Contents Dedication Part I. Introduction Chapter 1. The World Outside and the Pictures in Our Heads Part II. Approaches to the World Outside Chapter 2. Censorship and Privacy Chapter 3. Contact and Opportunity Chapter 4. Time and Attention Chapter 5. Speed, Words, and Clearness Part III. Stereotypes Chapter 6. Stereotypes Chapter 7. Stereotypes as Defense Chapter 8. Blind Spots and Their Value Chapter 9. Codes and Their Enemies Chapter 10. The Detection of Stereotypes Part IV. Interests Chapter 11. The Enlisting of Interests Chapter 12. Self-Interest Reconsidered Part 5. The Making of a Common Will Chapter 13. The Transfer of Interest Chapter 14. Yes or No Chapter 15. Leaders and the Rank and File Part 5. The Image of Democracy Chapter 16. The Self-Centered Man Chapter 17. The Self-Contained Community Chapter 18. The Role of Force, Patronage, and Privilege Chapter 19. The Old Image in a New Form: Guild Socialism Chapter 20. A New Image Part 7. Newspapers Chapter 21. The Buying Public Chapter 22. The Constant Reader Chapter 23. The Nature of News Chapter 24. Truth, News, and a Conclusion Part 8. Organized Intelligence Chapter 25. The Entering Wedge Chapter 26. Intelligence Work Chapter 27. The Appeal to the Public Chapter 28. The Appeal to Reason Biographical Timeline

In his groundbreaking work Public Opinion (1922), Walter Lippmann, an eminent American writer and political commentator, delves into the intricate dynamics of democracy, shedding light on the pivotal role of citizens. He warns against the perils of propaganda, anticipating its sway on public perception. Lippmann challenges the efficacy of journalism in informing the populace, asserting that individuals tend to rely on preconceived notions rather than critical analysis. He calls the notion of a public competent to direct public affairs a "false ideal" and identifies the inherent biases in human cognition. Lippmann's insights into the importance of the dissemination of accurate information to a functioning democracy, the limitations of public engagement in governance, and the influence of media on shaping public opinion remain startlingly relevant in our time. Uncanny, prescient, and far-sighted, Public Opinion is an enduring cornerstone in political discourse and media studies. This Warbler Classics edition includes a detailed biographical timeline.

Walter Lippmann (1889-1974) was a widely read American writer, reporter, and political pundit, whose six-decade tenure reshaped intellectual discourse. Renowned for his seminal contributions, he was instrumental in delineating the contours of the Cold War, pioneering the terminology of "stereotype" and "manufactured consent," and offering incisive critiques of media and democracy. For his influential columns he was awarded two Pulitzer Prizes.