Chomsky’s 2003 Book Still on Bestseller List Because of Chavez

[The following AP article reports on the continuing popularity of Noam Chomsky's book 'Hegemony or Survival' in the U.S. following Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's speech at the United Nations last week where he mentioned the book. --Ed]

Chomsky’s 2003 Book Still on Bestseller List Because of Chavez

By Associated Press

September 29, 2006

NEW YORK—A week after the book was cited by Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez in a speech at the United Nations, demand for Noam Chomsky's "Hegemony or Survival" remains strong.

Chavez, who called President George W. Bush "the devil" in his address last Wednesday, held up a copy of Chomsky's book, which is subtitled "America's Quest for Global Dominance," and advised, "very respectfully, to those who have not read this book, to read it."

The book, first published in 2003, soon topped the best seller list of Amazon.com, and publisher Henry Holt last week announced a new printing of 25,000. On Wednesday, with Chomsky at No. 2 on Amazon, another 25,000 paperback copies were commissioned.

"Across every account, we are seeing a dramatic increase in sales. Demand is not slowing down," Holt publicist Tara Kennedy said Wednesday.

The 77-year-old Chomsky is famous as a linguist and as a frequent opponent of U.S. foreign policy. His other books include "9-11" and "Failed States."

In Caracas, Chavez said Wednesday that Chomsky will soon visit Venezuela.

"Chomsky is soon coming here. We are communicating through common friends," Chavez said in an interview with Venezuelan TV station Venevision.

The Venezuelan leader also denied recent news reports, which based on earlier comments concluded that Chavez believed Chomsky was dead.

Chavez said he had been referring to famed U.S. economist John Kenneth Galbraith, not Chomsky.

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