Necessary Illusions: Thought Control in Democratic Societies

'A towering intellect ... powerful, always provocative.' Guardian

'A superb polemicist who combines fluency of language with a formidable intellect.' Observer

'Must be read by everyone concerned with public affairs.' Edward Said

Necessary Illusions explodes the myth of an independent media, intent on uncovering the truth at any cost. Noam Chomsky demonstrates that, in practice, the media in the developed world serve the interests of state and corporate power - despite protestations to the contrary. While individual journalists strive to abide by high standards of professionalism and integrity in their work, their paymasters - the media corporations - ultimately decide what we view, hear and read.

Rigorously documented, Necessary Illusions continues Chomsky's celebrated tradition of profoundly insightful indictments of US foreign and domestic institutions and tears away the veneer of propaganda that portrays the media as the servant of free speech and democracy.