Booklist
Press, a Crossfire cohost, provides an amusing look at "spin," the basic commodity of professions from politics to journalism to marketing. After offering a loose definition of spin that distinguishes it from outright lying, Press expounds on the infinite varieties. There is the happy-face spin, which makes bad news sound good; the Boy Scout spin, which is pious denial; the twilight-zone spin, which projects the exact opposite of the truth; and, of course, the time-honored statistics spin, which twists and often fabricates numbers. Press cites plenty of examples, including the it-depends-on-the-definition spin offered by President Clinton's evasive definition of sex when the Monica Lewinsky scandal broke. Historical examples include the claim that the Civil War was fought to end slavery and talk of "collateral damage" during the Vietnam War to avoid talk of casualties. Press includes nominations to the spin hall of fame offered by well-known writers and political figures. All readers will enjoy this look at a widespread practice. Vanessa Bush
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --Ce texte fait référence à l'édition Relié .
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --Ce texte fait référence à l'édition Relié .
Review
The Tampa TribuneA witty exploration of the art and attitude of spin, with a multitude of memorable quotes and special homage to the greats.
