Books - "Sterling's Gold"

If you follow the fantastic TV show Mad Men, then you are aware of Roger Sterling's autobiography. Many ad men at the time (the 1960's, duh) wrote autobiographies or "tell alls" detailing their time in Madison Avenue advertising agencies. But most of those men were the creative types - like Don Draper. Roger, on the other hand, was an account executive and spent most of his time keeping clients happy. His position as Senior Partner of Sterling Cooper came later in life and was practically handed to him by way of his father. Coming from old money, Roger lived an entitled life, spoiled by his position in society.
This made for some great stories. And, sadly, none are here in this book. The few snippets we heard during various episodes had me chomping at the bit. Occasionally we are treated to excerpts from Roger's life but for the most part, this is a book of quotes. Good quotes but quotes nonetheless.

Reading the book, you are treated to:
"When a man gets to a point in his life when his name's on the building, he can get an unnatural sense of entitlement."


"I'll tell you what brilliance in advertising is: 99 cents. Somebody thought of that."

"My dad used to say, 'This is the greatest job in the world except for one thing - the clients.' "

Roger's view on the art of seduction.
"See her this weekend. You hit it off? Come turkey day, maybe you can stuff her."

"Remember, when god opens a door, he opens a dress."

Roger's views on drinking.
"You don't know how to drink. Your whole generation. You drink for the wrong reasons. My generation? We drink because it's good. Because it feels better than unbuttoning your collar. Because we deserve it. We drink because it's what men do."

"We can solve this problem with a flask."


Roger's views on business ethics.
"I try to be as civilized as you can be."

"Since when is forgiveness a better quality than loyalty."

Roger's views on women.
"I like redheads. Their mouths are like drops of strawberry jam in a glass of milk."

If anything, you'll learn some fun bon mots to drop at your next cocktail party or around the office. But I don't suggest you run out and buy a copy right away. At $16.95 it's not a very good deal. But the novelty factor is pretty great (the cover is an exact replica of that in the show) but you're better off ordering it on Amazon or simply waiting till it goes on sale.