The advertising world is an intricate web of understanding behavioral psychology and creative tactics of propaganda; getting into this complex universe with a guide would really be wonderful. And if this guidance comes from people who have dedicated their lives to the industry, one would ask for nothing more. So, here are 5 books that embody the experiences of certain legends of the advertising industry, that you must read if you are a part of, or are fascinated with, the advertising industry.

The Tipping Point – Malcolm Gladwell

Like Gladwell’s previous works, The Tipping Point gives you a detailed analysis of a community’s psyche. With this incredibly insightful book, Gladwell explores ideas, trends, and social behaviors that manage to cross a tipping point and spread like wildfire. It also elicits the importance of connecting with market influencers and how there are people who are natural instigators of new ideas & trends. He also speaks about those who create a phenomenon with the power of word of mouth.

Confessions of an Advertising Man – David Ogilvy

Confessions of an Advertising Man is a consolidated document that has captured all the concepts, tactics, tricks, and techniques used by David Ogilvy, the ‘Father of Advertising.’ Considered as mandatory reading by various prominent advertising schools, the book is a thorough advertising guide that educates you on each and every frontier of the industry. From how to manage an advertising agency to tips on being a good client, this book is all you need to step into the competitive world of advertising.

The 22 Immutable Laws of Branding – Al & Laura Ries

This considerably pocket-sized book encapsulates the secrets of establishing a World-Class Brand. Authored by the father-daughter team of Al Ries and Laura Ries, The 22 Immutable Laws of Branding is a consolidated list of various mandates that have proven, across versatile industries, to be quintessential in making your brand an icon. With insights into ways to get an insight into your brand’s customer behavior and designing schemes, the book is a quick and entertaining read that you should definitely check out.

ZAG – Marty Neumeier

When everybody zigs, you ZAG. As simple as it may sound, this is the groundbreaking idea of this book, making it a must-read. ZAG explores the concept of harnessing the power of differentiation and raising the brand’s stature with its individuality. With a straight-to-the-point tonality, the book gives you 17 steps to radically differentiate your brand from the mass.

Hey, Whipple, Squeeze This – Luke Sullivan

This fascinating book helps you walk on the thin line between creativity and sales promotion, offering you a guide to making the best advertisements. Luke Sullivan masterfully charts out the history of advertising, the industry’s current situation, and examines the perplexing phenomenon of how sometimes bad ads work and great ads fail.

So what are the books that you love and we missed? Tell us in the comments section.