Invasion of the Mind Snatchers

Eric Burns is a cultural historian and former television journalist. He was named by the Washington Journalism Review as one of the best writers in the history of broadcast journalism. His books include The Spirits of America: A Social History of Alcohol, and The Smoke of the Gods: A Social History of Tobacco (both Temple), which were named the "Best of the Best" by the American Library Association. He is also the author of Broadcast Blues, The Joy of Books, and Infamous Scribblers: The Founding Fathers and the Rowdy Beginnings of American Journalism.

• A Note to Readers Introduction: Philo T. Farnsworth’s DiscontentPart I: The Medium 1. Damning the “Theenk” 2. The New American Family 3. The Hula Hoop and the Bomb 4. Invisible Doughnuts and Coonskin Caps 5. “Really Big Shows” 6. The CompetitionPart II: The Messages 7. The First Senator 8. The Second Senator 9. The Third Senator 10. Advertising for President 11. The Mystic Knights of the Sea 12. “The Technological Equivalent of a Crucifix” 13. Sexless Objects 14. The Constant Parade 15. Serving the Sky Chief 16. The Black Sox of the AirwavesEpilogue: The Man with a Secret Notes Bibliography Acknowledgments Index

"[A]n entertaining as well as informative book.... Burns provides sharp analysis, explaining just how the industry exercised unprecedented power over the average American’s thoughts about news events such as the McCarthy hearings, social changes such as civil rights protests, and the roles of women and African Americans. This well-researched book contains a nice combination of serious topics and humorous anecdotes, plus an insightful bibliography. VERDICT: Reading a work by Burns is like having a delightful, intelligent conversation with a cultural expert. Highly recommended for TV history enthusiasts as well as general readers."-Library Journal