The Story of Propaganda in 50 Images

Propaganda has been around for thousands of years, but it reached its peak in the 20th century with the development of mass media and global conflicts. It takes many forms, is fluid, and is constantly developing, especially in our digital era. This book highlights fifty images that illustrate the continuities and dis-continuities of mass-communication throughout history, demonstrating how changing technological innovations have shaped the propaganda narrative and how tried and trusted forms of propaganda can still be effective.

Format: Hardback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 19 May 2022
Publisher: British Library Publishing

Propaganda, a timeless art form, reached its zenith in the 20th century, fueled by the advent of mass media and the global conflicts that shaped its course. At its core, propaganda is the dissemination of ideas aimed at influencing people's thoughts and actions, driven by specific persuasive objectives. However, this multifaceted phenomenon takes on diverse forms, evolving and adapting to the ever-changing landscape, particularly in our digital age. Concepts such as "fake news," "post-truth," "gate-keepers," and "asymmetrical warfare" were once unfamiliar, but have now become commonplace in our daily media discourse, often met with cynicism. In this timely and comprehensive international book, David Welch has curated a selection of fifty images that trace the continuities and disruptions of mass communication throughout history, encompassing a wide range of mediums, from images and events to films and propaganda by deed. By adopting this approach, Welch highlights how technological innovations, such as television and the internet, have reshaped the propaganda narrative, while also underscoring the enduring effectiveness of traditional propaganda techniques, such as the humble leaflet. The fifty images included in this book are not chosen for their visual impact alone but rather because they illustrate recurring themes, devices, and mediums employed by propagandists throughout history. From early Egyptian coins eulogizing Alexander the Great to the psychological warfare employed in the war against terrorism following the destruction of the Twin Towers in New York, and the widespread use of social media in the current COVID-19 pandemic, these images serve as a testament to the enduring power of propaganda in shaping public opinion and influencing societal outcomes.

Weight: 480g
Dimension: 158 x 224 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780712354318