UA Professor Signing Books About Sex in Advertising

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Dr. Tom Reichert, author and professor of advertising in the College of Communication and Information Sciences at The University of Alabama, will be signing copies of his new book, “The Erotic History of Advertising,” on Oct. 10 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Books-A-Million.

Reichert’s book describes some of the most sexy and successful advertising in our nation’s history. From Maidenform and Woodbury’s, to Calvin Klein and Guess, to Gucci and Abercrombie & Fitch, the book illustrates how, since the beginning of modern advertising, marketers have used sex, romance and eroticism to sell products and build vibrant, enduring brands.

“Despite polls indicating that the public would like to see less sex in advertising, Americans don’t mean what they say,” Reichert said. “They continue to respond to the lure of provocative marketing and, most important to business, they buy.”

Published by Prometheus Books of Amherst, New York, the book contains more than 100 reprints of ads and marketing memorabilia. The book retails for $24.

The College of Communication & Information Sciences is among the largest and most prestigious communication colleges in the nation. C&IS has graduated more than 12,000 students and consistently is ranked among the top 10 in number of doctoral degrees awarded and in many of its research programs. C&IS graduates have won four of the six Pulitzer Prizes awarded to University of Alabama alumni, and the forensics and debate squad, housed within the College, has garnered 14 national championships.