Who Owns The Press, and Why?
When you read your daily paper, are you reading facts or
propaganda? And whose propaganda?
Who furnishes the raw material for your thoughts about
life? Is it honest material?
No man can ask more important questions than these; and
here for the first time the questions are answered in a book.
THE BRASS CHECK
A Study of American Journalism
By UPTON SINCLAIR
Read the record of this book to August, 1920: Published in
February, 1920; first edition, 23,000 paper-bound copies, sold
in two weeks. Second edition, 21,000 paper-bound, sold before
it could be put to press. Third edition, 15,000, and fourth
edition, 12,000, sold. Fifth edition, 15,000, in press. Paper
for sixth edition, 110,000, just shipped from the mill. The
third and fourth editions are printed on "number one news;"
the sixth will be printed on a carload of lightweight brown
wrapping paper — all we could get in a hurry.
The first cloth edition 16,500 copies, all sold; a carload
of paper for the second edition, 40,000 copies, has just reached
our printer — and so we dare to advertise!
Ninety thousand copies of a book sold in six months — and
published by the author, with no advertising, and only, a few scattered
reviews! What this means is that the American people want to know the
truth about their newspapers. They have found the truth in "The Brass
Check" and they are calling for it by telegraph. Put these books on your
counter, and you will see, as one doctor wrote us — "they melt away like
the snow."
From the pastor of the Community Church, New York:
"I am writing to thank you for sending me a copy of your new book, "The
Brass Check." Although it arrived only a few days ago, I have already
read it through, every word, and have loaned it to one of my colleagues
for reading. The book is tremendous. I have never read a more strongly
consistent argument or one so formidably buttressed by facts. You have
proved your case to the handle. I again take satisfaction in saluting
you not only as a great novelist, but as the ablest pamphleteer In
America today. I am already passing around the word in my church and
taking orders for the book." — John Haynes Holmes.
448 pages. Single copy, paper, 60c postpaid; three copies, $1.50;
ton copies, $4.50. Single copy, cloth, $1.20 postpaid; three copies,
$3.00; ten copies, $9.00
Address: UPTON SINCLAIR, Pasadena, Cal.
