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Confessions of an Advertising Man Paperback – January 1, 2012

by David Ogilvy (Author), Sir Alan Parker (Foreword)
4.6 out of 5 stars 877 ratings
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A new edition of the timeless business classic featured on Mad Men—as fresh and relevant now as the day it was written



 

"We admire people who work hard, who are objective and thorough. We detest office politicians, toadies, bullies, and pompous asses. We abhor ruthlessness. The way up our ladder is open to everybody. In promoting people to top jobs, we are influenced as much by their character as anything else."  —David Ogilvy

 


David Ogilvy was considered the "father of advertising" and a creative genius by many of the biggest global brands. First published in 1963, this seminal book revolutionized the world of advertising and became a bible for the 1960s ad generation. It also became an international bestseller, translated into 14 languages. Fizzing with Ogilvy's pioneering ideas and inspirational philosophy, it covers not only advertising, but also people management, corporate ethics, and office politics, and forms an essential blueprint for good practice in business.
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  1. Print length
    192 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Southbank Publishing
  4. Publication date
    January 1, 2012
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 0.6 x 9.5 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    9781904915379
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1904915379
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Editorial Reviews

Review


"Ogilvy is the creative force of modern advertising." —New York Times


"Ogilvy's writing is pithy, lively and urbane...[Confessions of an Advertising Man] is full of great stories from the world of 1960s advertising." — IndependentMail.com

"Required reading for anyone in business" —Media Week




"It's a well-written, clean book which breaks out his concepts, tactics, and techniques and is a must-read for anyone in business—and particularly marketing and PR."  —Ronn Torossian, CEO, 5WPR, on his 10 Must-Read Public Relations and Marketing Books, on Business Insider


"I would like to make it mandatory that everyone in advertising read David Ogilvy's first book, Confessions of an Advertising Man at least once a year."—George Parker in Business Insider

"Monumental...there is the kind of good, solid, smart, great-work-inspiring advice that any one in this business – and that includes clients – would be wise to review."  —The Agency Review 

"It's a classic...I tell my students if you're going to read a book about advertising, start with that one." — Investor's Business Daily

"For anyone working in the marketing profession, this is an essential text."  — Financial Times

“. . . Throughout his book Confessions of an Advertising Man you will find deep insights on management, candor, and company culture.” —The Huffington Post


"I'd highly recommend Confessions of An Advertising Man for entrepreneurs at all stages of growth...this book changed my perspective on brand and messaging distillation." —John Furneaux, the co-founder and CEO of Hive

About the Author

David Ogilvy (1911–1999), referred to in 1962 by Time as "the most sought-after wizard in today's advertising industry," is considered to have been one of the dominant thinkers in the field. He is also the author of Ogilvy on Advertising. Sir Alan Parker was a copywriter in the 1960s and 1970s and is now a film director and producer. Films he directed include Angela's Ashes, Fame, Midnight Express, and Pink Floyd: The Wall.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 190491537X
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Southbank Publishing; REV ed. edition (January 1, 2012)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 192 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9781904915379
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1904915379
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.6 x 9.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 877 ratings

About the author

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David Ogilvy

David Ogilvy

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David Mackenzie Ogilvy CBE (/ˈoʊɡəlviː/; 23 June 1911 – 21 July 1999) was an advertising executive who was widely hailed as "The Father of Advertising". In 1962, Time called him "the most sought-after wizard in today's advertising industry".

Bio from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Photo by Advertising Hall of fame (Advertising Hall of fame) [Copyrighted free use], via Wikimedia Commons.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
877 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a must-read for everyone in business, praising its practical wisdom and insight into the advertising industry. Moreover, the book is considered a timeless classic with a masterful storytelling style and humorous tone.

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71 customers mention "Readability"61 positive10 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as a must-read for those in the advertising business and a quick read.

"...in any kind of work selling products, ideas, or politics, it's an essential read." Read more

"...That said, this remarkable book passed the million copy threshold over 20 years ago, and there are good reasons for its enduring success...." Read more

"...A perfect refresher for veterans and required reading for those just starting out." Read more

"...He’s got great philosophy and insight into his field of work. Definitely a solid read." Read more

46 customers mention "Insight"46 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful and practical, particularly for those in advertising, with one customer noting it provides useful timeless advice.

