Triumph of the Market: Essays on Economics, Politics, and the Media [Paperback]

Edward S. Herman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1999

Herman (finance, Wharton Sch.) presents a volume of essays that have been previously published, primarily in Z Magazine.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Herman (finance, Wharton Sch.) presents a volume of essays that have been previously published, primarily in Z Magazine. In them, he articulates such themes as the increased power of global institutions and the growing global acceptance of free markets as a way of organizing economic life. In particular, he examines the negative aspects of increasing market power on widespread poverty, rampant inequality, and environmental damage. Chapters cover a variety of topics, including privatization, deregulation, government propaganda, the United States vs. human rights in the Third World, and democratic media. Overall, Herman persuasively argues that increased market power is leading to growing economic and social polarization in the United States and abroad. Highly recommended for academic collections.
Jane M. Kathman, Coll. of St. Benedict Lib., St. Joseph, Minn.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 290 pages
• Publisher: South End Press; First Edition edition (July 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 089608521X
• ISBN-13: 978-0896085213
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.8 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,866,610 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Edward S. Herman is professor emeritus of finance at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania and has written extensively on economics, political economy, and the media. Among his books are Corporate Control, Corporate Power; The Real Terror Network; The Political Economy of Human Rights (with Noam Chomsky); and Manufacturing Consent (with Noam Chomsky). David Peterson is an independent journalist and researcher based in Chicago.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful February 13, 2001

By Douglas Doepke

Format:Paperback

Edward Herman deserves equal ranking with other great debunkers of our day. His style is more academic than say, Chomsky or Parenti, but he achieves genuine depth even in the short space compiled in the book. This is done by locating pivotal points in the topic and developing them with insight and fact, as exemplified in a devastating analysis of Milton Friedman and the Chicago school of economics, a chief source of neo-liberal theory.

Though many topical issues are discussed, most center around globalism and the emerging world of unrestrained capital. Though all sections have merit, those adressing economics, and media are strongest. Not only are the likes of a Friedman debunked, but so are major defects in the work of such lesser lights as Peter Passell and his Limbaugh-like anti-environmentalism. Particularly useful is the author's discussion of how the science of economics has been politicized, with the Nobel prize as a prime example. Also noteworthy: A model of development for Third World countries, i.e. basic needs/ independence model, that would prioritize domestic investment over the dependency brand required by western interests. Apologists for the global power grab like to pretend neo-liberalism is the only framework left to choose from. Seldom mentioned are those killer technologies from the sky that make sure no alternatives challenge "free trade" and the dominant class lurking behind it.

The sections on media's role in carrying out state propaganda are noteworthy for a balanced and nimble approach. Herman shrewdly points out the face-saving features that make a democratic media appear credible in the eyes of many. Yet, as he shows too, this is only a facade.... For behind it a very effective system of decentralized censorship operates, the major mechanisms of which the book spells out. It should be added that this current system - and system it is - has evolved over time, without central direction or guiding blueprint, into perhaps the most effective form of public manipulation in history. Despite all, a general public that is aware of vested interests, senses this same media is not to be trusted. But the complex mechanisms which would validate such cynicism are rarely spelled out or popularly understood, so the disconnect continues. Compounding this is a political rightwing that deflects popular doubts onto a supposed liberal bias in reporting, a truly Orwellian twist. Herman's hope for the future lies in a burgeoning civic sector media, free from private and public sector warps.

All in all, this is an excellent purchase for the serious reader, particularly for those inclined by years of indoctrination into supposing that America and America Inc. are the same thing. Read more ›

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Reality... March 23, 2001

By Brian Mitchell

Format:Paperback

Meticuously researched and documented essays detail the obvious conservative bias of the media as they continue to do the dirty work of the elites. Good for those misguided individuals who continue to believe the nonsense that the media is dominated by liberals (the same media that refuses to cover NAFTA, GATT, WTO, the racist War on Drugs, health care for the rich, the death penalty, etc., but lived for the last 6 years off the political "scandals" of the most effective Republican president in the last 50 years- Mr. Clinton). A must for the open-minded and progressive of this country.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely amazing book January 5, 2000

By Nikhil Shah

Format:Paperback

Gives amazing insight into the reality of America from the educational institutions to foreign policy. The analysis and examples in the book are amazing. A must have for anyone intersted in humanity. Herman at his best.