Marshall McLuhan

Media theorist, wrote 'Understanding Media'

Marshall McLuhan - Media theorist, wrote 'Understanding Media'
Born

July 21st, 1911
114 years ago

Died

December 31st, 1980
44 years ago — 69 years old

Category

Thinkers & Philosophers

Country

Canada

Links & References

An influential media theorist and author, focused on the effects of media on communication and culture. Played a significant role in the study of media ecology and its impact on human perception. Introduced concepts such as 'the medium is the message' and 'global village'. Published seminal works including 'Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man' and 'The Gutenberg Galaxy'.

Published 'Understanding Media' in 1964

Coined the phrase 'the medium is the message'

Introduced the term 'global village'

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