Subliminal... ...no more: An Exploration of the Persuasive Techniques used in Periodical and Other Static-Image Advertising over the Last Fifty Years

Ever since the mid-1950’s, when journalist Vance Packard wrote his groundbreaking exposé on surreptitious marketing practices titled The Hidden Persuaders, the public has been made aware of attempts by Madison Avenue to subversively influence consumers. Through fifty clear examples, you’ll be able to discover for yourself the variety of subliminal ploys used in print ads that were developed by marketing groups spanning 1970 up to present day. Full-size high-resolution reproductions of the original, unaltered ads from magazines are accompanied by a detailed analysis of the overt message, and the manner in which subliminal elements have been woven into the ad to enhance this suggestion within the subconscious. On every page, you experience the shock of awareness as each hidden image is catapulted into your conscious mind, and the underlying, libido-arousing message that is expertly concealed within the ad suddenly takes form. It’s an “I Spy” of desire and fear-based marketing ploys, with the reader experiencing the same sudden realization felt by detectives piecing together clues at a crime scene. Enjoy the discovery!