John Reith, the founder of the BBC and its director for the first 16 years, exerted a profound influence on the development of public broadcasting all over the world. A powerful personality, Reith established and upheld high standards at the BBC, while on the personal side, his life was complex. This book is a valuable contribution to the history of broadcasting and mass media at a time when the BBC was serious about its responsibility to promote the highest standards of culture, debate, and education.