Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Originally published in 1985, Neil Postmans groundbreaking polemic about the corrosive effects of television on our politics and public discourse has been hailed as a twenty-first-century book published in the twentieth century. Now, with television joined by more sophisticated electronic mediafrom the Internet to cell phones to DVDsit has taken on even greater significance. Amusing Ourselves to Death is a prophetic look at what happens when politics, journalism, education, and even religion become subject to the demands of entertainment. It is also a blueprint for regaining controlof our media, so that they can serve our highest goals.
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Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 140
 Postman's best work October 19, 2009
N. Mozahem (Al Ain, United Arab of Emirates)
This, in my opinion, is Neil Postman's most powerful book. As usual, he warns us of something that has smacked us right between our eyes but, unfortunately, we have not managed to see it. The author sets the stage by fluently describing the social and historical setting that both preceded and proceeded the invention of the television. His main argument is simple yet of great consequence. Television is a form of entertainment, nothing more. It should not be assigned a serious job because if that happens then that serious job will be turned into mindless entertainment. I am glad that I read this book before my children had to go to school. I will make sure to check that the school they go to does not turn education into a show. There is nothing wrong with entertainment as long as we realize that it is nothing but entertainment.
SUPERB - OPENS THE MIND - A LOT September 24, 2009
Vicki Drakopoulos (Lagonissi, Greece)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
This is a book that has left a strong impression - filled with undeniable truths that can literally shake you to the core if you have not previously read books of this nature. I have gone back to the introduction many times, finding the truths presented there in a few words to be an excellent description for our times. I would recommend this book highly - you will not be disappointed. We really are amusing ourselves to death.
Absolutely fanscinating September 22, 2009
Lois E. M. Grebe
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I first found the interesting then mesmerizing them fascinating. The thoughts were disruptive, logical and amazing. I loved it.
Funny, entertaining, informative, educative August 31, 2009
T. Nguyen (Ohio)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Read this for AP English in 11th grade. It wasn't the boring-textbook-spiel at all. It's actually funny & very informative to read. There are many truthful observations detailed in this book to which I found myself agreeing. The writing style is a bit informal, so it doesn't get boring. Kept my attention through the end!
 Christian view of today's entertainment mentality August 6, 2009
J. C. Islam (Texas)
2 out of 4 found this review helpful
Considered one of the authoritative books on a critical look of today's entertainment mentality, explaining how it affects every aspect of life, including education as well as the church.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 140
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