Hilaire Belloc

The Free Press

• Gebundenes Buch

Produktbeschreibung

An insightful essay which provides a perfect overview of how what has now become known as the "mainstream media" engages in the invention of fake news through the manipulation of events, half-truths, total omissions, and outright lies. Written more than a century ago, and dealing with what was then the printed media, the author's observations, evidence, and conclusions are just as applicable today as they were at the time. Belloc starts out by accurately describing the media as the "Capitalist Press," which, contrary to its claims, does not "serve" the public but is rather a clique of hidden manipulators who seek only two things: the advancement of their ideological agendas, and to sell their newspapers. Belloc contrasts the Capitalist Press with the smaller, genuinely free and independent press, which cannot rely on the advertising revenue which powers their larger competitors, but which tends more toward the truth for that very reason. The newspaper owners, he says, are an unelected, unaccountable, undemocratic group of millionaires, more powerful than sovereign governments and elected officials. They have the power to make or break politicians, and to present their own agenda in such a way as to claim that it is "public opinion." Belloc's conclusion-that the Capitalist Press's power would be broken by the "Free Press" was overly optimistic. In fact, the decades following the appearance of this book saw the Capitalist Press grow ever stronger, particularly through its acquisition of the movie and television industry. Through these media, the lies and distortions against which the author warned would be amplified even beyond his imagining. It would only be through the emergence of the Internet that the Free Press would eventually be given an equal platform with the Capitalist Press, a development which the author would have no doubt savored.

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Produktdetails

• Verlag: Blurb
• Seitenzahl: 60
• Erscheinungstermin: 23. Mai 2019
• Englisch
• Abmessung: 235mm x 157mm x 8mm
• Gewicht: 252g
• ISBN-13: 9780464925101
• ISBN-10: 046492510X
• Artikelnr.: 53772058

Autorenporträt

Belloc was educated at the Oratory School in Birmingham, where he developed a lifelong friendship with fellow writer G.K. Chesterton. He later attended Balliol College, Oxford, where he excelled academically and was a noted debater. His time at Oxford honed his skills in rhetoric and argumentation, which would become hallmarks of his writing style. Belloc was a master of the essay form. His non-fiction works often combined historical analysis with sharp social commentary. Notable collections include ""On Anything,"" ""On Everything,"" and ""Cautionary Tales for Children,"" which, despite its whimsical tone, offers moral lessons and social critiques. Belloc was also a talented poet. His poetry often reflected his religious beliefs, love for the English countryside, and sharp humor. Collections like ""Verses"" and ""The Four Men"" showcase his lyrical prowess. Hilaire Belloc's legacy is that of a formidable intellectual and literary figure. His works remain relevant for their incisive critique of society, politics, and culture. His friendship with G.K. Chesterton and their joint promotion of Distributism have left a lasting impact on economic thought and social philosophy. Belloc's ability to blend humor with serious critique, and his talent for making complex ideas accessible, ensure that his works continue to be read and appreciated. His contributions to literature, history, and social commentary establish him as a significant figure in early 20th-century letters.