Author Claire Robinsons’ interest was piqued when she came across a collection of early election advertising in an archive. The collection covered from the 1930s and the rise into power of the Labour Party and the newly formed National Party and covered elections through into the next century. As a professor of social studies at Massey University these became the basis of an interesting study and eventually this book.
It became evident that each election settled on theme of a definite subject and that these themes seemed to come around on a regular basis. So one election would be fought on the economy, the next race issues, then government finances, or the cost of living, infrastructure etc.
To more clearly illustrate this rather than having the chapters in calendar sequence the author has grouped them by subject. This allowed advertisements on the same subject but from widely separated times to be compared. In this book it works well.
Clair Robinson frequently appears on political programmes such as Q&A or News hub Nation where her obvious knowledge of politics and very clear and friendly presentation is a bonus in what can sometimes be a bit dry watch. She translates this knowledge seamlessly and with the same clarity to the written word.
The book has been produced slightly oversize to allow two or three adverts to be on the same page for better comparison. A note explains that all the printed adverts have been reproduced as they had appeared. As some of the earlier printing of systems produced less than clear copies some of the examples are a bit difficult to read. I would have thought that some enhancement would have been a good idea.
With the advent of television screen shots from campaigns are also compared. The printed copies of these leave a lot to be desired. I’m not sure how these could have passed the proof copy stage without being picked up.
I am probably starting to come across as a bit of a curmudgeon, however don’t let these minor quibbles put you off. This is an excellent book with details of campaigns insightly examined, compared and commented on in Clair Robinson’s pleasant style. It is very interesting to have explained the underlying political strategies at play in the campaigns over the years.
A top read for any political tragic.
