Taken at the Flood

by John Gunther

Biography of the man who made advertising what it is today.

Hardcover

First published July 1, 1990

About the author

John Gunther was one of the best known and most admired journalists of his day, and his series of "Inside" books, starting with Inside Europe in 1936, were immensely popular profiles of the major world powers. One critic noted that it was Gunther's special gift to "unite the best qualities of the newspaperman and the historian." It was a gift that readers responded to enthusiastically. The "Inside" books sold 3,500,000 copies over a period of thirty years.

While publicly a bon vivant and modest celebrity, Gunther in his private life suffered disappointment and tragedy. He and Frances Fineman, whom he married in 1927, had a daughter who died four months after her birth in 1929. The Gunthers divorced in 1944. In 1947, their beloved son Johnny died after a long, heartbreaking fight with brain cancer. Gunther wrote his classic memoir Death Be Not Proud, published in 1949, to commemorate the courage and spirit of this extraordinary boy. Gunther remarried in 1948, and he and his second wife, Jane Perry Vandercook, adopted a son.

Reviews

[Grandma Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of Albert D. Lasker (1880-1952)of Chicago and Lake Forest. Known as one of the fathers of modern advertising, Lasker's name today is associated with the Lasker Medical Reseach Prize. After reading the book, you'll understand that one of his most successful ad campaigns was to increase sale of cigarettes by making it socially acceptable for women to smoke. In later life he regretted his success when the link between cancer and tobacco was identified; thus, the funding of the medical research prize evolved. The author recreates Lasker's life with celebrities and socialtes at his magnificent estate. After reading about it, you'll want to explore Estate Lane in west Lake Forest where his large estate has been parcelled into a subdivision, but the main house and numerous other buildings by architect David Adler can still be identified.

[Underhill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting biography of an influential 20th century capitalist. What a different world. Detailed. While I don't doubt the accuracy, some of the superlatives get a little tiring. Nevertheless, if Lasker accomplished half of what he is credited with in the biography, he must have been a dynamo.

[Pete Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Claude Hopkins was the godfather of Direct Reponse, then Albert Lasker was the consigliere.

[Steve Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The definitive biography of one of the most influential men of the 20th century, Albert D. Lasker. He is known as the ‘father of modern advertising’, but was also a major influence in art, baseball, politics, medical research, and much, much more. The book was first published in 1960 and was written by John Gunther, one of the leading writers of that era.