David was a prolific writer. He was among the pioneers of the field of politics and media, publishing strikingly original essays on a wide range of topics. He was also an influential editor. He edited or coedited many books. From 2002 to 2008 he edited the journal Political Communication. He published many essays cowritten with his students, who credit him with helping them to take themselves seriously as thinkers.
David himself selected the essays and books presented here. The rough thematic subdivision is meant to help readers navigate his wide-ranging work. We recommend that all those who remember David as an inspired teacher begin by looking at his own account of teaching and writing at Duke, 2 pages written for Chanticleer, Duke's Yearbook for 1970.
David wrote and edited many books. Here he just wanted to draw attention to three, on media and politics, terrorism and the media, and on politics in public service advertising.
We wish David had written more on teaching. But the short pieces collected here give readers a flavor of David as a teacher.
Sherman's March, The Naked Truth, and different types of cinemas in the 1960s.
Political humor, swearwords, the difference between the authority of a basketball coach and a mayor, and more.
Terrorism, the military, the curious boomerang effect of politically committed movies, and the television coverage of the Watergate hearings.
Ronald Reagan, What if America had a Monarch? political analysis on television, presidential conventions and congressional campaigns.
Death and pornography in politics and the media.