"...may not read this book in one sitting, it is short enough and interesting enough that it won't take you very long to finish reading it...." Read more

"A great take on advertising." Read more

"...he wrote this book which is part biography and part advice for anyone buying or producing ad copy...." Read more

"...wisdom about how to run a business, be successful, and run successful advertisements. I’m surprised by the timeless nature of his wisdom...." Read more

6 customers mention "Timeless classic"6 positive0 negative

Customers describe the book as a timeless classic, with one noting its nostalgic value.

"...might have made his mark starting over 40 years ago, but his approach is timeless...." Read more

"Timeless and proven advertising methods that work from one of the greatest copywriters and ad men who ever lived...." Read more

"Very nostalgic." Read more

"Timeless." Read more

4 customers mention "Humor"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book humorous.

"A blend of wisdom and humor—I loved this book...." Read more

"...There is much wisdom and humor in this one, enjoy!" Read more

"This book is both humorous and informative. A great read by the "father of advertising" David Ogilvy...." Read more

"...He does keep you laughing with blunt honesty throughout the book. Fun read." Read more

4 customers mention "Storyteller"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the author's storytelling abilities, with one noting it is more autobiographical.

"...After 15 years he wrote this book which is part biography and part advice for anyone buying or producing ad copy...." Read more

"...sentence, every paragraph, and every page, filled with interesting personal stories from an advertising genius." Read more

"..."Confessions" is also more autobiographical...." Read more

"Wonderful story about professional story tellers from a most masterful story teller." Read more

Wise words from the master
5 out of 5 stars
Wise words from the master
David Ogilvy is arguably the man who built modern advertising in the United States. This book, written in the 60s, has some outdated parts - but most of the knowledge about how our fellow humans think, how to influence them, and most importantly how to make an idea stick in their head is timeless. For anyone involved in any kind of work selling products, ideas, or politics, it's an essential read.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Robert Clarke
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wise words from the master
    Reviewed in the United States on December 22, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    David Ogilvy is arguably the man who built modern advertising in the United States. This book, written in the 60s, has some outdated parts - but most of the knowledge about how our fellow humans think, how to influence them, and most importantly how to make an idea stick in their head is timeless.

    For anyone involved in any kind of work selling products, ideas, or politics, it's an essential read.
    Customer image
    Robert Clarke
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Wise words from the master

    Reviewed in the United States on December 22, 2024
    David Ogilvy is arguably the man who built modern advertising in the United States. This book, written in the 60s, has some outdated parts - but most of the knowledge about how our fellow humans think, how to influence them, and most importantly how to make an idea stick in their head is timeless.

    For anyone involved in any kind of work selling products, ideas, or politics, it's an essential read.
    Images in this review
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  • AdamSmythe
    5.0 out of 5 stars Candid Advice from an Advertising Master.
    Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    While this version of the book is dated 2011, David Ogilvy died in 1999, so don't expect new additions or improvements from Olgivy to this timeless classic on advertising. That said, this remarkable book passed the million copy threshold over 20 years ago, and there are good reasons for its enduring success. Basically, it is simple, direct and easy to read, like good advertising copy. If you are interested in advertising, this is a book that has stood the test of time. If you want to read more reviews, you can check out an earlier (presumably out of print) version of this book.

    According to Ogilvy, he originally wrote this book in 1962 in order to attract new clients to his advertising agency, to condition the market for a public offering of Ogilvy's shares, and to make himself better known in the business world. I think it's fair to say that he succeeded on all three points. Although Ogilvy subsequently stated that if he were to write this book again, he would be "less indiscreet, less boastful and less didactic," the book doesn't strike me as overly boastful or pompous. You would expect an advertising man to be sold on his own ideas.

    Ogilvy gets straight to the heart of matters for advertisers. Here is how he organized the book:

    1. How to manage an advertising agency.

    2. How to get clients.

    3. How to keep clients.

    4. How to be a good client.

    5. How to build great campaigns.

    6. How to write potent copy.

    7. How to illustrate advertisements and posters.

    8. How to make good television commercials.

    9. How to make good campaigns for food products, tourist destinations and proprietary medicines.

    10. How to rise to the top of the tree--advice to the young.

    11. Should advertising be abolished?

    Although you may not read this book in one sitting, it is short enough and interesting enough that it won't take you very long to finish reading it. Finally, to give more flavor to Ogilvy's approach to advertising, here are a few of his more famous thoughts:

    "Tell the truth, but make the truth fascinating."

    "Big ideas are usually simple ideas."

    "It is important to admit your mistakes and to do so before you are charged with them."

    "In the best establishments, promise are always kept, whatever it may cost in agony and overtime."

    "Tolerate genius."

