Through its artful engagement with consumers, advertising subtly shapes our everyday worlds. It plays upon powerful emotions - envy, fear, lust and ambition. But the industry itself is far more subtle and complex than many people might assume. Through an innovative mix of business strategy and cultural theory, this pioneering book provides a behind-the-scenes analysis of the link between advertising and larger cultural forces, as well as a rare look into the workings of agencies themselves.

How do advertisements endeavour to capture 'real' life? How do advertising agencies think of...