Rating: 
Summary: For anyone who uses creativity at work
Review: This is one of those rare books everyone ought to have to read. Like "The Elements of Style," "Writing That Works, and "Profiles in Courage." I had read this book back in 1990 when I was out of work, looking for a job in advertising. The advertising job never happened for me and I moved on to other things.I did not realize, until I recently picked up a copy to re-read, how much it had influenced me the first time I read it. Half of the way I conduct myself at work and a lot of my thought processes and strategy is still influenced by what is in this book. I make over 6 times what I made back in 1991. I realize now I have Mr. Ogilvy to thank for a great deal of that. Read this book. At least once.
Rating:
Summary: For anyone who uses creativity at work
Review: This is one of those rare books everyone ought to have to read. Like "The Elements of Style," "Writing That Works, and "Profiles in Courage." I had read this book back in 1990 when I was out of work, looking for a job in advertising. The advertising job never happened for me and I moved on to other things. I did not realize, until I recently picked up a copy to re-read, how much it had influenced me the first time I read it. Half of the way I conduct myself at work and a lot of my thought processes and strategy is still influenced by what is in this book. I make over 6 times what I made back in 1991. I realize now I have Mr. Ogilvy to thank for a great deal of that. Read this book. At least once.
Rating:
Summary: For anyone who uses creativity at work
Review: This is one of those rare books everyone ought to have to read. Like "The Elements of Style," "Writing That Works, and "Profiles in Courage." I had read this book back in 1990 when I was out of work, looking for a job in advertising. The advertising job never happened for me and I moved on to other things. I did not realize, until I recently picked up a copy to re-read, how much it had influenced me the first time I read it. Half of the way I conduct myself at work and a lot of my thought processes and strategy is still influenced by what is in this book. I make over 6 times what I made back in 1991. I realize now I have Mr. Ogilvy to thank for a great deal of that. Read this book. At least once.
Rating:
Summary: Half of all the advertising course you need
Review: Want to understand how to be a copywriter or an art director? You need two books, and then you need to start making ads. Ogilvy's is one of them. Although it's now 20 years old, the examples may seem out of date and some of his imperial pronoucements ("No reverse type") may seem fusty, don't be fooled. You will learn all you need to know about the classical art of making smart ads that make a strong, memorable point here. You will gain a grounding in the history and development of the profession which will serve you well. Then, when you've finished it, read "Hey Whipple, Squeeze This" by Luke Sullivan to bring your perspective a little more up to date (always important in trend-crazed ad agencies). But don't kid yourself that Ogilvy won't be the foundation of your work.
Rating: 
Summary: The "bible" is getting dated...
Review: When I first read this book in 1988, it was an inspiration. Now, thirteen years later, it seems a shade out of step with the times. Admittedly, that's Ogilviy's whole point - that his concepts are timeless - but I'm not 100% sure I agree. That said, this is one of the few advertising books that EVERY ad professional or aspiring ad professional should read. One odd note: He GOES OFF on ads that use text in all capital letters, yet the cover of his book employs them (to wonderful effect, I might add). What gives?
Rating: 
Summary: Contradictory and dated information
Review: While there was some interesting iformation, I found it to be contradictory and rather dated. Ogilvy states 90% of consumers don't read ad copy. He then gives the impression that THE most important piece of information in the ad is its headline. Yet, what is Ogilvy know for...85 million words in his copy. This book was also written 20 years ago. Thus, the stats provided are dated. He informs the reader of the importance of research...well, duh. His writing style was arrogant...every opportunity available he cited awards won, compliments given, people he met and who idiolized him. He even put a picture of his mansion in the book...see how much money I made. So far the most valuable pieces of info I've read was a 1946 typed memo from Leo Burnett discussing the importance of humility and Leo's infamous "When to take my name off the door" speach.
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Summary: Advertising 101 in the real world.
Review: You can take this book to the bank.
Rating:
Summary: Get Inside the Mind of A Genius! Ad Improvement Assured.
Review: You will be so glad you bought this book. You get tens of thousands of dollars worth of "genius consulting" for so little. I suspect you are like me, and like most marketers, you're always looking for better ways to improve your ROI. I've read at least a dozen of the top marketing, ad writing, copywriting books out there. Scientific Advertising, Copywriting That Sells, and Ogilvy on Advertising are superior. Ogilvy on Advertising is the best. Written in David Ogilvy's British sense of humour it is enjoyable. This is not a textbook. Every point of advice (and there are many) is well-founded in fact and is time-tested. The book is jam-packed with illustrations of the tips and opinions on how to write/design better ads. And even on what bad ads look/read like. The only two chapters not useful to me were on Getting a Job in the industry and building an agency (these would certainly be profound for any individual pursuing either of these ends nonetheless.) Other than that, I'd stop reading my review and buy this book today. Within 30 minutes of reading Ogilvy on Advertising you'll be sketching out better ads - as I did.
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