"The Image: A Guide to Pseudo-Events in America"

"The Image: A Guide to Pseudo-Events in America" is a work by philosopher and media theorist Daniel J. Boorstin that explores how modern society often produces and values manufactured events or images—called "pseudo-events"—primarily created for media attention or public spectacle. These events aren't naturally occurring but are planned to shape perceptions, influence opinions, or generate publicity. Boorstin argues that such pseudo-events blur the line between reality and representation, leading audiences to value appearances and staged narratives over genuine, spontaneous experiences. The book invites critical reflection on how media influences our understanding of truth in contemporary culture.