No Logo by Naomi Klein is the H2G2 Reading Group's book for April / May

Written and researched in the late nineties and appearing on bookstands in 2000 this was the first book by Canadian journalist Naomi Klein. It was immediately taken up as a manifesto for the 'anti-globalisation' movement. The book sets out to investigate many of the issues raised by: the globalisation of economics, trade and media communications; the rise of multinational corporations to become the worlds dominant economic, political and cultural forces; the ubiquity of 'consumer culture'; and increasing role of branding in not only consumer goods but also lifestyle choices.

Klein's central premise is of "Branding", in which corporations (mainly multi-nationals) cease manufacturing production and just buy in goods (mainly from the third world) which they label and advertise. The mega corporations having ever smaller workforces and ever larger market share, while thier actual work is entirely in securing market position for their label.

The book is published by Flamingo in the UK at £8.99 ISBN 0-00-653040-0.

Picador in the USA ISBN 0312271921

Vintage in Canada ISBN 0-676-97282-9

It is available from large book retailers at reduced prices. But if you buy it from your local independent bookshop the profit keeps a small business afloat, going into the pockets of those who need it more and goes back into your local economy rather than the black hole of corporate wealth. Just a thought.

Remember to click on the "Click here to be notified of new Conversations about this entry" below to be included in the descussions.