"The Brass Check: A Study of American Journalism" is a non-fiction book written by Sinclair Upton. The book is a scathing critique of American journalism in the early 20th century. Upton argues that the American press is controlled by the wealthy and powerful, who use it to maintain their dominance and suppress dissent. The book's title refers to the brass tokens used by streetcar conductors to ensure passengers had paid their fares. Upton uses this metaphor to argue that the American press is a tool used by the wealthy to ensure that the public remains docile and compliant. Upton examines various aspects of American journalism, including the way news is gathered and reported, the role of advertising, and the relationship between the press and the government. He argues that the press is not objective but is instead driven by profit and the interests of its owners. Moreover, "The Brass Check" is a powerful indictment of the American press and remains relevant today as a critique of media ownership and control.
Sinclair Upton (1878-1968) was an American author and activist best known for his novel "The Jungle," which exposed the harsh conditions of the meatpacking industry in Chicago in the early 20th century. He was also a prolific writer of non-fiction books and articles, covering topics such as politics, labor rights, and the media. Upton was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and grew up in poverty. He worked as a journalist and magazine writer before turning to fiction, publishing "The Jungle" in 1906. The book had a profound impact on public opinion and led to significant reforms in the meatpacking industry. Throughout his career, Upton was a committed socialist and activist, and he used his writing to advocate for labor rights, social justice, and political reform. He was a member of the Socialist Party of America and ran unsuccessfully for political office several times. In addition to "The Brass Check," Upton's other notable works include "Oil!" (1927), which exposed the corruption of the oil industry, and "The Flivver King" (1937), a novel about the rise of the automobile industry and its impact on American workers. Upton's writing continues to be celebrated for its social commentary and its contribution to American literature and political discourse.
Book Type : History / Americas (North, Central, South, West Indies),Literary Collections / American / General,Juvenile Nonfiction / Social Science / Politics & Government
