First published in 1962; this wonderfully provocative book introduced the notion of “pseudo-eventsâ€â€”events such as press conferences and presidential debates; which are manufactured solely in order to be reported—and the contemporary definition of celebrity as “a person who is known for his well-knownness.†Since then Daniel J. Boorstin’s prophetic vision of an America inundated by its own illusions has become an essential resource for any reader who wants to distinguish the manifold deceptions of our culture from its few enduring truths.
#745192 in Books Modern Library 2001-06-12 2001-06-12Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x 1.50 x 5.50l; 1.91 #File Name: 0679640223672 pages
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. A wonderful read and an enlightening history!By Geoffrey WoollardI have just finished this volume and have found it to be one of the best-written books of all that I have ever read (I read Dickens's Bleak House several weeks ago and; though the story-telling is marvellous as always; the English; the grammar; the punctuation; even the spelling; leaves much to be desired); one of the most thorough histories I have ever read; and one of the most moving and patriotic stories I have ever read. And; leaving aside any bias which the author must have had; it is also a tear-jerking tale of what might so nearly have been for the Confederate States of America but for the perfidy of some Britons and some Americans. U.S. Secretary of State William H. Seward comes out of it all with a thoroughly tarnished reputation; as does Britain's Foreign Secretary; Lord John Russell. James Dunwoody Bulloch was one of the great heroes of The Old South and a truly remarkable author!6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. A narrative on little known operations of the Civil WarBy Matt BucknerWhen news of the firing upon Ft. Sumter by General P.G.T. Beauregard reached James Bulloch; he offered his services to the Confederate government at once. He was assigned by President Davis to build a navy on government account. This book is Bulloch's narrative of his experiences.The strongest element of this book is that it sheds light on what would otherwise be very little known facts of the war. Bulloch's contacts with Stephen Mallory and other high ranking Confederates give rarely seen insights into the service he and his fellow agents performed. It is important to note that Bulloch's work is not about the sea exploits of the ships he contracted; but about the work that was done in making financial arrangements and fitting the ships for sea. The author goes into a great amount of detail in all the contracts that he undertook while in Europe. He also adds accounts of other agents when needed; but always stresses to the reader that those accounts are second hand.The reviewer's main complaint with this work is that a large section is devoted to the Geneva Arbitration occurring after the war. Bulloch seems to be rather defensive in regard to U.S. complaints made against him. Although fairly readable; this section of the book is not really necessary for understanding Confederate operations and does not advance the narrative. Another small complaint is that Bulloch will sometimes tell the reader of key elements far in advance of the narrative time frame. This can be frustrating; as what would have been an exciting twist in the plot has been alluded to eighty pages beforehand.Only the above mentioned flaws kept this book from a five-star rating. It is a readable account of Confederate operations in Europe and highly recommended for any person who wishes to further their knowledge of the aforementioned.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. A fascinating look into The Secret Service of the Confederate States in EuropeBy Joseph B. JordanThis book takes us on a journey into an almost unknown side of the American Civil War. While historians have argued over which great land battle was the so called "high water mark of the Confederacy"; the author makes it obvious that events taking place on the high seas and in the halls of European power had a greater impact on the outcome of America's bloodiest war. The late historian Shelby Foote stated that you can't understand American history without understanding the Civil War. I would add that you can't understand the Civil War without understanding the naval and international aspects of that conflict. This book is the best on that subject.