    And one of my favorites (which I've shortened), because it shows a blend of insight and self-awareness: "It is a mistake to use highfalutin language when advertising... I once used the word "obsolete" in a headline, only to discover that 33% of [readers] had no idea what it meant. In another headline I used the word "ineffable," only to discover that I didn't know what it meant myself."
    27 people found this helpful
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  • PB
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book.
    Reviewed in the United States on December 24, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    A great take on advertising.
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  • Toni T.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful Read
    Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    A blend of wisdom and humor—I loved this book. Some parts had me laughing out loud at how true they were, and I highlighted so many lines—some I could apply to life, others directly to work. Even though it was first published in 1963, Ogilvy’s insights still hit home. If you’re in the business of storytelling, this is a must-read. No matter how long you’ve been in advertising, it’s a great way to ground yourself in the fundamentals. A perfect refresher for veterans and required reading for those just starting out.
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  • Pablo Landherr
    4.0 out of 5 stars What an ad man should know
    Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    David Ogilvy founded the legendary ad agence Ogilvy, Benson & Mather. After 15 years he wrote this book which is part biography and part advice for anyone buying or producing ad copy. He is very clear about what he thinks works and why, and he writes beautifully about it. As such, it's a great read.
    However, the Kindle version (which I read) has so so many typos, misaligned paragraphs and other errors, that had it been a physical book, I would have returned to the book seller for a full refund. Really shoddy work. Mr Ogilvy would have been deeply embarrassed by the lack of quality.
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  • randy clare
    5.0 out of 5 stars practical and useful
    Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Don’t let the old timey vocabulary distract you from getting the most out of this book.
    The second half should be required reading for anyone trying to sell online.
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  • judy breen
    5.0 out of 5 stars Full of gems
    Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Ogilvy’s book is full of practical wisdom about how to run a business, be successful, and run successful advertisements. I’m surprised by the timeless nature of his wisdom. He was advertising in age of magazines and newspapers, but his thoughts are equally applicable to websites, content marketing, and YouTube. He would have been just as effective a marketer in today’s environment as he was in his own time.
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  • Richie Camden
    5.0 out of 5 stars Solid read and still applicable
    Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I own a doggy daycare business and love reading business/marketing books. It’s an old book but a lot of what he says is still applicable just in different ways. He’s got great philosophy and insight into his field of work. Definitely a solid read.
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  • Rick Baumann
    5.0 out of 5 stars gutes Buch
    Reviewed in Germany on July 1, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    "Confessions of an Advertising Man" von David Ogilvy ist ein echter Augenöffner, wenn du dich für Werbung interessierst. Obwohl das Buch aus den 60ern stammt, sind die Ratschläge immer noch super relevant.

    Ogilvy teilt in dem Buch seine Erfahrungen – von seinen größten Erfolgen bis zu den Fehlern. Es geht um alles, von der Bedeutung der Forschung bis hin zu Tipps für das Schreiben von Texten und den Einsatz von Bildern.

    Besonders gut gefällt mir, dass Ogilvy Wert auf ethisches Handeln legt. In einer Zeit, in der alles schnelllebig und digital ist, sind solche Prinzipien wichtiger denn je.

    Das Buch ist definitiv lesenswert, egal ob du neu in der Branche bist oder schon länger dabei. Es bietet wertvolle Einblicke und praktische Tipps.
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  • Mike S
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great holiday read!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 1, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Actually bought this as it's reference frequently in Mad Men, and it's a really fun and easy read! Really good insights and titbits from the golden age of advertising and perfect for dipping in and out of!
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  • Herve Kabla
    5.0 out of 5 stars A lire si bossez dans la comm'
    Reviewed in France on December 14, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Un livre passionnant, qui regorge de conseils. Même si certains sont adaptés à l'époque et au milieu dans lequel Ogilvy évolua, époque et milieu qui ont peut être connu quelques changements, nombre de ses conseils sont intemporels et méritent toute votre attention, ici et maintenant. A lire, donc. Impérativement. Pour vous faire réfléchir.
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  • Pratik
    5.0 out of 5 stars Enriching
    Reviewed in India on July 12, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This book takes you through the lives of advertising men and their journey to the top.
    It revolves around the life of David Ogilvy, as he talks about various principles that a new copywriter should follow to pave his way in the industry. Ogilvy's principles hold merit and do not lose relevance. They are being followed even today. A must read for anyone, looking to set foot in the copywriting industry.
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  • ines
    5.0 out of 5 stars quick and new
    Reviewed in Spain on September 3, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    arrived on time
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