The Symbolic Uses of Politics (Paperback)

~ Murray Edelman (Author) "Politics, like religion, love, and the arts, is a theme that men cannot leave alone: not in their behavior, nor in their talk, nor in..." (more)
Key Phrases: symbolic reassurance, condensation symbols, hortatory language, New York, United States, Kenneth Burke (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A truly social-psychological study of politics, done in an unconventional, imaginative, and appealing style." -- Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science

Product Description

For two decades, this is one of the most important and popular books in the field of political science. The new afterword is an invaluable addition to this classic.

Product Details

• Paperback: 232 pages
• Publisher: University of Illinois Press; 2 edition (February 1, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 025201202X
• ISBN-13: 978-0252012020
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #157,226 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars New Clarity Regarding Politics, March 26, 2009

By	Johnathan C. Jones "J Caleb Jones" (Ruston, LA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I had to read this book to complete a long undergraduate paper, and it was one of the best books I've ever read regarding how politics works. It's amazing that the book was written in 1964, because it is so applicable to so many events. It's not the most readable book (it's rather dense), but the information provided is so poignant and accurate, that it more than makes up for this. Any time I see something ridiculous political hoopla on the news, it all makes sense after Murray Edelman.

As I saw it, the main thrust of the book is that people don't want tangible "Things" from the government. Instead they want "the feeling that they are getting things" from the government. starting with this premise, Edelman explains how this works out in electoral politics, policy actions, and civil rights debates. It's stunning how accurate his system is and how applicable his general rules of politics are to almost any situation. It's a great book, and a must for anyone getting into the Political Science field.

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Staple For Politicos, May 23, 2006

By	Samaria "Israel" (Israel) - See all my reviews

If you're looking to psycho-analyze the effectiveness of symbolism and develop your own theory of political advertising, nab this book. It's one of the classic piece of poli-sci literature.