No Logo - Naomi Klein

Will ‘No Logo’ go down in history as the book that popularised anti-globalisation? Published on the cusp of a series of media circuses which dealt, however ineptly, with the issues involved, and heavily promoted by chain bookshops in both the US and UK, it’s become the touchstone for a kind of liberal disaffection – the kind of protest book you could buy your parents for Christmas. Or should it be seen more as an attempt to defuse the radicalism surrounding anti-globalisation by accommodating its message and selling it in a funky £15 paperback – a prime example of the book’s exposé of radical slogans being co-opted for commercial use? ...  Read the complete review

A popular read on the Tube, and a mainstay of book charts, I had to pick this book up and see what it was all about, especially after reading that it was an anti-capitalist manifesto! Not to support to cause, but more in the nature of understanding the beast. I was pleasantly surprised to find a well written, well thought out, and while not impartial, fair rendition of the current state of corporate operation in our so-called 'global' society. Klein explains the background of the brands which we all know, and have had drummed into us. She explains the rationale behind their creation, and the actions that they take, and what drives them to these ...  Read the complete review

Following this year's Mayday riot... sorry, anti-capitalist demonstration... on Oxford Street, I had a fairly heated debate about capitalism with one of my co-workers. As you have probably ascertained, I have little sympathy for the demonstrators' actions – partly because I feel that their actions are misdirected. Over the course of the debate, my co-worker suggested that I read 'No Logo', as it thoroughly explains the demonstrators' motives, and the reasons for their irritation with corporate organisations. Unfortunately, her position was somewhat weakened by the fact that she hadn't read the book either... so I decided that I would. ...  Read the complete review

If every time you visit a new city and see the same depressingly familiar line-up of chain-stores, coffee-shops and fast-food outlets, and that sight fills you with an indescribable feeling of discomfort, this is the book for you. You are right to feel unhappy - there is something sinister going on. Klein is dogged in her desire to reveal the unglamorous sides of the corporate (Nike, Gap, McDonalds, Shell) empires telling harrowing stories of how these vast, wealthy Western multinationals abuse and degrade their frequently underage third world workers, twist political systems to their own selfish ends, suck the lifeblood of youth culture, rob us of our ...  Read the complete review

No Logo was a big hit, bestseller, filling all major bookshop windows, you could have probably found it on a 3 for 2 offer at one stage. So alot of people bought it. But is it any good? Well it probably won't tell you anything new, rather it collates alot of stuff you were already aware of but nicely repackages it. No Logo aims to blow the lid on the corporate branding of just about everything. From buses to school textbooks, ads are creeping in everywhere and brands are playing an increasingly bigger role in our everyday lives. Walking down your average high street you'll probably come across the same handful of stores, Coffee giants, Book chains etc. Choice is ...  Read the complete review