"Timely, authoritative and provocative, this major volume meets the emerging need for an introduction to critical public relations, to look at the diverse perspectives in the field, and to construct a tentative mapping of possible ways forward. While critical theory has a long and fluctuating history, critical public relations is much more recent. This book takes stock of how, and where, critical public relations has emerged via three main foci: theoretical traditions; critique and action; along with methodological and future implications. As mainstream public relations has become established and critical public relations is reaching a critical mass in the discipline, this book seeks to capture both the coherence and the plural nature of this fast-growing area. Compiled by a high-profile and widely respected team of academics and bringing together the key scholars in the field, this comprehensive international collection will be a major contribution to forming and directing how critical theory increasingly informs public relations and communication. It is an essential reference for educators teaching advanced undergraduate and post-graduate courses, scholars and students around the world in the field of public relations and critical theory. Also of interest to scholars in advertising, communication, consumer studies, cultural studies, marketing, media studies, and sociology."--