Amusing Ourselves to Death
by Neil Postman

Subtitled "Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business," this treatise considers the development and effect of the modern media. Postman examines the importance of the printed word in early America. He then considers the transformation that took place, starting with the telegraph, which allowed and indeed promoted new forms of rapid communication. One of the best lines is his description of the Associated Press when it was founded in 1844: "news from nowhere, addressed to no one in particular, began to criss-cross the nation" (p. 67).

Focusing on television especially, Postman suggests that the modern media are considered successful if they entertain. They do not necessarily have to educate people, convince people, or uplift people. From news broadcasts to political discussions to religious programs to educational shows, show business is the name of the game. If you watch a lot of television, then this book will help you think about it more critically. If you don't watch a lot of television, then you probably understand Postman's thesis already. (Penguin Books, 1985)