Throughout history, literary works of all kinds have been used to spread propaganda and influence public opinion for or against one cause or another. The Literature of Propaganda examines these literary works and explores ways in which propaganda shapes public opinion, persuades its audience, and impacts society. In addition, it seeks to answer the following questions: How is propaganda described in literature? How is it used to influence our views? How do we recognize a work as propaganda? Propaganda has been used in one form another to influence the public opinion for or against one cause or another. From early theater, to public speeches, to magazines, books, film and more, propaganda pervades our society. Merriam-Webster\'s Collegiate Dictionary defines propaganda as "2: the spreading of ideas, information, or rumor for the purpose of helping or injuring an institution, a cause, or a person 3: ideas, facts, or allegations spread deliberately to further one\'s cause or to damage an opposing cause,also: a public action having such an effect."
The Literature of Propaganda showcases propaganda portrayed in literature:, such as Aldous Huxley\'s Brave New World, Ray Bradbury\'s Fahrenheit 451, and George Orwell\'s Nineteen Eighty-Four. It also features literature that was specifically created as propaganda or used in that way:, such as The Moon is Is Down by John Steinbeck, and The Leopard\'s Spots, The Clansman, The Traitor by Thomas Dixon. Finally, it explores works that deliver a vision as described by an influential leader:, such as Mein Kampf by Adolf Hitler, and Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-Tung by Mao Tse-TungZedong, The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.
2012 - RUSA's Outstanding Reference Sources