King of Madison Avenue

Kenneth Roman worked directly with David Ogilvy at Ogilvy& Mather for 26 years, beginning as an account executive and rising up to eventually become Chairman and CEO. He is the co-author of several books, including the bestselling business classics How to Advertise and Writing that Works, both of which are in their third editions. He lives in New York City.

• Author's Note: Me and David Introduction: The King of Madison Avenue An Eccentric Celtic Mixture 'I Failed Every Exam' The Making of a Salesman Who was Mather? Lucre in America The Farmer and the Spy Big Idea The Philosopher Kings The True Church The King in his Castle Megamergers and Megalomaniacs A Disease called Entertainment The Burr of Singularity Afterword: (More) Unpublished David Ogilvy Source Notes Bibliography Acknowledgments Index

Praise for The King of Madison Avenue: 'Lively writing and an affectionate yet honest tone make this an astonishingly charming and informative biography.' - Publishers Weekly (starred review) 'Engaging biography ... Thanks to The King of Madison Avenue, now we know David Ogilvy.' - Wall Street Journal 'Roman has written a fine book on his former boss. He has a gem of a subject and, as well as a fund of anecdotes, he provides a clear-eyed, unsentimental portrait of a brilliant tyrant.' - Financial Times 'An entertaining and admiring portrait of the legendary figure ... [Roman's] many entertaining yarns delivered in spare prose are a pleasure to read.' - BusinessWeek 'Powerful and entertaining ... admirably researched and beautifully written.' - James Brady, Forbes.com 'An admiring but clear-eyed portrait of David Ogilvy.' - New York Observer 'Kenneth Roman's very readable biography presents an expansive and entertaining portrait, offering insights into the life and times ... Using Ogilvy's own books, quotes, other writings and reminiscences, copious interviews from friends, family, colleagues and competitors, Roman does a masterful job of conveying the colorful personality of Ogilvy ... Roman does his old boss proud.' - Miami Herald 'Comprehensive ... paints a broader picture of an industry's evolution.' - Ad Age 'Roman's admiring biography has its own charms ... a welcome assessment of the storied accomplishments that made him a legend to begin with.' - Barnes& Noble 'A unique and interesting story.' - Nantucket Inquirer& Mirror 'Entertaining, very well researched.' - Winnipeg Free Press 'If you are in advertising, you need to grab Kenneth Roman's biography on David Ogilvy ... This is a fantastic book.' - London Calling Mobile Advertising blog 'Insofar as it is possible to recreate the unique wit and always unexpected genius of David Ogilvy, Kenneth Roman has succeeded.' - Louis Auchincloss, National Medal of Arts winner and best-selling author of The House of Five Talents, Portrait in Brownstone, East Side Story, and many more 'At last! The definitive biography of the most influential advertising executive with whom I had the pleasure of working. Ken Roman's research diligence has brought much more of David's uniqueness to light. A great read from someone who worked with David for 26 years!' - Jack Keenan, former CEO of Kraft Foods International, and Diageo PLC Wine and Spirits 'David Ogilvy was unquestionably the King of Madison Avenue. Ken Roman's biography reflects his personal insights gained from being a colleague of Ogilvy's for several decades. This intimate portrayal makes clear Ogilvy's inspiring leadership of his agency even though he abhorred his managerial tasks. Ogilvy's convictions about what made for effective advertising - it sells - are clearly described by Roman, as is his brilliant personal salesmanship in winning new clients. A terrific read!' - Ron Daniel, former Managing Partner, McKinsey& Co. 'This brilliant biography is like a gorgeous iceberg. The tip dazzles the reader and is supported by a mass of weighty research below. Kenneth Roman enchants us with his account of the life and times of David Ogilvy who towered above the world of advertising ... It should be required reading for all in the business ... The story is told swiftly and entertainingly. The voluminous research is set out in detailed notes at the back, and these also grip the attention of those who want to know how so much could be told with such flair, and why the author can paint a background of historical events with such certainty.' - William Stevenson, author of A Man Called Intrepid 'This is a surprisingly interesting book about one of the most remarkable characters in advertising history. It is also an introduction to the business itself and how it has been conducted, in sickness and in health, by someone who lived the experience.' - Martin Mayer, author of Madison Avenue USA 'A great biography of a truly great man. David Ogilvy rewrote the book on modern advertising, and with The King of Madison Avenue, Ken Roman tells his story in a fashion that is worthy of David's accomplishments. Extensively researched and very well written. Give this book to any young person thinking about going into advertising. It will inspire them.' - Philip Carroll, former CEO of Shell Oil 'A most interesting book. It is a sensitive account of the career of this complex man who so successfully melded intuition and analysis. It should be compulsory reading for anyone contemplating a career in advertising or communications.' - Sir Michael Angus, former Chairman, Unilever 'Nobody ever need write another word about David Ogilvy, now that Ken Roman has written The King of Madison Avenue. It's the definitive biography of the most amazing man the advertising business has ever known. With David Ogilvy as the subject, how could you miss? Ken Roman doesn't miss; this is the fairest, most thoughtful, most complete and most human biography of that flawed genius we are ever likely to get ... Ken Roman has penetrated the myths and written the definitive story, warts and all, of the greatest advertising man and one of the most unforgettable characters of his time. The King of Madison Avenue is to other advertising biographies as David Ogilvy's advertising was to that of other agencies: simply superior. Everyone who ever knew David Ogilvy will find something about the man they didn't know, and those who never knew David Ogilvy will have a rollicking good time getting to know him. This has to be the most readable book ever written about advertising.' - Bruce McCall, New Yorker writer and illustrator 'Ken Roman has hit a home run.' - Louis Begley, prize-winning author of Wartime Lies and other novels 'A wonderful job recounting the life of so complicated a person. Beautifully written.' - Harold Burson, founder, Burson-Marsteller Public Relations 'The book is affectionate but balanced, erudite but immensely readable, surprising, witty ... and as remarkable as its subject.' - David Abbott, Former Chairman, Abbott Mead Vickers BBDO Praise for Kenneth Roman's previous books: Writing that Works 'The Strunk and White of business writing.' - Louis Begley 'Clear, concise communications that make the right point will launch your career or business to new heights.' - Robert Seelert, Chairman, Saatchi& Saatchi PLC How to Advertise 'Worth its weight in gold.' - David Ogilvy 'A timeless treasure of the enduring principles that everyone in the advertising supply chain - those who create, place, manage, review and approve - should read over and over again. It's the definitive roadmap to creating great work.' - James Speros, Chairman, Association of National Advertisers 'Without pulling any punches, the book tells readers what works.' - Dallas Morning News