Written by a former copywriter working during the Creative Revolution of the 1960s, Cracknell's account of the heyday of advertising-currently being explored on AMC's hit show Mad Men-is a terrific supplement to the show, as well as a primer on the evolution of the industry. Weaving quotes from the groundbreaking show into his historical narrative, Cracknell illustrates how iconic campaigns such as "The Man in the Hathaway Shirt," the VW "Think Small" ads, and Avis' "We Try Harder" revolutionized the industry, and what it was like to toil in the agencies that produced such work. Populated by colorful characters like David Ogilvy, Bill Bernbach, Carl Ally, and the beautiful, tough-talking Mary Wells, it's clear that the TV series is-for the most part-true to life. From flagrant sexual harassment on account of the prevalent boys' club atmosphere to a violent fight just before a Christmas party resulting in a bloodied office, there was plenty of drama to go around, though the offices weren't as liquored up as Mad Men may lead one to believe. Still, agencies like DDB, PKL, Wells Rich Greene, and others created some of the most compelling and lasting promotional work. Advertising geeks will gobble this up, but even those completely unaware of Don Draper and Sterling Cooper will appreciate this lively and spirited account. Photos. (Feb.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Cracknell's advertising career began in the 1960s in London; since then he has worked in advertising agencies on both sides of the Atlantic. His well-written book, whose title reflects the popular TV series Mad Men, focuses on one of the most important periods in advertising's history: the late 1950s and 1960s. Cracknell informs readers about Rosser Reeves and his "unique selling proposition" advertising, David Ogilvy and his softer-selling or "emotional" advertising, and Bill Bernbach and his "fresh idea" advertising. However, it is Bernbach and his agency, DDB, that Cracknell discusses most, primarily because Bernbach and DDB produced some of the most creative and successful advertising at the time. Indeed, appealing campaigns were created for a host of clients, e.g., Ohrbach's, Polaroid, El Al Airlines, Volkswagen, Chivas Regal, Avis, and Levy's. Cracknell looks at other creative shops including Carl Ally's agency, which produced interesting work for Volvo and Hertz, among other accounts. Of course, Cracknell discusses other "mad men" and women of the period such as Jerry Della Femina, Ron Travisano, George Lois, Marion Harper, Jack Tinker, and Mary Wells Lawrence. Anyone interested in learning about the creative revolution in advertising in the second half of the 20th century should read this book. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readership levels. E. Applegate formerly, Middle Tennessee State University