Bernays, Edward L (1891–1995)

Austrian-born public relations executive. Bernays emigrated to the USA as a child. After creating US World War I propaganda, he founded the country's first public relations firm in 1919. He was still counselling industrial and government clients after his 100th birthday. Bernays pioneered public relations based on social science and market research. He wrote numerous books and articles, including the first book on public relations, Crystallizing Public Opinion (1923).