no one has the time or ability to be as informed as they are expected to be on every issue, what is needed is a group of intellectuals dedicated towards improving the quality of media we receive; a sort of "filter" which can correct misperceptions and inform the public at large. (Although, in his subsequent Lippman becomes even more pessimistic, arguing that there is no such thing as "the public".) This book is a must-read for those fascinated by media, politics, or even more general philosophical/culture questions.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
conceptual awakening
I gave this book a high rating because I think it did a great job in helping me to understand some of the nuances of public awareness. Read more
Published 1 month ago by joe
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book about american views on public consent. A must read for...
Great book about american views on public consent. A must read for anyone in social science fields. Written very simply
Published 3 months ago by john berisford
4.0 out of 5 stars
A cynical idealist
Lippman's Public Opinion is insightful regarding the advent and use of propaganda to influence public opinion in civil discourses. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Julie Perino
3.0 out of 5 stars
So So
Not his best work but a somewhat interesting read. It's short so it's not like you've wasted days on it and some of the content is worth contemplating.
Published 5 months ago by rjwjr
5.0 out of 5 stars
a must read for those who want to understand how the media is used to...
this book represents part of the blueprint used to deceive and manipulate the American public to this day. A must read!!
Published 7 months ago by Fdykujkfvdgd
5.0 out of 5 stars
First effort at defining public opinion
Lippman was the first one to state what public opinion was, and why it mattered. He did this in the years between World Wars 1 and 2. Read more
Published 20 months ago by Dr. Cardinal
5.0 out of 5 stars
Insightful
Love this book. Puts the pecking order into perspective. Another book everyone should read to get a better idea on how we are all manuipulated for the benefit of others...
Published 20 months ago by Jo
5.0 out of 5 stars
Other's a just now catching up
I bought this book after reading Chomsky's, "Manufacturing Consent." I recommend to everyone that they check up on the sources that are cited by others. Read more
Published on October 3, 2010 by R.J.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Medicine or Poison for Democracies?
There is plenty here I don't agree with, but many valuable lessons as well. Lippmann's interest in Public Opinion focuses on how democracy- as it is currently practiced- depends on... Read more
Published on March 8, 2010 by Brian
5.0 out of 5 stars
Classic work on media
This is Lippmann's classic critique on media and public opinion written in the 1920s. His prose is easy to read and filled with a slew of anecdotes and casual asides. Read more
Published on March 7, 2010 by outpost
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 36
books:
See all 36 books this book cites
- Main Street (Signet Classics) by Sinclair Lewis on page 8, page 108, and page 227
- Brass Check (The American journalists) by Upton Sinclair on page 212, page 213, and page 228
- Our Social Heritage by Graham Wallas on page 15, and page 61
- Modern Democracies Part One by James Bryce on page 70, and page 144
- Some Problems of Philosophy: A Beginning of an Introduction to Philosophy by William James on page 98, and page 147
See all 36 books this book cites
Books on Related Topics
(learn more)
|
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Listmania!
|
|
So You'd Like to...
Look for Similar Items by Category
- Books > Education & Reference > Words, Language & Grammar > Communication
- Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Psychology & Counseling > Social Psychology & Interactions
- Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Politics & Government > Elections & Political Process > General
- Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Politics & Government > Political Science
- Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Politics & Government > United States
