- Paperback: 256 pages
- Publisher: Canongate Books Ltd (10 Feb 2007)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1841959871
- ISBN-13: 978-1841959870
- Product Dimensions: 23.1 x 15.2 x 2.3 cm
- Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 237,039 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Having watched all Neil Boorman's branded goods go up in flames last year on BBC News 24, I was eager to read his book Bonfire of the Brands. I don't usually read `political' books, but this is a page-turner. It takes a diary form, with personal experiences of his own `de-branding' alongside an analysis of contemporary culture and the history of brands.
There's been so much hype about the book recently that I wasn't sure if it was going to deliver all it promised, but it`s in turn, humorous, candid and thought-provoking. At some level, we are all sucked into consuming products that we don't really need, and although Neil's actions are pretty extreme, there's something to be said for a more moderate approach to buying, especially as the world faces escalating ecological and environmental challenges.
There's been so much hype about the book recently that I wasn't sure if it was going to deliver all it promised, but it`s in turn, humorous, candid and thought-provoking. At some level, we are all sucked into consuming products that we don't really need, and although Neil's actions are pretty extreme, there's something to be said for a more moderate approach to buying, especially as the world faces escalating ecological and environmental challenges.
7 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Before I read this, I would have said that it would be impossible to lead a brand-free existence (even supermarket own-brand is a brand?), but Neil Boorman seems to have actually done it - right down to making his own toothpaste.
I also needed some persuading to the idea that brands are bad. Surely they just help us make decisions about what to buy? But Neil's painfully honest confessions about how he obsessed over labels has made me question why I buy the things I do ... and made me realise that most of it is a waste of money. We're being sold an unattainable dream rather than a product.
If you're a fan of Alain De Botton's books you'll enjoy the similar way in which Boorman takes complicated ideas (in this case about branding and marketing) and makes them easily understandable - without ever dumbing down.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever spent over £100 on an item of basic clothing (jeans, trainers, handbags..) - you'll laugh-out loud with recognition of brand-anxiety that Neil describes.
I also needed some persuading to the idea that brands are bad. Surely they just help us make decisions about what to buy? But Neil's painfully honest confessions about how he obsessed over labels has made me question why I buy the things I do ... and made me realise that most of it is a waste of money. We're being sold an unattainable dream rather than a product.
If you're a fan of Alain De Botton's books you'll enjoy the similar way in which Boorman takes complicated ideas (in this case about branding and marketing) and makes them easily understandable - without ever dumbing down.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever spent over £100 on an item of basic clothing (jeans, trainers, handbags..) - you'll laugh-out loud with recognition of brand-anxiety that Neil describes.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Neil Boorman's infamous bonfire of the brands seems to divide people a little. They either think that burning all his branded possessions is self indulgent and gimmicky, or they think it's an inspired act of rebellion. Personally, I think there's something of the Old Testament prophet about it - a big over-the-top gesture that, love it or hate it, makes its point memorably and gets people talking.
The book itself continues the conversation that the fire started. It reads like a diary, written initially as a blog as Neil prepared for his bonfire. It includes the background of branding, lists of things to burn, sessions with his therapist, and lots of wry reflections on famous brands. The literature of the anti-corporation movement is often a little humourless, and this is a welcome change of perspective as Neil tries to make his own toothpaste, agonizes over throwing away his Ralph Lauren shirts, and laments the loss of his Blackberry. I found lots that made me laugh, and lots that made me think too, adding up to an enjoyable read that has a more serious message than you might expect.
The book itself continues the conversation that the fire started. It reads like a diary, written initially as a blog as Neil prepared for his bonfire. It includes the background of branding, lists of things to burn, sessions with his therapist, and lots of wry reflections on famous brands. The literature of the anti-corporation movement is often a little humourless, and this is a welcome change of perspective as Neil tries to make his own toothpaste, agonizes over throwing away his Ralph Lauren shirts, and laments the loss of his Blackberry. I found lots that made me laugh, and lots that made me think too, adding up to an enjoyable read that has a more serious message than you might expect.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Not worth the money
Mildly interesting to start with (first 20 pages) after which, this book became progressively dull and pointless. Read more
Published 20 months ago by Bix
Don't fall for this pointless publicity stunt
So Neil Boorman has changed his life and gone 'brand-free' has he? I take it then that this book is not actually published by major publishing house Canongate; that's a printing... Read more
Published on 27 Mar 2008 by Smurfy
Burn this book
I love brands. I hate myself. Buy my book. That's "Bonfire of the Brands" in a nutshell.
There, you just saved £7.79 and 256 pages. Read more
There, you just saved £7.79 and 256 pages. Read more
Published on 31 Oct 2007 by S. R. Schwankert
Surprisingly beefy
The press coverage around this book has, predictably, focussed on the aspect of him burning his gear. Read more
Published on 20 Sep 2007 by Icemonster
Thoughtful stuff
This is a witty, thoughtful and surprisingly personal analysis on the hold that brands have on all of us. Read more
Published on 6 Sep 2007 by A Reader
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