An essential text for writers and advocates of good communication. Written by Strunk and updated by White (author of Charlotte’s Web), The Elements of Style has helped many readers dispel their fears of English grammar. From sentence level grammatical tips to shaping authorial voice, this book provides invaluable information that is easily digestible and serves as a handy reference. It’s also a good book to leave lying about for your friends to see; demonstrate your intellectual superiority by suggesting you spend your spare time studying grammar.
A venerable force in the world of advertising, Ogilvy discusses his personal opinions on what advertising is, should be and will be. Ogilvy writes directly and frankly, with a conversational tone that makes even the drier topics readable. If we don't always agree with his opinions, we can forgive him because of his clarity and wealth of insight.
Kotler provides good summaries of important marketing terms, though to one unfamiliar with the terminology of the business end of marketing, his explanations can be a bit opaque. Despite its shortcomings, this book serves as a fine reference for meetings and presentations; for its broad scope and straightforward discussion, we recommend this book as a way to learn about the environment in which advertising operates.
This text is an ideal place for a novice to learn about what it is to be an advertiser. Rather than pursuing a close analysis of the process of creating advertisements, this series of interviews focuses on the uncovering the philosophies of some of advertising’s best. The distinct personalities of the interviewees shine through the canned questions the interviewer repeats to them all (and they try to avoid answering).