BOOK REVIEW
The King of Madison Avenue:: David Ogilvy and the Making of Modern Advertising
by Kenneth Roman 2010
About the Author
Kenneth Roman worked directly with David Ogilvy at Ogilvy & Mather for 26 years, beginning as an account executive and rising up to eventually become Chairman and CEO. He is the co-author of several books, including the bestselling business classics How to Advertise and Writing that Works, both of which are in their third editions. He lives in New York City. –This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
About the Book
Famous for his colorful personality and formidable intellect, David Ogilvy left an indelible mark on the advertising world, transforming it into a dynamic industry full of passionate, creative individuals. This first-ever biography traces Ogilvy’s remarkable life, from his short-lived college education and undercover work during World War II to his many successful years in New York advertising. Ogilvy’s fascinating life and career make for an intriguing study from both a biographical and a business standpoint.
The King of Madison Avenue is based on a wealth of material from decades of working alongside the advertising giant, including a large collection of photos, memos, recordings, notes, and extensive archives of Ogilvy’s personal papers. The book describes the creation of some of history’s most famous advertising campaigns, such as:
- “The man in the Hathaway shirt” with his aristocratic eye patch
- “The man from Schweppes is here” with Commander Whitehead, the elegant bearded Brit, introducing tonic water (and “Schweppervesence”) to the U.S.
- Perhaps the most famous automobile headline of all time–“At 60 miles an hour the loudest noise in this new Rolls-Royce comes from the electric clock.”
- “Pablo Casals is coming home–to Puerto Rico.” Ogilvy said this campaign, which helped change the image of a country, was his proudest achievement.
- And his greatest (if less recognized) sales success–“DOVE creams your skin while you wash.”
Roman also carries Ogilvy’s message into the present day, showing the contemporary relevance of the bottom-line focus for which his business ventures are remembered, and how this approach is still key for professionals in the modern advertising world.
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Endorsements
“Lively writing and an affectionate yet honest tone make this an astonishingly charming and informative biography.”–Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Insofar as it is possible to recreate the unique wit and always unexpected genius of David Ogilvy, Kenneth Roman has succeeded.”–Louis Auchincloss, National Medal of Arts winner and best-selling author of The House of Five Talents, Portrait in Brownstone, East Side Story, and many more
“At last! The definitive biography of the most influential advertising executive with whom I had the pleasure of working. Ken Roman’s research diligence has brought much more of David’s uniqueness to light. A great read from someone who worked with David for 26 years!”–Jack Keenan, former CEO of Kraft Foods International, and Diageo PLC Wine and Spirits
“David Ogilvy was unquestionably the King of Madison Avenue. Ken Roman’s biography reflects his personal insights gained from being a colleague of Ogilvy’s for several decades. This intimate portrayal makes clear Ogilvy’s inspiring leadership of his agency even though he abhorred his managerial tasks. Ogilvy’s convictions about what made for effective advertising — it sells — are clearly described by Roman, as is his brilliant personal salesmanship in winning new clients. A terrific read!”–Ron Daniel, former Managing Partner, McKinsey & Co.
“This brilliant biography is like a gorgeous iceberg. The tip dazzles the reader and is supported by a mass of weighty research below. Kenneth Roman enchants us with his account of the life and times of David Ogilvy who towered above the world of advertising … It should be required reading for all in the business … The story is told swiftly and entertainingly. The voluminous research is set out in detailed note…
From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. Roman, former chairman and CEO of Ogilvy & Mather, paints a fascinating portrait of one of advertising’s most eccentric—and beloved—characters. Born in a small English town in 1911, David Ogilvy was an indifferent student, struggling through on scholarship at the best schools in Britain, eventually getting himself expelled from Oxford. He started out as a successful salesman for the Aga cooker and became swiftly obsessed with advertising. During his long and storied career at Mather & Crowther—later Ogilvy & Mather—the flamboyantly dressed original Mad Man crafted some of the most famous and most successful campaigns in history: he made Schweppes into one of the most popular brands in America and turned Marlboro from a traditionally feminine item (red-tipped to avoid showing lipstick) into an icon of masculinity—and the world’s best-selling cigarette. Meanwhile, he married three women, wrote three books, did intelligence work for Churchill and established himself as one of New York’s most well-known and entertaining figures. Roman brilliantly renders American culture in the heady days of the ’60s through the eyes of an energetic transplant. Lively writing and an affectionate yet honest tone make this an astonishingly charming and informative biography. (Jan.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. –This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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