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New Book *Mid-Century Ads* Exposes the Bold and Controversial 1950s Marketing Era

From gender stereotypes to iconic slogans, this 720-page dive into mid-century ads reveals how brands shaped—and mirrored—society. A must-read for history and design lovers.

This image consists of a poster with a few images of women and there is a text on it.
This image consists of a poster with a few images of women and there is a text on it.

Groping and 'Full House': The Sexist Advertising of the 50s and 60s - New Book *Mid-Century Ads* Exposes the Bold and Controversial 1950s Marketing Era

A new book titled Mid-Century Ads explores the advertising world of the 1950s and 1960s. Written by Jim Heimann and published by Taschen, it sheds light on the social norms and marketing tactics of the time. The era’s advertising has seen renewed interest since the U.S. series Mad Men aired. Mid-Century Ads dives into the objectification of women in mid-20th-century advertising. The 720-page book collects examples from the period, showing how brands shaped and reflected societal attitudes. While Heimann’s background remains largely undocumented, his work with Taschen highlights the visual and cultural impact of these ads. Mid-Century Ads provides a detailed look at an influential period in advertising. The book’s extensive collection of images and analysis offers a clear record of the era’s marketing trends. It is now available for purchase through Taschen’s catalogue.

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